Post supports are handy additions to any wooden outdoor structure. Whether you’ve been dreaming about adding a wooden pergola to your back garden or have been thinking of uplifting your garden fence, maybe you should consider adding post supports to these structures.
You might have never heard of post supports. You might even be wondering “Why am I talking about post supports?”. First, this is not the first time I’ve talked about more obscure topics but as someone whose garden fence has never looked better since installing post supports, I feel like sharing everything I know about post supports with you.
But that’s not all. I’m accompanied by the professionals for some expert advice too! I spoke to Speedy Fixings, post support suppliers and manufacturers, who were happy to tell me a thing or two about post supports. Speedy Fixings have been in the business since 1999 and, since then, they have been providing a wide range of products to the construction, civil engineering and similar industries.
What is a post support?
The question that might be on your mind right now, and a fair question for that matter. Also known as a post shoe or post base, a post support is a metal base for wooden posts. As Rice Cakes and Raisins comments, “Post shoes are metal pieces of hardware that are installed on the bottom of wooden posts of garden fences. These are usually bolted down onto concrete to keep the wooden posts in place for many years to come.”
Post shoes add stability, support and strength to structures. These also protect from fungal damage, water damage and insect damage. Post shoes are truly a great addition to any wooden post! But which post support to choose?
Types of post supports
Heavy-duty post shoes
As I’m sure you can tell by the name, heavy-duty post supports are designed for heavy-duty applications. “These are suitable to offer support to larger outdoor structures such as gazebos and pergolas.” Explains Wood Create.
Lightweight post shoes
Lightweight post supports are designed for smaller structures, such as garden fences. These come in various sizes to better suit your wooden posts.
Elevated post shoes
“Suitable for wooden posts that need to be elevated from the ground.” Says Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs. If you want to go one step further than elevated post shoes, there are also adjustable elevated post bases, which are still elevated but can be adjusted if required.
If you are not certain which of these is right for your project, I’d recommend speaking to the team at Speedy Fixings for some professional advice. You can call them, email them or go up to their shop in Colchester!
What do you think of post supports?
