When it comes to electric fencing, one of the most common questions UK farmers and smallholders ask is: "Should I use plastic posts or wooden posts?" Both are widely available, both have clear advantages, and both can let you down if used in the wrong situation.
In this article, we'll compare plastic and wooden electric fence posts in detail — looking at cost, durability, ease of use, common problems, and the best use cases for each. We'll also highlight two trusted names in fencing: Gallagher for plastic posts and Hotline for timber posts.
What Are Plastic Electric Fence Posts?
Plastic posts are usually made from UV-stabilised polypropylene. They are lightweight, easy to install, and most come with moulded clips for holding polywire, tape, or rope. Available in different heights (from 0.75m for poultry to 1.5m for cattle and horses), they're designed for temporary or semi-permanent fencing.
Strengths of plastic posts:
- Quick to move and reinstall (ideal for rotational or strip grazing).
- Affordable to buy in bulk.
- Built-in clips save time.
- No insulators needed.
Weaknesses of plastic posts:
- Can snap in frosty weather, especially cheaper models.
- Tend to lean or loosen in soft or waterlogged ground.
- Not suitable for heavy pressure areas like corners or gateways.
Gallagher's TurboLine posts are considered some of the best on the market, thanks to thicker shafts and reinforced footplates. Farmers often find they last twice as long as cheap imports.
What Are Wooden Electric Fence Posts?
Wooden posts are the traditional choice for fencing. Made from pressure-treated timber, they are solid, long-lasting, and extremely strong once driven into the ground. Unlike plastic posts, they require separate insulators to hold conductors.
Strengths of wooden posts:
- Very strong and durable (10–20 years with proper treatment).
- Ideal for permanent fences.
- Natural look that blends well into the countryside.
- Handles strain and tension better than any other material.
Weaknesses of wooden posts:
- Heavy and harder to install.
- More expensive upfront.
- Can rot at soil level if poorly treated.
Hotline offers excellent timber posts and strainer kits that are designed specifically for electric fencing. Their treated wooden posts are popular because they're reliable and easy to source across the UK.
Cost Comparison
Plastic posts (per post): £1.50–£6
Wooden posts (per post): £5–£12
Plastic cost per acre (≈80 posts): £120–£480
Wooden cost per acre (≈80 posts): £400–£960
Plastic is clearly cheaper upfront. However, the average plastic post lasts 3–7 years, while timber can last 10–20 years. Over the lifetime of a fence, the cost gap narrows. Gallagher's higher-end plastic posts last longer than most, while Hotline's treated timber posts often last a generation.
Durability
Plastic: Vulnerable to snapping in frost, leaning in soft ground, and UV damage. Gallagher posts resist UV better than budget models.
Wooden: Withstands cattle pressure and horse rubbing far better. Risks rot if untreated, but Hotline's pressure-treated timber is built for longevity.
Verdict: Wooden posts win for durability, but plastic is fine for temporary or light use if you buy quality.
Installation & Maintenance
Plastic:
- Quick to install — push or tap into the ground.
- Easy to move and reuse.
- Virtually no maintenance, but prone to replacement if broken.
Wooden:
- Requires post driver, spade, or auger to install.
- Needs insulators to carry the line.
- Can last decades with minimal upkeep.
Verdict: Plastic wins for convenience. Wooden wins for permanence.
Problems to Watch For
- Plastic: Cheap posts snapping at the footplate in frost; posts leaning in boggy soil; UV brittleness. Gallagher reduces these risks with reinforced moulds.
- Wooden: Rot at soil line; heavy labour to install; cost. Hotline solves the rot issue by offering pressure-treated timber that lasts 15–20 years.
Best Use Cases
Plastic posts are best for:
- Rotational grazing or strip grazing.
- Smallholders with poultry, goats, or sheep.
- Temporary fencing or dividing fields.
- Garden or allotment protection.
Wooden posts are best for:
- Permanent boundary fencing.
- Horses and cattle paddocks.
- Gateways and corners where strength is critical.
- Areas with heavy stock pressure.
Gallagher Plastic Posts vs Hotline Wooden Posts
When you put the two leading brands head-to-head, a clear picture emerges.
- Gallagher plastic posts: Stronger, thicker, and longer-lasting than generic posts. They're ideal for anyone who needs portability and doesn't want to replace posts every two winters.
- Hotline wooden posts: Reliable, long-lasting, and widely available across the UK. Perfect for permanent setups where strength matters.
The smartest approach for most landowners? Use Gallagher plastic posts along the runs, and Hotline timber posts at corners and gateways. It's a hybrid system that balances cost, convenience, and reliability.
If you want to know more then read our complete UK guide to electric fence posts
Final Word: It's Not Either/Or
The truth is, this isn't really a "plastic or wooden" question. It's about where to use each type. Plastic is excellent for flexible, temporary runs. Wooden is unbeatable for strength and permanence.
The farmers and horse owners who rarely complain about their fences tend to use both. Gallagher's premium plastic posts for everyday runs, and Hotline's timber posts where the fence needs to hold fast.
That's the combination that works year after year in British fields.