FENCE POSTS: 6x6 or 4x4 ?? Advantages-Disadvantages? - RedFlagDeals.com Forums (2025)

Oct 18th, 2014 2:31 am
  • #1
rosario99[OP]
Deal Addict
Apr 29, 2010
1070 posts
126 upvotes
Toronto

Oct 18th, 2014 2:31 am

FENCE POSTS: 6x6 or 4x4 ?? Advantages-Disadvantages?

I'm looking to install a new fence between my home and my neighbor's running from the front of the home to back (70 feet straight run). The existing fence was falling to pieces and sagging. He couldn't afford his half to rip out the fence and install the new one so I told him i'd pay 100% of the cost. No worries.

I got the old fence removed including digging out the old concrete base for the posts. A clean tear down, top to bottom. I went ahead and purchased the 6x6 brown PT posts because brown was more attractive and 6x6 seemed sturdier. The old fence was green PT 4x4. I was ready to have the carpenter install the new posts into the ground.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE.....

The neighbor who couldn't afford his half to tear down the old rotting fence and install the new one came out SCREAMING AT ME ranting that the 6x6 posts are not 4x4 posts like the previous fence. He told me he'd NEVER allow me to install "those 6x6 post monstrosities". That the extra 2" wider posts "would significantly reduce the value of his home". He did not want to live within a fence which projected "fortress". He went on to say NO ONE installs 6x6 posts for their homes and are only used for ship sails and car ports. Make no mistake, my neighbor and i have NOT discussed the final fence look but are actually arguing over the size of the post to use.

His attitude was very dictatorial stating he will never sign off on the fence install if i use 6x6 over 4x4. Yes, 2" difference. His vision of the ideal fence is to re-create the same old fence, color, size, style. His stubborn position has now suspended the whole project. After several minutes of speaking with him he agreed to allow me to convince him on the merits of a 6x6 post over a 4x4 (how merciful of him! sheesh) including proving that it can be a beautiful post to use for a residential fence as opposed to a medieval fortress structure.

I NEED YOUR HELP...

  • Is my neighbor right in that a 6x6 post has no business being used for a home fence?
  • Does a 6x6 post provide ANY advantage over a 4x4 post when fence building?
  • Are there any beautiful fence photos which make use of 6x6 posts you'd recommend?

Someone please correct me but isn't it common courtesy to not be a chooser if you are free riding and that by me purchasing posts which are 3x more expensive would be a good thing (i'm not cheaping out on quality)?

THANK YOU

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45 replies

Oct 18th, 2014 3:35 am
  • #2
ecobuilder
Deal Addict
Sep 14, 2007
1130 posts
572 upvotes
Calgary, AB

Oct 18th, 2014 3:35 am

Nothing wrong with 6x6....it is overkill though. The happy medium would be to use 4x6 for posts.

Every bit as strong as 6x6, less expensive than 6x6, and will please both you and the neighbour.

I use 4x6 posts for all my fence builds barring the corners. You install the post with the 4" side facing your's and the neighbour's yard.

You'll like it when you see it.

Picture of one of my builds.

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/vQOr3PF.jpg?1[/IMG]

As for your neighbour.........you've been more than fair.

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Oct 18th, 2014 6:58 am
  • #3
RCGA
Deal Fanatic
Dec 10, 2008
5256 posts
2107 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 6:58 am

6x6s are kind of redonk for the suburbs

Let's hug it out

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Oct 18th, 2014 7:32 am
  • #4
ChzPlz
Sr. Member
May 14, 2007
654 posts
105 upvotes
Ottawa

Oct 18th, 2014 7:32 am

6x6 is overkill for sturdiness. 4x4 is the standard. And if you do it as a privacy fence, 6x6 posts stand out and make it look more substantial. I wouldn't want it either.

If you're doing a "good neighbour" style fence you can use 6x6's nicely.

I really like the ecobuilder's 4x6 fence though.

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Oct 18th, 2014 9:27 am
  • #6
fdl
Deal Fanatic
Dec 5, 2009
5773 posts
3615 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 9:27 am

Your neighbours comments are wrong. 6x6 will not decrease property value. And their use In residential homes is quite common. I like 6x6. That's what my whole street went with at my old place. It's fairly common.

It may be overkill but I think it is sturdier. Ultimately I think it comes down to looks and what you prefer. I find 6x6 posts make the fence look higher end. The only con I can think of with 6x6 is cost.

At the end of the day off if he insists on 4x4 just go with it because having a good relationship with the neighbour is more important than the size of the posts.

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Oct 18th, 2014 9:30 am
  • #7
airmail
Deal Fanatic
May 5, 2008
6414 posts
3251 upvotes
Manitoba

Oct 18th, 2014 9:30 am

Make sure you install 2x4s on their edge, you could always install 4 x 4 every 6 feet

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Oct 18th, 2014 9:30 am
  • #8
arisk
Deal Addict
Nov 12, 2006
3109 posts
2316 upvotes
London

Oct 18th, 2014 9:30 am

rosario99 wrote: I'm looking to install a new fence between my home and my neighbor's running from the front of the home to back (70 feet straight run). The existing fence was falling to pieces and sagging. He couldn't afford his half to rip out the fence and install the new one so I told him i'd pay 100% of the cost. No worries.

.....

Without the hostility, etc., I'd have to side with the neighbour on fact.
Using 6x6, it will seem big and bulky.
Typically 4x4 is used.

I'd perhaps use them at corners.

It seems there was a lack of communication.
If you were going to substantially deviate from the orginal design, you should discuss and come to an agreement before construction.

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Oct 18th, 2014 10:08 am
  • #9
andrew-g
Member
Jul 15, 2003
256 posts
7 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 10:08 am

With the young age of wood used these days 4x4 of today are nothing like 4x4 of 25 years ago. 4x4 posts of today will twist, wharp and split like never before. 6x6 are becoming more common because of these issues. These things can and do happen with 6x6 but a lot less. I would never ever use 4x4 again for fence and deck projects.

I would move your fence onto your side of the property line and continue with the project and ignore your neighbour, he sounds like a wack job and things will only get worse.

+1
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Oct 18th, 2014 10:43 am
  • #10
azn_dan
Deal Addict
Feb 10, 2006
3695 posts
1142 upvotes
Whitby

Oct 18th, 2014 10:43 am

Considering the neighbour isn't paying for anything I would have given myself free reign to build as I like. How can he complain about property value when his previous fence was sagging and falling apart...

+1
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Oct 18th, 2014 12:32 pm
  • #11
Rockymountain
Deal Addict
Oct 3, 2011
1215 posts
269 upvotes
OTTAWA

Oct 18th, 2014 12:32 pm

I would build the fence on my property in the way I like. You will regret if you don't. Would like to know your decision.

+3
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Oct 18th, 2014 12:42 pm
  • #12
fdl
Deal Fanatic
Dec 5, 2009
5773 posts
3615 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 12:42 pm

azn_dan wrote: Considering the neighbour isn't paying for anything I would have given myself free reign to build as I like. How can he complain about property value when his previous fence was sagging and falling apart...

So true. I guess he thinks 6x6 posts are worse than a broken sagging fence. Lol.

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Oct 18th, 2014 12:54 pm
  • #13
aquariaguy
Deal Fanatic
Sep 13, 2003
9923 posts
1665 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 12:54 pm

azn_dan wrote: Considering the neighbour isn't paying for anything I would have given myself free reign to build as I like. How can he complain about property value when his previous fence was sagging and falling apart...

FENCE POSTS: 6x6 or 4x4 ?? Advantages-Disadvantages? - RedFlagDeals.com Forums (6) Tell the neighbour that.

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Ten blind humans - a disaster
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Oct 18th, 2014 2:16 pm
  • #14
JAC
Deal Expert
Apr 16, 2001
16588 posts
3499 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 2:16 pm

IMHO, 6x6 looks nice, and conveys the impression that "I can afford better." They're less likely to warp than a 4x4 as well.

[IMG]http://accuratefencellc.com/storage/Bas ... vacy_3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.how-to-build-a-fence-like-a- ... 001Fs2.jpg[/IMG]

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+2
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Oct 18th, 2014 2:58 pm
  • #15
Fraser River Rat
Deal Addict
Mar 4, 2007
2512 posts
572 upvotes
Vancouver

Oct 18th, 2014 2:58 pm

Hi,

Going to assume the old fence was on the property line, if you build the fence on your side of the property line, your neighbour will have no say as to what kind of fence you can put up. What do the other neighbours think of your choice of posts & fence panels? Yes, 6 X 6 posts are overkill but will look great so long as you don't put up cheap panels between the posts. If your neighbour doesn't stop chirping, you should put up 6 ft. high panels to go with the 6 X 6 posts.

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Oct 18th, 2014 3:02 pm
  • #16
dgmorr
Deal Addict
Jul 26, 2004
3356 posts
62 upvotes
Ontario

Oct 18th, 2014 3:02 pm

I'm surprised at the responses saying 6x6 would look huge. I always thought 4x4 looked flimsy. I used 6x6 and wouldn't accept anything smaller - I prefer the look. As long as it doesn't heave, it will withstand rot by a few more years.

This is also brings back memories of the fence I paid 100% for as well and the neighbour came out to complain about how I trampled on one of her $5 plants. Some people just don't understand what free means these days.

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Oct 18th, 2014 3:12 pm
  • #17
RCGA
Deal Fanatic
Dec 10, 2008
5256 posts
2107 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 3:12 pm

The fence examples above are facing the road, in which case 6x6 looks fine. But to divide a property, they're overkill.

Let's hug it out

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Oct 18th, 2014 3:18 pm
  • #18
AMD
Deal Addict
Jul 23, 2004
2347 posts
1009 upvotes
Montreal

Oct 18th, 2014 3:18 pm

I didn't know people were building fences with 6x6. All the fences I've seen are 4x4.
I built one 2 years ago with 4x4. They warped a bit but it doesn't affect looks or sturdiness.

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Oct 18th, 2014 3:44 pm
  • #19
fdl
Deal Fanatic
Dec 5, 2009
5773 posts
3615 upvotes

Oct 18th, 2014 3:44 pm

4x4 is more common but 6x6 also regularly used. They look better, are stronger, and will last longer IMO.

Overkill? Maybe, but other than cost why would anyone care?

The argument that they will look bad or hurt resale is absurd.

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Oct 18th, 2014 4:19 pm
  • #20
AudiDude
Deal Guru
Mar 1, 2004
12861 posts
1485 upvotes
Pickering

Oct 18th, 2014 4:19 pm

JAC wrote: IMHO, 6x6 looks nice, and conveys the impression that "I can afford better." They're less likely to warp than a 4x4 as well.

[IMG]http://accuratefencellc.com/storage/Bas ... vacy_3.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.how-to-build-a-fence-like-a- ... 001Fs2.jpg[/IMG]

What he says.
I regret using 4x4s instead of 6x6 posts. Some have warped. 6x6 looks more substantial and is sturdy. If I wanted flimsy, I would have put up a white picked fence to keep my wife and 1.6 kids looking good. Old school fences were for old school communities that decorated alike. Nowadays with the person on the left not mowing the lawn with broken toys and cars and the person on the right decorating the front and back lawn with 5 foot high flowers and me wanting a mowed lawn with trimmed hedges and minor flowers, I want a sturdy fence so I can't see or hear them and I can pretend I don't see them if I wish.

A perfectly straight substantial looking fence should increase sale value. If you went into a house where all the door casing and trim was upgraded to thicker more decorative casing and trim, the house can fetch more $$s, so why not the fence?

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FENCE POSTS:  6x6 or 4x4 ??  Advantages-Disadvantages? - RedFlagDeals.com Forums (2025)
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