One of the questions we get asked most often here at Premier Concrete Fencing - from customers across Gainsborough, Retford, Doncaster, and throughout Lincolnshire - is a simple one: what size concrete fence post do I need for 6ft fence panels? It sounds like it should be straightforward, but the answer depends on a couple of things that trip people up. This guide covers everything you need to know before you order.
The Short Answer: You Need an 8ft Concrete Post for 6ft Fence Panels
For the most common setup - 6ft (1.83m) fence panels with a concrete gravel board underneath - you need an 8ft (2.44m) slotted concrete fence post. This is the standard combination used across most UK residential fencing, and it is what the vast majority of our customers in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands are fitting.
Quick answer: 6ft panels + gravel board = 8ft concrete post. The extra length gives you enough depth in the ground (approximately 2ft) while still reaching the right height above it.
If you are fitting panels without a gravel board, a 7ft post is sometimes used - but we always recommend including a concrete gravel board along the bottom. It protects your fence panels from ground moisture, prevents rot where the panel meets the soil, and adds roughly 150mm (6 inches) to the effective height of your fence. Once you factor that in, the 8ft post is the right choice for 6ft panels in virtually every case.
Why Post Height and Panel Height Are Not the Same
A lot of people assume a 6ft fence panel needs a 6ft post. That is a very understandable mistake, but it does not account for two important factors.
First, a portion of the post goes underground. The standard rule of thumb is that one third of the total post length should be buried, giving it the stability to withstand wind and ground movement. For an 8ft post, that means roughly 2ft 6in below ground level. Here in Lincolnshire, where we often deal with clay-heavy soils that can shift and heave over winter, it is important not to under-bury your posts.
Second, the gravel board takes up height below the panel. A standard concrete gravel board is typically 150mm (about 6 inches) tall. That sits at the base of the run, between the bottom of the fence panel and the ground. Add the gravel board height to the 6ft panel, and you are now at roughly 6ft 6in of fencing above ground - which requires the post to rise higher too.
When you put those two factors together - depth in the ground plus gravel board height - the 8ft post gives you exactly what you need for a properly installed 6ft fence run.
Concrete Fence Post Size Chart for Common Panel Heights
If you are fitting a different panel height, here is a quick reference guide for the post size to use with a concrete gravel board included:
| Panel Height | With Gravel Board | Recommended Post Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4ft (1.22m) | Yes | 6ft (1.83m) |
| 5ft (1.52m) | Yes | 7ft (2.13m) |
| 6ft (1.83m) | Yes | 8ft (2.44m) |
These are the standard combinations used across residential fencing in Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands. If your situation is unusual - such as a fence on a slope or in particularly soft ground - it is worth giving us a ring on 07989 192742 and we can talk through the best approach.
How the Slotted Post System Works
Our slotted concrete fence posts have vertical grooves running down two opposing sides. Once your posts are set in the ground at the correct spacing (typically 1.83m apart, to match the standard 6ft panel width), you simply drop your gravel board and fence panels into the slots from the top.
There is no fixing or nailing required. The gravel board slots in first, sitting at the base, followed by the fence panels stacked above it. The posts grip both sides of each panel, holding everything tight and rigid. It is a clean, fast, and very strong system - far more reliable than attaching panels to the face of a timber post with nails.
This is one of the reasons concrete posts last so much longer than timber. There are no fixings to rust, no wood to split around nails, and no weak points at the panel attachment. Done correctly, a concrete post fence should outlast a timber post fence by many decades.
What About Corner Posts and End Posts?
The heights above apply whether you are using an intermediate post (which has slots on two sides and takes panels on both sides), a corner post (which has slots on two adjacent sides, for fences that turn 90 degrees), or an end post (which has slots on one side only, used at the start and finish of a run).
The key thing to note is that the post height stays the same regardless of the post type. A corner post at an 8ft fence run is still an 8ft post. What changes is the slot configuration, not the overall length.
If you are planning your order, make sure to account for the number of each type you need. A typical straight run of fencing requires end posts at each end and intermediate posts between every pair of panels. If the run turns a corner, you will need one or more corner posts at the turning point. Not sure how many of each? Get in touch and we can help you work it out.
Ordering the Right Posts for Your Fence in Lincolnshire
We supply slotted steel-reinforced concrete fence posts in a range of heights, with 8ft posts for 6ft panels always held in stock. We deliver to customers across Gainsborough, Retford, Worksop, Doncaster, and throughout North Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire, and the wider East Midlands - usually within a few days of ordering.
Team your posts with our concrete gravel boards for a complete, rot-free base to your fence, and check our current prices for the latest rates. If you are doing a larger project and want to talk through quantities, our team is happy to help. No scripts, no pressure - just straightforward advice from people who know their concrete.
Ready to order your concrete fence posts? We stock 8ft posts for 6ft panels and a range of other sizes. Call us on 07989 192742, send a WhatsApp, or use our contact form and we will get back to you quickly.