Why Basin Fence Only Uses Metal Fence Posts in Lafayette Louisiana Soil.
At Basin Fence, we don’t cut corners, and that’s why we exclusively install fences with steel fence posts, not traditional wood posts. While many homeowners assume wood is cheaper or “good enough,” the reality is clear: metal fence posts outperform wood in every meaningful way, especially here in Lafayette, Louisiana’s wet, humid climate.
If you’re investing in a new fence, here’s why metal fence posts, particularly PostMaster® steel posts, are worth every penny. Not only do they last longer and hold stronger, but they can also save you money in the long run. Let’s break it all down.
Wood Fence Posts: What You Think You're Saving and Why You're Not
Wooden 4×4 posts have long been the standard for residential fences, but that doesn’t mean they’re still the best option.
The Real Cost of a 4×4 Wood Post (at the time of this blog):
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Pressure-treated 4x4x8 post: $10.58
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Concrete: $5.38 per 80lb bag × 2 bags = $10.76
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Total per post (installed correctly): $21.34
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More labor costs
Seems cheap, right? But the problems start immediately:
Real-World Issues We See With Wood Posts:
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Warping & twisting — starts immediately after installation
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Rot & decay — especially in wet Louisiana soil
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Cracking & splitting — with extreme heat or cold
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Termite damage — common in older subdivisions
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Inconsistent durability — no two posts age the same
In fact, one of the biggest reasons we no longer use wood posts is the amount of severe warping and failures we’ve seen firsthand. Fences lean, gates sag, and repairs become inevitable, even when fences are installed correctly.
Even when wood posts are installed properly with concrete, they’re still vulnerable to moisture trapped around the base, the exact conditions that lead to rot, instability, and premature failure.
Unfortunately wood posts today are not the same posts that we grew up seeing. These posts are cut from trees that are less mature with much larger grain patterns then what was used 20 years ago. These trees are grown quickly and then pressure treated before it has a chance to dry.
Why We Use PostMaster® Metal Fence Posts in Lafayette, LA
At Basin Fence, we exclusively install PostMaster® steel fence posts, a patented metal system designed for long-term strength, weather resistance, and a clean finished look.
Upfront Cost:
PostMaster Post: $26–$32 (depending on height)
NO concrete required
Total per post: $26–$32
Less labor costs
We drive each PostMaster post 51 inches into the ground, eliminating the need for concrete. Not only is this faster and cleaner, but it creates a deeper, stronger foundation for your fence.
Why PostMaster Metal Posts Are Better.
Lifetime Strength
Steel doesn’t rot. It doesn’t warp. And it doesn’t care if your soil is soft, wet, or prone to expansion, and it comes with a lifetime manufacturers warranty to prove it.
Wind-Tested & Hurricane-Resistant
PostMaster posts are tested to withstand 81+ mph winds — a huge benefit in a hurricane-prone region like Acadiana.
Hidden Design
PostMaster posts are designed to be invisible from the street, so your fence still has the clean wood look without the visual metal.
Longer Fence Life
With metal posts as your foundation, your fence panels stay upright, your gates stay square, and your investment lasts 2–3x longer than with wood.
Metal vs. Wood: Total Fence Cost Over Time
Let’s say you’re building a fence with 20 posts.
Item | Wood Posts | Metal Posts |
Post Cost | $10.58 x 20 = $211.60 | $28 x 20 = $560 |
Concrete | $10.76 x 20 = $215.20 | $0 |
Labors cost Estimate | $35 x 20 = $700 | $30 x 20 = $600 |
Total Upfront | $1,126.80 | $1,160 |
Avg. Lifespan | 5–10 years | 25+ years |
Long-Term Repairs | Likely (warping, rot) | Rare |
Total 20-Year Cost | $426.80 × 2–3 replacements = $2,250–$3,380+ | $1,160 once |
Spending $35 more upfront saves you $1090–$2200+ over time. And you avoid the frustration of a leaning, rotting fence.
These prices are also assuming the fence contractor is properly installing your fence meeting ASTM standards. If you are seeing more savings than this than chances are they are cutting you short on concrete, ultimately giving your fence an even greater chance of failing sooner.
Why Louisiana Homeowners Need Metal Posts More Than Ever
South Louisiana soil is notorious for holding water, especially after a heavy rain. That water soaks into concrete and wood posts and begins the slow process of decay. We’ve removed 3-year-old fences that had completely rotted at the base.
We have even had to change out posts that where installed just 3 months before due to severe warping during the drying process, causing the fence to lean as much as 6inches at the top of the fence. The bottom of the fence was still perfectly secured and was straight until about 2 feet up the post where the warping began.
By contrast, driven steel posts do not trap moisture against the post. They shed moisture and resist corrosion, especially when coated and installed at the proper depth.
The Basin Fence Difference
At Basin Fence, we don’t just “install fences.” We engineer outdoor structures that stand the test of time. When we say we build smarter, this is exactly what we mean:
Every post driven deep into the ground exceeding ASTM standards by over 14 inches.
Every line perfectly measured for tension and support
Every project customized for soil type and property grade
We could offer cheap wood posts installed with 60lbs of concrete to win bids like some fence contractors in Lafayette, but we don’t. Because it’s not what we’d want on our property. And it’s not what we’ll put on yours. When we put our sign on your new fence after it is installed, we want that fence to represent our dedication and craftsmanship for many years to come!
Conclusion: Metal Fence Posts Are the Smarter Choice
If you’re building a new fence in Lafayette, Carencro, Youngsville, or anywhere in Acadiana, steel posts are the only option that makes sense.
They’re stronger
They last longer
They’re actually cheaper in the long run
And they create a cleaner, straighter, more durable fence
Ready to get a quote? Let’s talk metal.
Why does Basin Fence use metal fence posts instead of wood?
Metal posts like PostMaster® last longer, don’t rot or warp in Lafayette’s wet soil, and save homeowners money over time. They also come with a lifetime manufacturer warranty.
Are metal fence posts more expensive than wood?
The upfront cost is slightly higher, but metal posts require less labor, no concrete, and rarely need replacement making them considerably cheaper over the lifetime of the posts.
Do metal fence posts hold up better in Louisiana's weather?
Yes. Metal posts resist moisture, termites, and extreme temperatures better than wood—especially important in humid, flood-prone areas like Lafayette and Acadiana.