Wooden or concrete posts: which should you choose for your installation?

When we talk about protecting a farm with anti-hail netting, the type of net and the installation system are key… But the structure that holds everything up starts with the posts. And this is where a common question arises among growers:

Is it better to install wooden posts or concrete ones? At Novafrut we work with both materials, and here we explain their advantages and disadvantages, and when it makes sense to choose one or the other.

Wooden posts: flexibility and impact absorption

Wooden posts are an excellent technical option for certain conditions. They are especially valued for how they behave under impacts and their adaptability to the terrain. Advantages of wooden posts:

• High shock absorption: they do not crack easily if hit by machinery or subjected to localised stresses.
• Flexible and lighter: ideal for farms with contour lines or irregular areas.
• Faster installation: they require less machinery and are quicker to handle.

Disadvantages: ❌ Higher price: currently, the cost per unit can be almost double that of concrete. ❌ Sensitivity to moisture if they are not properly treated. ❌ Shorter service life in very wet or poorly drained soils, if high-quality wood is not used (such as the class 4 SP we use at Novafrut).

Concrete posts: strength and a better cost/durability ratio

Concrete posts are a robust and economical solution for most agricultural projects. Their long-term behaviour makes them a very widespread option. Advantages of concrete posts:

• More economical: their cost per unit is significantly lower than that of wood.
• High durability: resistant to moisture and the passage of time, with very little maintenance.
• Greater structural stability for large installations.

Disadvantages: ❌ Less impact absorption: they can crack if they take a sharp blow or localised stress. ❌ Heavier: installing them requires machinery and can be slower in hard-to-reach areas. So… which post should you choose? There is no single answer. The right choice depends on several factors: If you prioritise… You should go for… Flexibility and impact absorption

• Wooden posts

Speed of installation

• Wooden posts

Cost per hectare

• Concrete posts

Maximum durability and strength

• Concrete posts

Mixed and large-scale installations

• Concrete inside + wood around the perimeter

At Novafrut we analyse each project according to the terrain, the type of crop, the machinery and the available budget. Not every field needs the same thing. That is why we do not install the same thing in every field.

Would you like us to advise you on which type of post to use on your farm?

We offer a no-obligation visit to study your case and help you choose the materials that will give you the best performance.