Concrete fence posts have been in use for decades, but their popularity has made a wider range of styles, sizes and surface patterns available. One advantage of using concrete fence posts is not having to ever replace a warped or rotted wood fence post again. Whether set in a concrete footing, as with standard wood or metal posts, or simply buried in the ground, concrete fence posts offer increased support for any fencing type and are typically sold in standardised lengths. When your fence height or terrain requires the posts to be cut, the procedure is easy to complete.

Measure the desired length of the concrete fence post and mark the cut point on the post, and then use a hand square to extend the cut line to all four sides of the post. For concrete fence posts with a prefinished end (domed, bevelled and so forth), be certain to mark and cut the bottom end of the post to retain a "finished" top.

  • Concrete fence posts have been in use for decades, but their popularity has made a wider range of styles, sizes and surface patterns available.
  • For concrete fence posts with a prefinished end (domed, bevelled and so forth), be certain to mark and cut the bottom end of the post to retain a "finished" top.

Set the depth of cut to 2.5 cm (1 inch) on a circular saw equipped with a carborundum or masonry saw blade. Cutting the concrete fence post in 2.5 cm (1 inch) depth increments minimises stress on the circular saw's motor.

Start the initial cut from either side of the concrete fence post and slowly move the saw through the full cut.

Rotate the concrete fence post 90 degrees and repeat Step 3 to cut the side.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to complete a cut on each side of the concrete fence post. A 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep cut should now be completed on all four sides of the post.

Set the depth of cut on the circular saw to 5 cm (2 inches) and repeat Steps 3 and 4. At this depth of cut, the steel reinforcing bar(s) at the centre of the post will be cut as well.

  • Start the initial cut from either side of the concrete fence post and slowly move the saw through the full cut.
  • Set the depth of cut on the circular saw to 5 cm (2 inches) and repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for concrete fence posts larger than 10 cm by 10 cm (4 inches square) until the cut has been completed.

TIP

Covering the circular saw motor vents with strips of duct tape helps to keep the abrasive concrete dust out of the motor mechanisms to minimise the damage this dust can cause to the tool.

WARNING

Cutting concrete fence posts creates an abrasive dust that can be harmful to eyes and lungs. Wear eye and breathing protection during this procedure.