Frequently asked questions about the VersaPost.

Why use a steel post rather than a wood post?
Wood posts will rot or warp over time. Even treated wood posts begin to decay the moment they are created. Depending on soil conditions some wood posts can completely rot out in just a few years. Why put the money and time into a beautiful wood fence only to have it fall over in a few years? Who of us hasn't seen a wood privacy fence that looks like it is about to tip over. The VersaPost steel post will never rot or warp. It will keep your fence looking good for years.

Doesn't the VersaPost cost more than wood?
Maybe. Go to the Purchase page to determine the actual cost of the VersaPost compared to a wood post. You be may surprised at the results. Quality is also an important consideration. The VersaPost steel post results in a stronger, higher quality and longer lasting fence than a wood post does. And don't forget about re-sale. The average American moves every seven years. A privacy fence can be very inviting to a prospective homeowner if properly installed. This can result in a higher re-sale value for you. But, by the same token, a broken down, rickety fence can decrease your re-sale value just as easily. When all is said and done the VersaPost is your most economical choice.

Why not just use a round metal post?
Round posts require the use of brackets and a cap. These add to the cost of materials and are more labor intensive to install. Each bracket must be set at the correct height and then tightened. When you are finished you have gray galvanized posts holding up your beautiful new wood fence. For most people this is not a very attractive option. With a round steel post you get the strength of steel. Unfortunately, this strength comes at a high cost both in looks and price.

What about those "hat-channel" posts?
The hat-channel design was a definite improvement over the round steel post. Unfortunately, hat-channel posts have their own drawbacks. A hat-channel post by its very design will twist in high winds. This can result in the stringers getting loose over time. The hat-channel post has flanges where the stringers are attached. These provide very little contact area between the fasteners and the stringers. Fences built using these types of posts are inherently weak. The ability to cover the post is one advantage of the hat-channel post. However, due to the thickness of the flanges, and the screws that are used to attach the pickets, covering the post can be difficult and time consuming. Lastly, the only hat-channel posts currently on the market are very expensive.

What makes the VersaPost different?
The VersaPost post design is a C-channel. C-channels naturally resist twisting, even in high winds. The stringers are attached to the post by fasteners from inside the C-channel. As a result, there is a large amount of contact area between the stringers and the fasteners. This makes for a stronger fence. Because the posts do not have flanges they are easily covered if desired. The VersaPost is also the lowest priced steel fence post on the market.

What type of screws can I use to attach the stringers?
You can use any type of screw that you want. Star bits, square drive or Phillips will all work. We do have some recommendations though. When attaching the stringers to the post we recommend a square drive screw with a type 17 bit. The reason that square drives are preferable in this situation is that square drives hold more tightly to the driver bit than other drive types. This means that there is less of a chance of dropping screws when attaching the stringers. The type 17 bit cuts into the wood better than other tips. If you are using treated stringers be sure to use a screw that can withstand the corrosive effects of the treatment. This usually means using a ceramic coated or stainless steel screw. Full cut cedar stringers are actually preferable to treated wood. Cedar stringers will not dry out and twist like treated wood will. And, cedar stringers look nicer as well. Also, be sure to use a screw that will not bleed over time and ruin the look of your fence.

What about corners, ends or gates?
Round posts require special brackets for corners which are usually more expensive. For end posts a hack-saw is normally needed to trim the brackets. Hat-channel posts require special clips for corners. And, for gate posts you need to have two posts that are fastened together. This will more than double the material cost and increase the labor cost as well. The VersaPost functions as a corner, end or gate post without any additional brackets or clips. It is the most versatile and easy to install steel fence post available.

What height of post do I need?
The VersaPost is designed to be set two feet into the ground. For a six foot wood privacy fence the 7' 6" post is the most popular choice. Using this post results in the top horizontal stringer being about six inches below the top of the fence (see the main picture on the Home page). If there is going to be a "picture frame" or a top rail (see the fence at the top of this page) then the 8 foot post is required. For 4' and 5' fences the 6' 6" post is used.

Where can I purchase the VersaPost?
We ship everything from our yard in Kalispell, Montana. The only overhead on these posts is the big sky of Montana. This allows us to price these posts as low as possible. On most orders are prices are very competetive with other fence posts. To get a quote please use the contact form on the Contact. Let us know how many posts you will need, the height of the post and your zip code.

Mild Fence Company
3465 Highway 93 North
Kalispell, Montana 59901