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The Complete Guide to Buying and Installing DuraPost® Fencing

Every garden deserves strength, elegance, and a sense of permanence. A fence isn’t just a boundary; it’s part of the backdrop to daily life, shaping the way your outdoor space feels and functions. That’s why more and more homeowners and professional landscapers are turning to DuraPost®. Designed and manufactured here in the UK, DuraPost® offers a modern alternative to timber and concrete posts. It is lighter, stronger, and far more durable, with a sleek finish that complements both classic gardens and contemporary spaces.

This guide explores what makes DuraPost® unique, why it has become a trusted choice across the country, how to purchase in three straightforward steps, and how to install it with ease. We’ll also take a closer look at its different panel styles, accessories, and maintenance considerations, so when you come to choose your fencing system, you do so with complete confidence.

 

What is DuraPost®?

At the heart of DuraPost® lies its cold-rolled galvanised steel post, engineered with a distinctive H-shaped design. This clever structure makes the post both slim and strong, able to accommodate a wide range of fence panels while resisting the pressures of wind, weather, and time. Unlike concrete posts, which are heavy and prone to cracking, or timber posts, which gradually rot and warp, DuraPost® is designed to thrive in the UK’s harshest conditions.

Weighing up to 80% less than concrete posts, DuraPost® is easy to handle and install - even in a small garden or tight working space. For professional landscapers, this means quicker, safer installations. For homeowners tackling a DIY project, it means a manageable, stress-free process. And because it comes with a guarantee of up to 25 years, you can install it once and know it will remain standing strong for decades.



The benefits of choosing DuraPost®

  • Up to 25 years guaranteed performance
  • 80% lighter than concrete posts – safer, easier to install
  • Tested to withstand winds up to 110mph
  • Weatherproof and rot-resistant – no warping, splitting, or cracking
  • Available in five contemporary finishes: Anthracite Grey, Black, Sepia Brown, Olive Grey, and Galvanised
  • Sustainable choice – recyclable steel and recycled composite boards
  • Low-maintenance – no staining or treatment required
  • Modular system – posts, panels, gravel boards, capping rails, gates, and accessories all designed to work together
  • Stylish panel options – Sleek, Urban, Prima and Vista
  • Professional-grade accessories – colour-matched screws, cover strips, reinforcing rods, and bolt-downs for seamless results

 

Composite gravel boards and panel options

While the steel posts form the backbone of the system, DuraPost® goes much further. Its composite gravel boards and modular panels open up new possibilities for both design and performance.

Composite gravel boards are made from a blend of recycled materials, including rice husks and high-density polyurethane. They act as a protective barrier at the base of your fence, preventing panels from absorbing moisture from the ground. This prolongs the life of your fencing and ensures it looks as good as the day it was installed. Unlike traditional gravel boards, DuraPost® versions are lightweight, stackable, and even reinforceable with steel rods - an option particularly useful in exposed areas where high winds or unstable ground could otherwise be an issue.

For panels, there are four standout ranges: Sleek, Urban, Prima and Vista

All composite panels are UV-stabilised to resist fading and are backed by a 15-year guarantee, making them a stylish, practical, and low-maintenance alternative to timber.

 

Accessories for a seamless finish

One of the hallmarks of DuraPost® is the attention to detail in its accessories. Every component is designed to work together, creating a system that looks cohesive and performs flawlessly.

Colour-matched screws ensure no unsightly fixings are breaking up the clean lines of your fence. Cover strips can be snapped into place to conceal screw holes entirely, giving a smooth, professional finish. Reinforcing rods can be inserted into gravel boards or panels to increase rigidity in areas where conditions demand it. For installations on hard standing, bolt-down plates allow posts to be securely mounted on concrete or decking.

Together, these small details elevate the system from simply functional to truly polished. They also make installation more straightforward, as every component is purpose-built to fit the DuraPost® framework.



How to buy DuraPost® in three simple steps

At BM Steel, we’ve created a process that makes ordering DuraPost® straightforward. By following three simple steps, you can build a complete fencing system tailored to your garden.

 

Step 1: Select your infill panels

The first decision is the style and material of your panels. If you prefer the traditional warmth of timber, DuraPost® posts will provide the long-lasting support you need. If you want something more contemporary, low-maintenance composite options like Urban deliver style with substance.



Step 2: Select your frame

Next, choose the framework that supports your panels. This includes the steel posts themselves, composite gravel boards, capping rails for a neat top line, and the fixings that bring it all together. Don’t forget the optional extras like colour-matched screws, cover strips, and reinforcing rods, which add both strength and elegance.



Step 3: Add a gate

Finally, complete your project with a matching gate. Built to align with the look and colour of the posts and panels, a DuraPost® gate ties the system together, delivering both access and consistency.




How to install DuraPost®

Installing DuraPost® is refreshingly straightforward. Its lightweight design means there’s no heavy lifting required, and its modular components slot together with ease. Here’s an overview of the process:

  • Mark the fence line – Use string and stakes to set out a straight boundary, measuring carefully for panel widths.
  • Set the first post – Dig a hole that is deep enough to install a third of the post below ground. For example, a 600mm-deep hole works for a 1.8m standard post, position the post, check for level, and secure with post mix or concrete.
  • Add your panels – Slot or fix the first panel in place, then repeat the process with subsequent posts and panels along the line.
  • Install gravel boards and capping rails – Add protection at the base and a sleek finish at the top for a complete look.
  • Adapt for ground conditions – In soft or sandy soils, dig deeper and use compacted gravel beneath the post for extra stability.


Care, cost, and longevity

One of the biggest advantages of DuraPost® is its cost efficiency over time. While the initial investment may be higher than timber, the 25-year lifespan means it works out to be far more economical in the long run. Timber posts often require replacement within a decade, while DuraPost® continues to perform without warping, rotting, or cracking.

Maintenance is minimal. Cleaning involves little more than a hose or bucket of soapy water. For scratches, a dab of matching paint is all that’s needed. The powder-coated finish resists rust, and the steel itself is fire-resistant - offering another level of reassurance. Composite panels, though not entirely fireproof, are significantly more resistant to heat than timber.

For homeowners living near busy roads or built-up areas, solid composite panels paired with DuraPost® also help to reduce noise levels, adding a sense of calm to your garden space.



Frequently Asked Questions


How long will DuraPost® last?

The posts are backed by a 25-year guarantee, while composite panels and gravel boards are guaranteed for 15 years.


Is it really stronger than concrete?

Yes. It is both lighter and stronger, withstanding wind speeds of up to 110mph.


Can I install it myself?

Yes. Its lightweight design and modular system make it perfect for confident DIYers as well as professional landscapers.


Is it environmentally friendly?

Absolutely. The use of recyclable steel and recycled composite materials makes DuraPost® a sustainable choice.


Does it work with any panel?

Yes. It has been designed to work with most standard timber and composite panels.


Are DuraPost® posts metal?

Yes. They are made from cold-rolled galvanised steel with a durable powder-coated finish.


Are DuraPost® posts easy to handle?

Yes. At up to 80% lighter than concrete, they are simple to carry and install.


Do DuraPost® posts need to be maintained?

Very little. They only need occasional cleaning with soapy water, and scratches can be touched up with matching paint.


Do DuraPost® posts come in different colours?

Yes. They are available in Anthracite Grey, Black, Sepia Brown, Olive Grey, and Galvanised.


What fence panels do DuraPost® posts fit?

They fit most standard timber panels as well as DuraPost® composite infill boards such as VENTO, URBAN, and tongue-and-groove boards.


Can I collect my order?

Yes. Collection is usually available, depending on stock and location. Please check at checkout or contact us to confirm.


Do I need special tools to install DuraPost®?

No. Standard fencing tools such as a spirit level, tape measure, drill/driver, and post mix are sufficient.


How do I clean DuraPost®?

Simply wash with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid high-pressure washers and harsh chemicals.


Is DuraPost® fire-resistant?

The steel posts are fire-resistant. Composite panels and boards are more fire-resistant than timber, though not completely fireproof.


Can DuraPost® reduce noise?

Solid composite panels can help reduce noise compared to traditional timber panels, though they are not fully soundproof.


Can I use DuraPost® on decking or concrete?

Yes. Use bolt-down plates to securely mount the posts on hardstanding surfaces such as patios, driveways, or decking.


Is DuraPost® more expensive than timber?

Upfront, yes. But with its 25-year lifespan and near-zero maintenance, DuraPost® is far more cost-effective over time than timber posts that need regular replacement.


Why choose BM Steel for DuraPost®?

At BM Steel, we make it simple to purchase everything you need for your DuraPost® project in one place. From posts and panels to accessories and gates, our complete range is available for delivery across the UK. We supply both trade and DIY customers, offering expert advice along the way to ensure you get the right combination for your garden.

Get DuraPost® now     Contact Us


Posted by Oli Rudling
6th October 2025

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