FenceTrac’s patented fence system pairs galvanized steel posts with a steel U-channel frame that holds wood, composite, PVC, or aluminum infill boards up to 1 inch thick. Using metal posts with a wood fence eliminates the most common point of failure in traditional wood fencing: the post rotting at the ground line.
The Short Answer
Yes, and it is one of the most effective upgrades you can make to a wood fence. Metal posts do not rot, warp, or attract pests. They hold their position in the ground permanently, which keeps the fence line straight and the boards aligned.
The FenceTrac system takes this a step further. Instead of just replacing wood posts with metal ones, FenceTrac uses a complete steel frame with horizontal top and bottom channels and vertical side channels. The infill boards slide into the frame’s U-channels, so there is no face-nailing, no rail sag, and a clean finish on both sides.
Why Wood Posts Fail
Most wood fence failures start at the post. Even pressure-treated lumber absorbs moisture at the ground line where the post meets concrete or soil.
Freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the damage. Water enters the wood grain, freezes, expands, and splits the fibers. After a few seasons, the post weakens and the fence begins to lean.
Termites and carpenter ants target posts because ground contact provides the moisture and shelter they need. A single compromised post can pull an entire fence section out of alignment.
How Metal Posts Change the Equation
A steel post embedded in concrete does not absorb moisture, does not attract pests, and does not lose structural integrity over time. FenceTrac posts are G90 galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish, which protects against corrosion in direct ground contact.
The standard residential post measures 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches square. Commercial applications use 3-inch or 4-inch posts for added load capacity.
Because the post is steel, it holds fasteners permanently. Self-tapping screws lock the side channels to the posts without pre-drilling, and those connections do not loosen over time the way nails in wood do.
The FenceTrac Frame: More Than Just Metal Posts
Replacing wood posts with steel is a good start, but the FenceTrac system goes further by replacing the entire fence structure with an engineered steel frame.
The frame consists of 3-inch G90 galvanized steel horizontal channels (top and bottom) and 2-inch G90 galvanized steel vertical channels (sides). These channels create a rigid perimeter that holds infill boards in place without exposed fasteners on either face of the fence.
This both-sided design means neither side of the fence shows rails, brackets, or screw heads. Both neighbors see the same clean, finished appearance.
Wood Infill Options in a Steel Frame
FenceTrac offers Western Red Cedar infill, #2 grade tight knot, measuring 5-1/2 inches wide by 6 feet long with a tongue-and-groove profile. The cedar boards slide into the steel frame channels for a natural wood look backed by a commercial-grade steel structure.
Cedar infill does require periodic maintenance. It can be stained, sealed, or left unfinished to weather to a natural gray. Cedar infill does not carry a warranty, but the steel frame that holds it carries a 20-year warranty.
For property owners who want the warmth of wood without the maintenance, FenceTrac also offers LuxeCore composite infill and UltraBlend PVC infill. Both are maintenance-free, backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, and available in textured wood-look finishes.
Design Options for Metal Post and Wood Fence Combinations
The FenceTrac frame accepts any rigid infill up to 1 inch thick. That means you can mix materials within a single fence line to create a custom look.
Some property owners combine cedar boards with aluminum accent boards for a modern horizontal aesthetic. Others use cedar infill in the front yard and switch to composite in the backyard for lower maintenance where visibility matters less.
All infill options are available in 4-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot panel heights, and in 6-foot or 8-foot panel widths. The steel frame accommodates all standard configurations without custom fabrication.
Related Questions
Do metal posts make a wood fence last longer? Yes. The post is the first component to fail in a traditional wood fence. Replacing it with galvanized steel eliminates rot, pest damage, and ground-line failure, which extends the useful life of the entire fence.
Can you attach wood fence boards to a steel post? With the FenceTrac system, you do not attach boards directly to the post. The boards slide into the steel frame channels, and the frame attaches to the post. This eliminates face-nailing and gives the fence a clean finish on both sides.
What gauge steel does FenceTrac use? The frame channels are G90 galvanized steel. Posts are G90 galvanized steel. Both are powder-coated in Black, Bronze, White, or Silver.
See Also
FenceTrac privacy fencing for full system details and infill options.
Get a Quote for a Metal-Frame Fence
FenceTrac has been manufacturing engineered fence systems in the USA since 2012.
Every system carries a 20-year warranty and is engineered for long-term performance with minimal maintenance.