3.5" x 3.5" Fence Posts: Why We Don't Use Them
Understanding why undersized fence posts are a poor investment for your Seattle property
Critical Warning for Homeowners
Visual Size Comparison
See the dramatic difference in post dimensions. The smaller the post, the weaker the foundation.
Critical Problems with 3.5" x 3.5" Posts
Insufficient Height
At only 8' tall, there's barely enough length for proper installation. You need at least 8 feet minimum for a 6' fence with proper 2-foot burial depth.
Inadequate Depth
For a 6' fence, you can't achieve the proper 2 feet of burial depth needed for stability. This results in leaning and failing fences.
Prone to Rot
Smaller dimensions mean faster deterioration from ground contact. These posts rot through in 5-7 years instead of 15-20+ years.
Warping & Twisting
Less material means more susceptibility to movement and distortion. Your fence will look unprofessional as it ages.
Poor Wind Resistance
Undersized posts can't handle Seattle's weather conditions. High winds will stress and eventually break down your fence.
False Economy
Save $200-300 now, spend $5,000+ on premature replacement. This is throwing good money at bad materials.
Why Cheap Contractors Use 3.5" x 3.5" Posts
The cheapest contractors often use 3.5" x 3.5" posts because they're readily available at big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes, and they cost less. However, this is a classic case of penny-wise and pound-foolish.
When you're investing thousands of dollars in a new fence, skimping on the posts—the foundation of your entire fence—is like building a house on a weak foundation. Everything above ground depends on what's below, and undersized posts simply cannot provide the support needed.
The Math Doesn't Work
For a proper 6-foot fence installation, you need:
- 6 feet of fence height above ground
- At least 2 feet of post below ground for stability
- Total required: 8 feet minimum
With only 8 feet of total length and limited cross-section, 3.5" x 3.5" posts provide barely adequate burial depth and lack the structural integrity needed for long-term stability.
What We Recommend Instead
x 4.125" x 9'
Our Standard
Provides proper depth, durability, and value for Pacific Northwest homes.
Learn Morex 5.5" x 10' (6x6)
Premium Option
Maximum longevity and strength. 30-year life expectancy.
Learn MorePost on Pipe
Ultimate Durability
Steel-reinforced posts for maximum ground-rot resistance.
Learn MoreRed Flag Warning for Homeowners
If a contractor quotes you a fence using 3.5" x 3.5" posts (often marketed as "4x4" posts), this is a major red flag. They're either:
- Cutting corners to offer the lowest price
- Using inferior materials from big box stores
- Not concerned about the long-term performance of your fence
- Unaware of professional fencing standards
A quality fence is an investment in your property. Don't let a cheap contractor compromise that investment by using undersized posts.
Get a Professional Fence Built Right
At MyFence.com, we never compromise on quality. Every fence we build uses properly sized posts for lasting performance you can count on.
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