Concrete vs Resin Fence Post Fixing

Resin post fix (e.g. Postcrete, Post Buddy, Sika Post Fix) typically sets firm enough to attach panels within 3-10 minutes. Standard postcrete/post mix takes about 5-10 minutes. Traditional concrete (mixed from cement and ballast) takes 24-48 hours to reach working strength and 7 days for full cure. Resin is dramatically faster for single-day fence installations.

Traditional concrete provides the strongest fixing when fully cured, with excellent compressive strength around a post. Resin post fix expands to grip the hole walls and provides good lateral strength, but concrete has the edge for heavy gates, corner posts and end posts under significant wind load. For standard fence panels, both methods provide more than adequate strength.

Traditional concrete (ballast + cement) costs approximately £3-5 per post hole. Postcrete/post mix costs £4-6 per post. Resin post fix costs £6-12 per post. For a 10-post fence, the difference is roughly £30-70 in materials. The labour saving from faster installation often outweighs the material cost difference.

Resin-set posts are generally easier to remove than concrete-set posts. The resin creates a plug that can often be lifted out with the post using a post puller or by rocking. Concrete requires breaking out with a breaker bar or sledgehammer, which is hard work and creates rubble to dispose of. This makes resin a better choice for temporary fencing or where future changes are likely.

Concrete performs better in waterlogged conditions. Resin requires a reasonably dry hole to bond properly — standing water prevents proper expansion and adhesion. In very wet clay or high water table situations, concrete is more reliable. Some resin products specify that holes must be reasonably dry, while concrete can be poured into damp conditions successfully.