The Story
UC4 treated timber fence posts in 75mm x 75mm (3 x 3 inch) are pressure treated and incised for direct ground contact, making them the correct specification for garden boundary fencing, field fencing, and gate hanging where the post will be set into soil or concrete.
Specifications
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Softwood |
| Treatment | Pressure treated, incised |
| Use Class | UC4 (ground contact) |
| Finish | Rough sawn |
| Nominal Size | 75mm x 75mm (3 x 3 inch) |
| Profile | Square section |
| Lengths | 2.4m (8ft), 3.0m (10ft) |
What it's used for
- Garden and boundary fence post installations set into the ground or concrete
- Gate posts for timber field gates and domestic garden gates
- Agricultural fencing and paddock boundary posts
- Decking subframe support posts where ground contact is required
Fitting and handling
Always seal any cut ends immediately with a proprietary end-grain preservative such as Barrettine or Cuprinol, as cutting exposes untreated timber and will reduce the service life of the post. When setting posts, allow at least one third of the total post length below ground level, whether concreting in or using a post spike, and ensure the post is plumb before the concrete sets. Store posts flat and off the ground on bearers if not installing straight away to prevent distortion and unnecessary moisture uptake.
FAQ
What does UC4 mean on a fence post?
UC4 stands for Use Class 4, which is the British and European classification for timber intended for ground contact or contact with fresh water. UC4 treated posts are pressure impregnated with preservative to resist rot, fungal decay, and insect attack in conditions where the timber is permanently or regularly in contact with soil or moisture.
Do I need to treat the cut ends of a UC4 fence post?
Yes. Pressure treatment penetrates the outer fibres of the timber but sawing through a post exposes the untreated heartwood. Any cut end that will be in or near the ground should be soaked or liberally coated with a suitable cut-end preservative before installation to maintain the intended level of protection.
What length fence post do I need for a 1.8m (6ft) fence?
For a 1.8m high fence panel, you should typically use a 3.0m (10ft) post. This allows approximately 600mm to 750mm of post to be set below ground level, with enough height above ground to accommodate the panel plus a post cap if required. The 2.4m (8ft) post is better suited to fence heights of 1.2m to 1.5m.
Browse our full range of fence posts and fencing timber at Nottage Timber Merchants, available for collection from our yard in Bridgend or with delivery available across South Wales. View our complete fence posts range online.
Description
UC4 treated timber fence posts in 75mm x 75mm (3 x 3 inch) are pressure treated and incised for direct ground contact, making them the correct specification for garden boundary fencing, field fencing, and gate hanging where the post will be set into soil or concrete.
Specifications
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Softwood |
| Treatment | Pressure treated, incised |
| Use Class | UC4 (ground contact) |
| Finish | Rough sawn |
| Nominal Size | 75mm x 75mm (3 x 3 inch) |
| Profile | Square section |
| Lengths | 2.4m (8ft), 3.0m (10ft) |
What it's used for
- Garden and boundary fence post installations set into the ground or concrete
- Gate posts for timber field gates and domestic garden gates
- Agricultural fencing and paddock boundary posts
- Decking subframe support posts where ground contact is required
Fitting and handling
Always seal any cut ends immediately with a proprietary end-grain preservative such as Barrettine or Cuprinol, as cutting exposes untreated timber and will reduce the service life of the post. When setting posts, allow at least one third of the total post length below ground level, whether concreting in or using a post spike, and ensure the post is plumb before the concrete sets. Store posts flat and off the ground on bearers if not installing straight away to prevent distortion and unnecessary moisture uptake.
FAQ
What does UC4 mean on a fence post?
UC4 stands for Use Class 4, which is the British and European classification for timber intended for ground contact or contact with fresh water. UC4 treated posts are pressure impregnated with preservative to resist rot, fungal decay, and insect attack in conditions where the timber is permanently or regularly in contact with soil or moisture.
Do I need to treat the cut ends of a UC4 fence post?
Yes. Pressure treatment penetrates the outer fibres of the timber but sawing through a post exposes the untreated heartwood. Any cut end that will be in or near the ground should be soaked or liberally coated with a suitable cut-end preservative before installation to maintain the intended level of protection.
What length fence post do I need for a 1.8m (6ft) fence?
For a 1.8m high fence panel, you should typically use a 3.0m (10ft) post. This allows approximately 600mm to 750mm of post to be set below ground level, with enough height above ground to accommodate the panel plus a post cap if required. The 2.4m (8ft) post is better suited to fence heights of 1.2m to 1.5m.
