Choosing between a 4x4 and a 6x6 post for a windy corner lot

I had a job last month on a corner lot in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the wind really whips around. The homeowner wanted a tall, 6-foot privacy fence. I was debating using standard 4x4 posts or spending more on 6x6 posts for the whole run. I decided to only use the 6x6 posts for the corner sections and the gate posts, about 8 posts total, and used 4x4s for the rest. It added about $300 to the material cost, but it was worth it. The fence feels rock solid in those high-stress spots, and the customer was happy with the look. Has anyone else tried mixing post sizes on a single job to save cash but still add strength where it counts?

3 comments

3 Comments

hernandez.jordan3mo ago

Smart move mixing those posts. Did the same thing on a ranch fence last fall and it held up great.

sean_ramirez3mo ago

It's a solid method. The mix seems to handle weather shifts better than using just one type. Saw a neighbor's single-material line sag after a tough winter. That combo approach adds some good backup.

olivias8819d ago

Ha, yeah nothing beats watching a single post fence slowly give up on life after one rough winter. Guess the weather was just too much for its delicate constitution. Mine started leaning like it was trying to start a conversation with the ground. Mixed materials might not win any beauty contests but at least everything is still standing right now. The comebacks pretty good if you ask me. Sometimes you just have to brute force the problem with overkill and hope nature doesn't find a new way to mess with it.