Benefits of Steel post and rail fencing

Offering a termite-free & recyclable rural fencing solution

A style popular with rural properties, Steel post and rail fencing offers durability and is almost a maintenance-free alternative to traditional timber rural fencing.

Popular amongst horse properties for its strength, stability and visibility, it also reduces injury risk for horses that like to put their legs through fences. The steel rails enable the horse to pull its leg back easily without the risk of getting caught on loose sections of timber on the rails that may be sticking out.

Here are the main benefits:

1. Exceptional Durability and Long Lifespan
   Steel post and rails resist rot, warping, cracking and splitting. Using high-quality galvanised posts and rails can last 30-50 years with minimal degradation, and they handle harsh weather, high winds and extreme conditions such as flood and fire far better than wood or vinyl fencing.
2. Very Low to Zero Maintenance
   With Steel post and rail there is no need for regular maintenance – so no staining, sealing or painting. Premium coatings are now available from steel suppliers that enable you to have your posts and rails powder-coated to enhance the visual appeal of the fence if so desired. Once installed, steel post and rail fencing is pretty much set and forget fencing, saving you time and money on upkeep compared to other alternatives. Rails can also be welded in place or a bracket can be used to secure the rail.
3. Superior Strength and security
   Steel post and rail is much stronger than timber and provides better, far superior resistance to the elements such as wind, rain and fire. It is also ideal for stock containment or boundaries, offering up to 4 rails, which is the same as a timber fence option.

Livestock and Steel Post and Rail Fencing

Livestock can be challenging; each species has it’s own unique set of requirements for fencing.

Cattle are tough on fences, often seen pushing underneath to get to that one blade of grass on your neighbour’s property, ultimately pushing the fence line over or bending out of shape. Steel posts and rails will withstand the pressure of cattle, and mesh or electric standoffs can also be added to enhance the stability of the fence.

Horses again come with their own set of requirements. Injury-free fencing is a myth; however, steel posts and rail go a long way to achieving this. With its smooth rails, if you have a horse that likes to stick its feet through fencing or paw at fencelines, then the steel rails will not snag the horse’s leg; the horse can pull its leg back without any resistance from the rail.

Steel posts can also have electrics installed for added security and to deter horses from hanging on the fenceline as well, and will also eliminate those horses that feel the need to chew your brand-new timber fencing.

For extra safety, rubber can be used to line day yards and foal enclosures with easily, the strength of the steel handles the weight of the rubber with ease.

Flood and Fire affected properties

Choosing steel post and rail fencing for properties at high risk of flooding or fire is a wise decision. Steel is highly durable and can withstand both flood conditions and fire damage. In flood-prone areas, where water may remain for extended periods while the flood recedes, steel fencing is far more resilient than timber fencing when submerged.

If the purpose of the fence in these areas is to contain livestock, adding two or three rails will enhance its effectiveness. This approach is preferable to using a single post with wire, as it allows water and debris to flow through the fence without becoming entangled, reducing the stress on the structure.

If you are planning a revamp of your existing horse or cattle property or are thinking of steel fencing for your boundary, this choice of fencing material provides so many benefits that it should be a consideration.