Standard Wood Posts vs. PostMaster: The Ultimate Central Florida Fence Comparison
Published by Jerry Gifford in Fences · Sunday 12 Apr 2026 · 5:00
Tags: Fence, Gifford, Fence, Wood, Posts, PostMaster, Central, Florida, Fence, Comparison, Pressure, Treated, Posts, Soil, Conditions, Orange, County, Seminole, County, Premature, Rot, Steel, Foundation, Home, Investment
Tags: Fence, Gifford, Fence, Wood, Posts, PostMaster, Central, Florida, Fence, Comparison, Pressure, Treated, Posts, Soil, Conditions, Orange, County, Seminole, County, Premature, Rot, Steel, Foundation, Home, Investment
Standard Wood Posts vs. The PostMaster System: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Recently, the fence industry has started to adopt a new type of fence post. The PostMaster metal post system has come to the mainstream and is one of the most popular choices for wood fencing in the western United States. While the system has been around for years, it has often been out of reach for most residential customers because of cost. However, with the recent explosion and availability of the product line, prices have come down. While still more expensive than a standard wood post, the long-term value may overcome the initial cost. Get an instant estimate for a fence with our wood fence calculator or vinyl fence calculator.
How We Build: The Foundation
Let’s compare the two systems with how we at Gifford Fence Company install them:
- Standard Wood Posts: On our basic wood privacy fence, we use a standard 4”x4” pressure-treated wood post. It is dug 30” into the ground and anchored with 40lbs of concrete. This provides a strong base for our custom, stick-built wood privacy fences (View our Wood Fence Gallery and Custom Styles), which are generally heavier than the prefab panels you find at Home Depot or Lowe's.
- The PostMaster System: We still dig 30” into the ground, but because PostMaster posts are 9’ long, we drive them an additional 12” into the soil. This creates a much deeper mechanical anchor for the fence. We then add the same 40lbs of concrete for even more strength. Or we can even install the PostMaster system with a no dig option that reduces damage to your yard and plantings compared to a regular fence installation.
Strength and Wind Resistance
When it comes to overall strength, the PostMaster system wins hands down. It has a stated wind shear rating of 73 mph—and that is without the 40lb concrete footer we incorporate.
While our standard wood fences have historically held up well to hurricanes, there are no definitive studies providing a standard wind shear rating for wood. To combat this, all of our wood fences are custom built with tighter spacing. Our average post spacing is 7’4” on center (compared to the industry standard 8’), which puts less weight on the rails and more posts in the ground.
The Battle Against Warping and Bowing
Wood posts absorb moisture and dry out in a constant cycle. In Central Florida, with our daily afternoon storms and scorching heat, this cycle causes wood to swell and shrink daily, leading to severe warping.
This cycle is actually more prominent in eastern counties like Orange, Seminole, and Volusia than it is in Lake County. These areas are closer to the coast and experience higher humidity than the higher elevation and centrally located Lake County. With the PostMaster system, warping is a non-issue; the powder-coated metal does not absorb water or change due to the high heat of the day.
Defeating the "Soil Saw" and Rot
Rot is the primary enemy of a wood privacy fence. Florida’s sandy soil doesn't just hold moisture; it acts like sandpaper against a wood post that is constantly expanding and contracting. This creates a “soil saw” effect that wears on the post until it rots away.
We see premature post rotting frequently in specific micro-climates:
- Winter Springs: The ground tends to stay wetter and holds more moisture at the surface.
- Dr. Phillips: Highly manicured lawns often require frequent and longer irrigation times.
- Longwood: Thick foliage and mulch along fence lines hold moisture against the posts.
The PostMaster system is irrigation and rain proof. While the same "soil saw" can eventually affect metal, the PostMaster features protective powder coating "armor" that takes years to wear through. Underneath that armor is galvanized steel, providing a final layer of resistance to moisture and rot.
Comparing the Investment
The PostMaster system costs substantially more upfront. You are looking at a minimum of $50 per post compared to roughly $10 for a wood post. Additionally, there is a small cost for extra lumber if you want the posts covered.
Benefits of covering PostMaster posts:
- Aesthetics: Your fence looks like 100% natural wood on both the inside and outside.
- Smaller Footprint: You don't have large 4”x4” posts "sticking out" into your yard space.
However, the long-term value is undeniable. A PostMaster system can last two to three times longer than wood. Furthermore, the posts are reusable. When your wood pickets reach the end of their life in 15 years, you aren't paying for a new foundation. We simply unscrew the old rails and build a brand-new fence on the existing steel bones—something we can’t do with standard wood posts.
Conclusion: Is it right for you?
In all areas except initial cost, the PostMaster system is the clear winner. Cost is a major factor when choosing wood over vinyl, and adding PostMaster posts will push the price above regular white or tan vinyl.
However, the price is on par with our premium wood-look vinyl fences. If you want a longer-lasting, natural-looking wood fence, PostMaster is the premium choice. When looked at over a 25–30 year span, the total cost is often lower than a standard wood fence, as you only have to replace the panels instead of the entire structure.
