How long does resin take to set compared to concrete?

Resin post fix (e.g. Postcrete, Post Buddy, Sika Post Fix) typically sets firm enough to attach panels within 3-10 minutes. Standard postcrete/post mix takes about 5-10 minutes. Traditional concrete (mixed from cement and ballast) takes 24-48 hours to reach working strength and 7 days for full cure. Resin is dramatically faster for single-day fence installations.

Which is stronger — concrete or resin?

Traditional concrete provides the strongest fixing when fully cured, with excellent compressive strength around a post. Resin post fix expands to grip the hole walls and provides good lateral strength, but concrete has the edge for heavy gates, corner posts and end posts under significant wind load. For standard fence panels, both methods provide more than adequate strength.

How much does each method cost per post?

Traditional concrete (ballast + cement) costs approximately £3-5 per post hole. Postcrete/post mix costs £4-6 per post. Resin post fix costs £6-12 per post. For a 10-post fence, the difference is roughly £30-70 in materials. The labour saving from faster installation often outweighs the material cost difference.

Can I remove a post set in resin?

Resin-set posts are generally easier to remove than concrete-set posts. The resin creates a plug that can often be lifted out with the post using a post puller or by rocking. Concrete requires breaking out with a breaker bar or sledgehammer, which is hard work and creates rubble to dispose of. This makes resin a better choice for temporary fencing or where future changes are likely.

Does concrete or resin work better in wet ground?

Concrete performs better in waterlogged conditions. Resin requires a reasonably dry hole to bond properly — standing water prevents proper expansion and adhesion. In very wet clay or high water table situations, concrete is more reliable. Some resin products specify that holes must be reasonably dry, while concrete can be poured into damp conditions successfully.

Concrete vs Resin Fence Post Fixing

Compare traditional concrete and fast-setting resin for fixing fence posts, covering setting time, strength, removal ease and cost per post.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Traditional Concrete	Resin Post Fix
Setting time	24-48 hours	3-10 minutes
Cost per post	£3-5	£6-12
Strength	Excellent	Good (adequate for panels)
Post removal	Difficult — break out	Easier — lifts out as plug
Wet ground	Works well	Poor — needs dry hole
Weight to carry	Heavy — 20-40 kg per post	Light — 1-2 kg per post
Mixing required	Yes (cement + ballast + water)	No — pour from pack
Best for	Gates, corners, end posts	Line posts, quick installs

When to Use Concrete

Gate posts and corner posts under high stress
Exposed sites with high wind loading
Wet or waterlogged ground conditions
Budget-critical projects with many posts
Permanent installations not expected to change

When to Use Resin

Speed is essential — same-day fence installation
Difficult access where carrying heavy concrete is impractical
Line posts for standard fence panels
Temporary or likely-to-change fencing
DIY projects where mixing concrete is not practical

Related Calculators

Use the Concrete for Fence Posts Calculator to calculate material quantities for your fence post installation.

How We Calculate This

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: April 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.

Concrete vs Resin Fence Post Fixing

Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Use Concrete

When to Use Resin

Related Calculators

How We Calculate This

Frequently Asked Questions

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