If you're planning an electric fence this year, one of the first questions you'll ask is: "How much are the posts going to cost me?" It's a fair question. Posts are the backbone of the whole system. Skimp on them and you'll be forever replacing broken uprights, chasing sagging wires, and patching gaps where animals have pushed through. Spend wisely, and your fence will last years with very little maintenance.
In this guide, we'll break down the cost of electric fence posts in the UK, looking at the different types, what you get for your money, and how the lifetime cost varies. We'll also highlight two of the most trusted names in fencing — Gallagher and Hotline — and explain why they're often worth the investment.
Average Cost of Electric Fence Posts (2025)
Here's what you can expect to pay per post, based on current UK supplier pricing:
- Plastic posts – £1.50 to £6 each
- Wooden posts – £5 to £12 each
- Steel posts – £6 to £15 each
- Fibreglass posts – £6 to £10 each
These prices are for single posts, usually bought in packs of 10 or 25. Bulk orders tend to bring the unit price down by 10–20%.
Cost Per 100 Metres of Fencing
Fence posts are typically spaced every 3–4 metres. Using that rule of thumb:
- Plastic posts – £50 to £150 per 100m
- Wooden posts – £125 to £300 per 100m
- Steel posts – £150 to £375 per 100m
- Fibreglass posts – £150 to £250 per 100m
This is just the posts. You'll also need an energiser, conductors (wire, rope, or tape), and insulators if you're using wood or steel.
Worked Example: Smallholder Fencing 1 Acre for Sheep
- Perimeter: ~250m
- Posts needed (every 4m): ~63
- Plastic posts: £95–£378
- Wooden posts: £315–£756
- Gallagher premium plastic posts: ~£300 (last twice as long as cheaper brands)
- Hotline multi-wire plastic posts: ~£280 (great balance of price and quality)
A lot of smallholders start with budget plastic posts because they're cheap. The catch is that cheaper posts often snap within a couple of years, especially in frosty weather. Gallagher and Hotline posts cost a little more up front but tend to last much longer — which means you replace fewer, spend less over time, and waste less of your day repairing fences.
If you want to know more then read our complete UK guide to electric fence posts
Lifetime Cost vs Upfront Cost
It's easy to be tempted by a pallet of budget posts at £2 each. But if half of them break within three years, you've spent twice — and sometimes three times — what you would have if you'd gone for quality posts in the first place.
- Budget plastic post (£2 each): lifespan 2–3 years. Over 10 years, you'll likely replace them 3 times. Cost = ~£6 per position.
- Gallagher or Hotline post (£4.50–£5.50 each): lifespan 6–8 years. Over 10 years, you might replace them once. Cost = ~£7–£8 per position.
The difference is marginal, but the fence reliability is night and day. Gallagher and Hotline posts are thicker, UV-stabilised, and reinforced at the footplate — features that stop them snapping at the base, which is the weak point of cheaper models.
Which Type of Post Is Best Value?
- Plastic – Cheapest and easiest to move. Ideal for strip grazing or temporary paddocks. Choose Gallagher or Hotline for longevity.
- Wooden – Strong and permanent, but heavy to install. Use them at corners and gateways for strength.
- Steel – Excellent for stony ground and permanent boundary fencing. More expensive, but "fit and forget".
- Fibreglass – The horse-owner's favourite. Safer, flexible, and long lasting.
Why Gallagher and Hotline Posts Stand Out
Both brands are trusted in the UK because they focus on quality over short-term savings.
- Gallagher: Known worldwide for durability. Their plastic posts are thicker than most, reinforced at stress points, and genuinely built to last. Farmers often say they last two to three times longer than bargain-bin posts.
- Hotline: A British brand that has built a reputation for reliable, sensibly priced fencing gear. Their multi-wire plastic posts are especially good for mixed stock like sheep and goats, where you need multiple conductor heights.
In practice, many UK farmers use a mix: Gallagher or Hotline posts for their main runs, with wooden posts at the corners for strength.
Final Word: Spend Once, Fence Right
If you only look at the price tag, budget plastic posts will always seem the best deal. But fencing is about reliability, not just cost. Replacing broken posts, chasing loose wires, and finding sheep out on the lane costs far more than spending a bit extra on quality gear.
That's why more and more UK smallholders and farmers are choosing Gallagher and Hotline posts. They might cost a pound or two more per post, but they give you years of peace of mind.