Best Metal Fence Posts for Horizontal Fence: 10 Steel and Aluminum Posts Compared

Five of these posts are steel and five are aluminum. That split drives most of the choice. Steel posts like the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit, Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts and WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack list Q235 steel with a powder coat. Aluminum posts like the LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts, Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts and ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts list a rustproof metal that you can cut to height.

Height and board size come next. The LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts lists 72 inches, the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit lists 68 inches and the Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts lists 4 feet. Most take 3/4 inch thick boards, but the Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts lists 1/2 inch slats.

We compared 10 posts by material, height, pack size and mount type, using only listing details. Boards are not included in any listing, and none gives a wind rating.

Gardenbine earns a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Product details come from the manufacturers’ listings.

On this page

1. Compare Horizontal Fence Posts by Material, Height, Pack Size and Mount
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Metal Fence Posts for Horizontal Fence
3. Do Not Assume a Post Digs Into the Ground
4. Match the Board Size to the Channel
5. How to Choose Metal Posts for a Horizontal Fence
6. Which Metal Fence Post Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Horizontal Fence Posts by Material, Height, Pack Size and Mount

Detailed Reviews: Best Metal Fence Posts for Horizontal Fence

1. Bitals 6FT Metal Privacy Fence Post Horizontal Fence Channel Kit 6 Pack (Best overall metal fence posts for a horizontal fence)

• 68 inHeight
• 6Pack
• Q235Steel
• Matte blackFinish

Best for: a horizontal board fence with a bigger post count

Why it ranks #1: It is built for horizontal fences and gives six posts in one kit.

Bitals lists a black post made from thickened Q235 steel with a matte black powder coating. The title calls it a split-type horizontal fence channel kit.

The listing describes a U-shaped channel design where you mount the metal bracket and slide boards in. The adjustable hole design starts at 3/4 inch boards, and the rest of the size range is cut off in the text we saw.

Skip it if you want aluminum; the LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts and Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts are aluminum.

2. Hulave 4-Pack 6FT U-Shaped Metal Fence Posts Hard Surface Mount (Best no-dig steel posts for hard surfaces)

• 68 inHeight
• 4Pack
• 3/4 x 5.5 inBoards
• 12Boards suggested

Best for: AC, trash and pool equipment screens on a hard surface

Why it ranks #2: It lists exact board size, post size and a recommended board count.

Hulave lists thickened Q235 steel with a matte black powder coating. The post is 1.25 x 0.75 inches by 68 inches high, for 3/4 x 5.5 inch boards that are not included.

The U-channel design means you attach brackets and slide boards in. The listing suggests boards of 4 to 6 feet and 12 boards, and lists use for AC units, trash cans and pool equipment.

Skip it if you want a corner or end post style; the WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack has a wide base.

3. WOWACE 6ft Heavy Duty Fence Post End Post 2 Pack Matte Black (Best wide base steel end post)

• 72 inHeight
• 5.5 x 5.5 inBase
• 12Screw holes
• 2Pack

Best for: end posts for a screen of up to 12 boards

Why it ranks #3: It lists a full 72 inch height and a wide base with a dual screw hole pattern.

WOWACE lists Q235A steel with a matte black high-temperature powder coating. The post is 72 inches high with a 5.5 inch square base.

Dual screw hole patterns are listed for hard surfaces. It fits 3/4 inch thick boards that are 5.5 inches high, and the listing says it supports up to 12 boards of 5 to 6 feet.

Skip it if you need many posts; the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit has six.

4. LukLoy 8 Pack 6FT Aluminum U-Channel Privacy Fence Post for 3/4 Inch Wood Board (Best 8 pack of aluminum posts)

• 72 inHeight
• 8Pack
• 1 cmSpacers
• 12Boards suggested

Best for: a long run where you want no rust

Why it ranks #4: It lists aluminum, cuttable height and spacers in a big pack.

LukLoy lists aluminum posts with an outdoor-grade powder coating, a U-channel slide-in design and 10 mm spacers. The 72 inch post can be cut to your height.

The listing suggests 12 boards of 3/4 inch thick and 5 1/2 inch wide, and says boards are not included. It lists no-dig use.

Skip it if you want steel; the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit and Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts are steel.

5. Tafbrik 2 Pack 6ft Aluminium Fence Post No Dig 3-Way (Best 3-way aluminum post for wood or composite)

• 6 ftHeight
• 3-wayLayout
• 24 inVertical support
• 2Pack

Best for: corners and mid runs with wood or composite boards

Why it ranks #5: It lists end, corner and mid-span layouts and wood or composite use.

Tafbrik lists a 3-way post that supports end, corner and mid-span layouts at 0, 90 and 180 degrees. The listing says the slots take wood boards and composite decking panels.

The base is listed for concrete surface mounting with a 24 inch vertical support. The post is high-strength aluminum with a powder-coated finish.

Skip it if you want a post for 3/4 inch boards at a lower count; the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit has six.

6. ZBuildMars 4 Pack 6FT 3-Way Aluminum Fence Post 1.8mm Walls (Best thick wall 3-way aluminum post)

• 6 ftHeight
• 1.8 mmWall
• 10 mmBase
• 2.55 inPost

Best for: builds that need corners and mid posts

Why it ranks #6: It lists wall thickness, base thickness and post size.

ZBuildMars lists a 3-in-1 post that works as corner, middle or end at 0, 90 and 180 degrees, with three open grooves and two removable covers. It lists 1.8 mm walls, a 10 mm base and a 2.55 inch post.

The listing says every exposed part, including cap and skirt, is aluminum. The height can be cut with standard tools.

Skip it if you want a simple end post; the WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack is steel.

7. Prinfort 4pack 5FT Metal Backyard Privacy Fence Panels Post Black (Best 5 foot steel posts for short screens)

• 56.7 inHeight
• 4Pack
• 3/4 x 5.5 inBoards
• 8Boards suggested

Best for: short screens around equipment

Why it ranks #7: It lists a shorter height and a clear board size.

Prinfort lists Q235 steel with a matte black powder-coated finish and a U-channel design. The post size is 1.25 x 0.75 inches by 56.7 inches high.

It fits 3/4 x 5.5 inch boards, not included, and recommends 4 to 6 foot boards and 8 boards. The listing says the posts are no-dig and suit hiding AC units, trash cans and pool equipment.

Skip it if you need 6 foot height; the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit and Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts are 68 inches.

8. Prinfort 6FT 201 Stainless Steel Fence Post for Wood Slats Corner Post (Best stainless corner post for concrete)

• 6 ftHeight
• 201Stainless
• 4Expansion bolts
• 1Pack

Best for: a corner on a concrete pad

Why it ranks #8: It lists a corner post with a stated install method.

Prinfort lists thickened 201 stainless steel with a powder-coated finish and slots for boards. The install steps say to secure four expansion bolts into pre-drilled concrete, set the post on the bolts and tighten the nuts.

The title says outdoor ground install, but the steps describe bolting to concrete, so check how you will mount it before buying.

Skip it if you want a pack for a long run; the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit has six.

9. Buqvu 4 Pack 4FT 3-Way All Aluminum Privacy Fence Post (Best short 3-way aluminum posts for thin slats)

• 4 ftHeight
• 3-wayLayout
• 6063-T5Aluminum
• 1/2 inSlats

Best for: low screens with thin slats

Why it ranks #9: It lists the alloy and a slat thickness that differs from the rest.

Buqvu lists three open channels for end, corner and line use. The aluminum is 6063-T5 with a textured AAMA 2604 black powder-coated finish.

Slats are not included, and the listing mentions 1/2 inch thick slats. It says the post can be trimmed to suit your layout.

Skip it if you need 6 foot height; the ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts is 6 feet.

10. LukLoy 4 Pack 5FT Aluminum U-Channel Privacy Fence Post for 3/4 Inch Wood Board (Best 5 foot aluminum posts with spacers)

• 60 inHeight
• 4Pack
• 10 mmSpacers
• 10Boards suggested

Best for: a mid height screen in aluminum

Why it ranks #10: It lists spacers and a 60 inch height in a four pack.

LukLoy lists aluminum U-channel posts with included 10 mm spacers and a slide-in installation. The 60 inch post can be cut to your height.

The listing suggests 10 boards of 3/4 inch thick and 5 1/2 inch wide, and says boards are not included.

Skip it if you want a taller post; the LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts is 72 inches.

Do Not Assume a Post Digs Into the Ground

Several of these are surface mount posts, so they bolt to concrete or a hard surface. The Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts and WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack list hard surface mounting, the Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts lists a concrete surface base and the Prinfort 6 Foot Stainless Corner Post lists bolts into concrete. The Prinfort 6 Foot Stainless Corner Post also says ground install in the title, so read the install steps before you buy.

If you plan to set a post in soil, check the listing for how it mounts. Check local rules on height and permits for a fence before you start.

Match the Board Size to the Channel

Boards are not included, and the channel decides what fits. The Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts, WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack, LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts and Prinfort 4 Pack 5 Foot Steel Posts list 3/4 inch thick boards that are 5.5 inches high. The Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts lists 1/2 inch slats, and the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit starts at 3/4 inch.

The listings suggest 8 to 12 boards per post run, for example 12 for the Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts and 10 for the LukLoy 4 Pack 5 Foot Aluminum Posts. Do the height math before you order, and check that the posts are tall enough for your board count.

How to Choose Metal Posts for a Horizontal Fence

Material

The Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit, Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts, WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack and Prinfort 4 Pack 5 Foot Steel Posts are Q235 or Q235A steel. The Prinfort 6 Foot Stainless Corner Post is 201 stainless. The LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts, Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts and LukLoy 4 Pack 5 Foot Aluminum Posts are aluminum.

Height

The LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts and WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack are 72 inches, the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit and Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts are 68 inches, the Prinfort 4 Pack 5 Foot Steel Posts is 56.7 inches, the LukLoy 4 Pack 5 Foot Aluminum Posts is 60 inches and the Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts is 4 feet.

Layout

The Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts and Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts are 3-way posts for ends, corners and lines. The Prinfort 6 Foot Stainless Corner Post is a corner post and the WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack is an end post.

Pack size

The LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts comes as eight and the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit as six. The Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts, ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, Prinfort 4 Pack 5 Foot Steel Posts, Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts and LukLoy 4 Pack 5 Foot Aluminum Posts come as four, and the WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack and Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts as two.

Which Metal Fence Post Should You Choose?

• If you want the best all-round post, choose the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit, because it is built for horizontal boards and comes as six.
• If you are on concrete, choose the Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts, because it lists hard surface mounting and board size.
• If you need an end post, choose the WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack, because it has a 5.5 inch square base.
• If you want a long run, choose the LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts, because it comes as eight.
• If you need corners, choose the Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, because it is a 3-way post for wood or composite.
• If you want thickness details, choose the ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, because it lists 1.8 mm walls.
• If your screen is short, choose the Prinfort 4 Pack 5 Foot Steel Posts, because it is 56.7 inches.
• If you need a stainless corner, choose the Prinfort 6 Foot Stainless Corner Post, because it bolts to concrete.
• If your slats are thin, choose the Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, because it lists 1/2 inch slats.
• If you want a mid height aluminum post, choose the LukLoy 4 Pack 5 Foot Aluminum Posts, because it is 60 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best metal fence posts for a horizontal fence?

For most builds, the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit is the best pick here because it is made for horizontal boards, lists 68 inch Q235 steel and comes as six. For aluminum, the LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts comes as eight.

Are aluminum or steel posts better for a horizontal fence?

Aluminum posts like the LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts list rustproof metal and cut to height. Steel posts like the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit list a powder coat. Pick by height, mount and stiffness.

Can I set these posts in the ground?

Many are surface mount, such as the Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts, WOWACE 6 Foot End Posts 2 Pack and Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, which need a hard surface. Check each listing before you plan a soil install.

What board size fits these posts?

Most list 3/4 inch thick boards that are 5.5 inches high, including the Hulave 4 Pack U-Shaped Steel Posts and LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts. The Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts lists 1/2 inch slats.

Do I need corner posts for a horizontal fence?

A 3-way post like the Tafbrik 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts or ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts can serve as an end, corner or line post. The Prinfort 6 Foot Stainless Corner Post is a dedicated corner post.

Can I cut these posts to height?

The LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts, ZBuildMars 6 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts, Buqvu 4 Foot 3-Way Aluminum Posts and LukLoy 4 Pack 5 Foot Aluminum Posts list cutting to height. Cut steel and aluminum with the right tools and protect the edges.

Final Verdict

The Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit is the best metal fence post for a horizontal fence in this guide. It is a 6 pack of 68 inch Q235 steel posts with a U-channel kit for horizontal boards. If you want aluminum, the LukLoy 8 Pack 6 Foot Aluminum Posts comes as eight at 72 inches. Before you buy, check the mount type, the board size and local fence rules.

See the Bitals 6 Pack Horizontal Fence Channel Kit on Amazon