Choosing between a 4x4 and a 6x6 post for a windy corner lot

I had a job last month on a corner lot in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the wind really whips around. The homeowner wanted a tall, 6-foot privacy fence. I was debating using standard 4x4 posts or spending more on 6x6 posts for the whole run. I decided to only use the 6x6 posts for the corner sections and the gate posts, about 8 posts total, and used 4x4s for the rest. It added about $300 to the material cost, but it was worth it. The fence feels rock solid in those high-stress spots, and the customer was happy with the look. Has anyone else tried mixing post sizes on a single job to save cash but still add strength where it counts?

2 comments

2 Comments

hernandez.jordan1d ago

Smart move mixing those posts. Did the same thing on a ranch fence last fall and it held up great.

sean_ramirez1d ago

It's a solid method. The mix seems to handle weather shifts better than using just one type. Saw a neighbor's single-material line sag after a tough winter. That combo approach adds some good backup.