Old Canaan Building Materials

A granite fence post combines the permanence of granite with the function of a fence post. It does not rot like wood, does not require the maintenance of iron, and once set, does not move. It is heavier and more expensive than the alternatives, and on the right property — where permanence is part of the message — it is the correct choice.

A granite fence post is a simple square or rectangular shaft, typically 6 to 8 inches square, with a sawn or split top, set vertically at the same intervals as a wood post-and-rail fence. The wood or iron rail threads through drilled holes or mounts to brackets set into the stone. The contrast of stone post against wood rail is one of the most permanent-feeling fence details in New England.

Granite fence posts are quarried and cut to order, typically 6" to 8" square, 4 to 6 feet in length with 18 to 24 inches set below grade. Holes for rail mounting are drilled at the quarry or fabricator to the specification provided. New England granite sources — New Hampshire and Maine quarries — supply this as a custom order item.

Granite posts do not move once set in a proper concrete or compacted base below frost depth. They require no maintenance. The rail material threaded through or mounted to them — wood or iron — requires its own maintenance cycle independent of the post.

Granite posts are correct at significant entries, agricultural property boundaries with permanent intent, and anywhere a wood or iron post would read as too modest for the property. They are not correct for a simple garden fence where the scale would overwhelm the setting.

From granite fabricators who can drill rail holes to specification. Provide rail material and dimension before ordering so holes are correctly sized and positioned. Lead time is several weeks for custom drilling.