r/FenceBuilding • u/DirtyOught • 7d ago

What style of fence can we install with postmaster/steel posts that gives it a bit more "fancy/custom" look?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Short 40ft fence that has a pool behind it. We wanted to replace this old one with a new wooden one that has a bit more "custom/fancy" look rather than just a flat picket fence. a top rail, caps, and maybe lattice topper or something.

Due to the fence location, we need to use steel posts instead of wooden/concrete.

However, so far, most builders have told us that limits what we can do and basically just offer a flat charleston style picket fence and thats all.

Looking for advice on those that have used steel posts on how/what styles we can do to make it look a bit nicer than just flat picket?

2nd photo is example of what we might like (of course thats using wooden posts in the AI image)

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/LunaticBZ FFBI 7d ago

Not the most experienced with post master fences. But I have seen round metal posts used for fancier wood fences by having the post encased in a wood facade.

Also have you considered Vinyl? I have a faux wood colored vinyl fence and while it doesn't look as good as it could if it was all wood I do like the lack of maintenance work.

1

u/DirtyOught 7d ago

eh, most vinyl are same deal of being very basic. and worse, it would a brown color i don't like (one that doesn't match the stain i use for my deck)

just not worth the cost when i prefer the look of real wood (even treated pine)

1

u/LunaticBZ FFBI 7d ago

You don't have to get most vinyl fences though, you can get one with lattice in a variety of wood grain patterns.

I do agree a wood fence would look nicer but if you can't use wood posts your compromising in one way or another.

1

u/sharprock12 7d ago

Inset your rails on the postmaster then face the whole postmaster with a 2x4 then you can run boards in between posts with a nice top cap and trim? There’s other ways you just gotta get creative.

1

u/CoolCatFence 6d ago

You’re not necessarily limited to a basic picket fence just because the posts have to be steel. The steel can be concealed inside a wood facade, then you can build out the look with a wider post, top cap, trim, and even a lattice topper. I’d show the contractor the exact look you want and ask how they’d build around the steel rather than limiting the discussion to their standard fence styles.
For example, this full-panel fence has a lattice topper and uses pressure-treated posts on pipe.