One of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning an electric fence is whether to set up a temporary system or a permanent one. The difference largely comes down to the posts you use.
Temporary posts are cheap, light, and easy to move — perfect for strip grazing or seasonal paddocks. Permanent posts, on the other hand, are heavy-duty, built to stay in the ground for decades, and require more investment.
So which is right for you? Let's explore the pros and cons of temporary versus permanent electric fence posts, and look at why trusted brands like Gallagher and Hotline are favourites in the UK.
What Are Temporary Fence Posts?
Temporary posts are usually made from plastic or fibreglass. They're lightweight, have moulded clips for wire or tape, and can be pushed into the ground by hand.
Pros of temporary posts:
- Very affordable.
- Quick to set up and move.
- Ideal for strip grazing or dividing fields.
- No tools required.
Cons of temporary posts:
- Shorter lifespan (3–7 years for most plastic).
- Not strong enough for corners or gateways.
- Prone to leaning in soft or waterlogged soil.
Best brand: Gallagher TurboLine plastic posts.
Gallagher posts are thicker, reinforced, and UV-stabilised, meaning they last longer than generic plastic posts. Farmers often report they survive several winters without snapping, unlike cheap imports.
If you want to know more then read our complete UK guide to electric fence posts
What Are Permanent Fence Posts?
Permanent posts are usually wooden or steel, designed to withstand livestock pressure and weather for decades.
Pros of permanent posts:
- Extremely durable (10–20 years for wood, 30+ years for steel).
- Strong enough for corners, gateways, and boundaries.
- Can handle heavy stock pressure.
- "Fit and forget" once installed.
Cons of permanent posts:
- More expensive upfront.
- Heavier and harder to install (often need a driver).
- Less flexible if you want to move paddocks.
Best brand: Hotline timber strainers and corner kits.
Hotline's pressure-treated posts are designed specifically for electric fencing. They last decades if installed correctly, and many farmers consider them the best investment for permanent paddocks.
Cost Comparison
Temporary (plastic/fibreglass): £1.50–£10 per post.
- ~£120–£600 per acre.
- Replacement likely every 5 years.
Permanent (wooden/steel): £5–£15 per post.
- ~£400–£1,200 per acre.
- Lasts 10–30 years depending on material.
While permanent fencing costs more upfront, it often works out cheaper over time due to reduced replacements.
Best Use Cases
Temporary fencing is ideal for:
- Strip grazing cattle or sheep.
- Rotational grazing systems.
- Dividing large fields into smaller paddocks.
- Seasonal or short-term fencing needs.
Permanent fencing is ideal for:
- Boundary fencing.
- Horse paddocks where safety matters.
- Cattle yards and areas with heavy livestock pressure.
- Any fence expected to last decades.
Why Many Farmers Use Both
In reality, most UK farmers and smallholders don't choose one or the other — they use both.
- Gallagher plastic posts are perfect for temporary runs and dividing fields.
- Hotline timber posts provide the strength needed at boundaries, corners, and gateways.
This hybrid approach keeps costs manageable while ensuring the fence is strong where it needs to be.
Final Word: Flexibility or Permanence?
If you want flexibility, go temporary with plastic or fibreglass posts. If you want strength and security, invest in permanent wooden or steel posts.
But the real winner is usually a combination: Gallagher's reliable plastic posts for everyday runs, and Hotline's robust timber posts for the permanent structure. It's a system that balances cost, convenience, and long-term durability — and it's why so many UK farmers swear by this setup.