Everything You Need to Know About Fence Post Caps

Are you installing a new fence but not sure whether to bother with fence post caps? What are fence post caps, and do you need them? We look at the pros and cons to help you decide. 

If you have any type of fence post on your property, you need to put a cap on it. Fence post caps protect your fence posts from the elements, helping to protect your wood from damage caused by the weather. Rain and snow can make the end grain of wood wet, which can lead to rotting over time. 

What are fence post caps?

A fence post cap is simply a cover that effortlessly fits over the fence post tops of your fence to keep them safe from the elements. While they have a practical function, they are also decorative caps and come in several styles, sizes, and colours to complement any garden. 

At Hillsborough Fencing, we stock a range of different post caps, including wooden, metal and composite. Each with pros and cons. Our fence posts are made to match any fence that we stock, allowing you to keep your garden matching around. 

Are fence post caps necessary?

The short answer to this question is no; fence post caps are not essential. However, they are highly recommended not just to add an attractive aesthetic to your new fence but also to prolong the lifespan of your fence posts, especially those made from wood.

Fence post caps serve as a protective barrier against the elements. Wooden fence posts, in particular, are vulnerable to weather damage. Without a cap, rainwater can seep into the end grain of the wood, leading to swelling, cracking, and eventual rotting. Over time, this water damage can compromise the structural integrity of the posts, causing them to weaken and potentially collapse.

In addition to water damage, fence post caps can help protect against UV damage. Constant exposure to the sun can cause wood to dry out and become brittle, accelerating the decay process. By shielding the tops of the posts, caps help mitigate this damage, thereby extending the life of the fence.

What are they made of?

As we have mentioned above, there are several types of post caps, including wooden, metal, and composite. You might simply assume that post caps are made from wood; however, this is not always the case. Wooden post caps are common, but they are prone to rotting, cracking, and moss, making them fairly short-lasting. 

Metal and composite caps are less common but do provide more protection and for a longer time. Our composite fence caps are more suited to the DuraPost system we stock. However, it can be used with other types of posts.

What are postcaps used for? 

Protect from the elements 

Whether it’s sun, wind, rain, or snow, they can all cause problems for your fence posts, and it’s the top of your posts that receives the brunt of the weather. 

Now, fence posts are the foundation, support, and strength of all fences. So, if you want your fence to stand the test of time, you must protect your fence posts at all costs. 

One of the primary functions of a fence post cap is to protect the exposed end grain of the post from water damage. When rainwater or snow seeps into the unprotected end grain, it can lead to rotting and accelerated deterioration over time. 

Installing post caps creates a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the wood, ultimately extending the lifespan of your fence. So, if you want to get the absolute most out of your timber fence posts, then a fence post cap is worth investing in.

Stop wildlife damage 

The flat end of a fence post is the perfect resting spot for birds and squirrels coming into the garden. From this perch, they can wreak havoc on your posts through scratching and messing, but with a shaped postcap, they are less likely to stay for long as it is much more uncomfortable for them to settle on.

In addition to water damage, another major threat to wooden fence posts is insect infestation. Termites, carpenter ants, and other woodboring insects are attracted to exposed wood, making timber fence posts and fence panels vulnerable to their attacks. 

Fence post caps act as a deterrent, making it difficult for insects to find their way into the post through the exposed grains and protecting your fencing.

Prevent Splinters 

For anyone who has ever caught themselves on a splintered fence, the risk of injury is real. By protecting the post against drying out, the caps will reduce the chance of the dry wood splintering and causing injury. Where splintering has started to appear, a fence post cap can cover the rough edges of the post, offering protection to you and the local wildlife.

Enhanced structural integrity

Fence post caps will provide structural support and reinforcement to your garden fence posts. Adding caps to the top of your fence post will distribute the weight more evenly, reducing the risk of cracking or splitting over time. 

This ensures that your fence remains structurally solid, regardless of what the UK weather throws at it. For an even more secure fencing structure, it’s worth considering concrete fence posts, as these are set into the ground using cement, making them extremely secure.

How to Choose Your Fence Post Caps 

Before you order fence post caps, you’ll need to choose between nominal and actual sizes. Most treated posts are somewhat smaller than their advertised measurements. In these cases, you’ll need to purchase postcaps in nominal sizes.

Pressure-treated 4x4 posts typically measure 3.5" x 3.5".

Pressure-treated 6x6 posts typically measure 5.5" x 5.5".

Before committing to a certain size, get out a tape measure and double-check the posts. You’ll want to make sure that your new postcaps fit well, but not too tightly. When post caps are snug around the post, you’ll risk cracking them as the wood expands. Not only that, but a snug fit won’t allow any ambient moisture to evaporate, which can cause your posts to rot more quickly.

Fence post caps aren’t just for decoration. They’re a wonderful way to keep decks and fences in great shape for a long time. It’s a small price to pay for something that can add years to the life of your investment. Get In touch with us today!