FenceTrac’s HighPlains post and rail fencing system uses 6063-T5 aluminum posts spaced 8 feet center to center. Posts are embedded 2 feet into the ground, leaving either 4 feet or 5 feet of post height above grade depending on the fence height ordered. These spacing and depth dimensions apply to every HighPlains installation regardless of rail configuration.
The Short Answer
HighPlains posts are set 8 feet apart, measured from the center of one post to the center of the next. Each post is buried 2 feet below grade. The portion above grade matches the fence height: 4 feet for a 4-foot fence, 5 feet for a 5-foot fence. Total post lengths are 6 feet and 7 feet respectively.
HighPlains Post Spacing and Dimensions
The HighPlains system is designed around a fixed 8-foot span between posts. The 2×6 rough-cut cedar rails are 8 feet long and span from post to post across that distance.
| Specification | 4-Foot Fence | 5-Foot Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Post spacing | 8 feet center to center | 8 feet center to center |
| Post height above grade | 4 feet | 5 feet |
| Post burial depth | 2 feet | 2 feet |
| Total post length | 6 feet | 7 feet |
| Post material | 6063-T5 aluminum | 6063-T5 aluminum |
| Rail configuration | 2-rail or 3-rail | 2-rail or 3-rail |
Why 8-Foot Spacing Works for Post and Rail Fencing
The 8-foot span is the standard for post and rail fence systems because it balances structural strength with material efficiency. The HighPlains cedar rails are cut to 8 feet, so the post spacing is fixed to match the rail length.
Wider spacing would require longer rails that are more prone to sagging under their own weight. Narrower spacing would use more posts and increase material and labor costs without a structural benefit. The 8-foot center-to-center distance keeps the rails straight and the fence line clean.
Post Burial Depth and Footing Requirements
Every HighPlains post is embedded 2 feet below grade. This provides the lateral stability needed to keep the fence upright under wind, impact, and seasonal ground movement.
Dig each post hole to 24 inches deep. The hole diameter should be wide enough to set the post plumb and pack the base material around it. Concrete footings or compacted gravel are both acceptable depending on soil conditions and local building code requirements.
In areas with expansive clay soils or freeze-thaw cycles, concrete footings provide more consistent long-term performance. In sandy or well-drained soils, compacted gravel can work and allows water to drain away from the post base.
How to Set HighPlains Posts Accurately
Accurate post placement keeps the fence line straight and the rails level across long runs. HighPlains fencing is commonly installed on large properties, ranches, and estate perimeters where the fence line can extend hundreds or thousands of feet.
Mark the Post Locations
Measure and mark every post location along the fence line at 8-foot intervals. Use stakes and a string line to keep the marks aligned. On long runs, check the string line for sag and re-tension it at intermediate points.
Set Corner and End Posts First
Install the corner posts, end posts, and gate posts first. Set each one plumb in both directions and allow the footing to cure if using concrete. These anchor posts establish the geometry of the entire fence line.
Fill In Line Posts
With the anchor posts set, install the intermediate line posts at each 8-foot mark. A spacing jig (a board or pipe cut to 8 feet) placed between posts at ground level confirms the center-to-center distance as you go.
Verify that each post is plumb before the footing sets. The aluminum posts are visible above the rails, so a leaning post is noticeable and difficult to correct after the footing cures.
Post Height Above Grade
The post extends above the top rail by a few inches, which is part of the HighPlains design aesthetic. The visible post tops create a rhythmic vertical accent along the fence line.
If the terrain slopes, you have two options. You can follow the grade by adjusting each post’s burial depth so the top of every post stays a consistent height above the ground at that point. Or you can stair-step the fence, keeping the rails level between posts and adjusting the post height at each step.
For gentle slopes, following the grade produces a more natural look. For steep slopes, stair-stepping keeps the rails level and the fence design ideas consistent with the system’s clean, modern aesthetic.
HighPlains vs. FenceTrac Frame Post Spacing
The HighPlains system and the FenceTrac privacy frame system use different post spacing because they are different products with different structural designs.
| Specification | HighPlains | FenceTrac Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Post spacing | 8 feet center to center | 72-1/4″ or 96-1/4″ between posts |
| Post material | 6063-T5 aluminum | G90 galvanized steel, powder-coated |
| Burial depth | 2 feet | ~38 inches (per local code) |
| Post sizes | Standard only | 2.5″ x 2.5″, 3″ x 3″, or 4″ x 4″ |
For FenceTrac frame post spacing details, refer to the FenceTrac installation guide.
Warranty on HighPlains Posts and Rails
HighPlains aluminum posts carry a Limited Lifetime structural warranty and a 20-year finish warranty on the powder-coated surface. The 2×6 rough-cut cedar rails carry no warranty. Cedar is a natural material subject to weathering, expansion, and contraction over time.
The aluminum posts will not rust, rot, or degrade. They maintain structural integrity and finish quality for decades, even in harsh weather. The cedar rails can be left to weather naturally to gray or stained to maintain their original color.
Related Questions
Can I combine HighPlains with chain link? Yes. HighPlains post and rail fencing can be paired with black chain link to create a modern ranch-style boundary that contains pets and children while keeping pests out.
What rail configurations are available? HighPlains is available in 2-rail and 3-rail configurations. The 2-rail option has a more open, minimalist profile. The 3-rail option adds a middle rail for a more defined boundary.
See Also
HighPlains post and rail fencing for complete product details, photos, and ordering information.
Get a Quote for HighPlains Fencing
FenceTrac ships fence systems nationally and has been manufacturing engineered fencing in the USA since 2012.
Every system carries a 20-year warranty and is engineered for long-term performance with minimal maintenance.