Average lifespan of steel t-posts?

[Sherri C]

I've never done fencing before and I'm trying to figure out if I can just upgrade the current fences here or if I'll need to totally replace them. The current set-up is steel t-posts and woven wire of undetermined age. The house was built in 1960 so it's not any older than that, we bought the place almost 4 years ago. The previous owners had horses, I'm planning on sheep. The woven wire is in sad shape and will need to be replaced but I'm not sure about the t-posts. They are pretty rusty but I can still see some paint on them and they aren't loose. I've looked on the internet and in various books but I haven't been able to find any figures for how long a t-post should last. Any ideas?

[tinknal]

Their lifespan is longer than yours.................lol

[Va. goatman]

I put in over 300 15 years ago and they still look good I'd say they will last 30 to 40 years

[rggambrell]

I put in some in 1983.Pulled a few out of the ground during the summer. They are still solid, a little rust on the surface, but will last for many more years.

[fantasymaker]

Depends on your climate and soil pull a couple and see what they look like at the soil line. thats where they rust and break.

[ceresone]

Ever tried to pull them out?? over 20 years--and they bend--not break-

[Rowdy]

A farmer I was working for let me have some old T posts we got when clearing some old fenceline. This guy said that the fence had been there ever since he could remember, and he had moved there late 50s/early 60s. They didn't even look like any Tpost I had seen before, but they held up fence for me at my last place. They were rusty, but still strong.

[bill not in oh]

Sherri
Fantasymaker is right that soil type will affect longevity of the posts. An acidic soil will be harder on them than a neutral or alkaline soil, but you're still looking at 20+ years even with a very acidic soil.

Since you're replacing the fencing itself, may I suggest you consider high-tensile electric [if you haven't already ruled it out for some reason]. It will be significantly less expensive to build, easier to maintain and provide superior predator protection against most types of predators. Most sheep won't challenge a fence of any type (except the rams when separated from the ewes, of course).

[Sherri C]

Thanks, that's exactly the answer I was hoping to hear! I just wanted to be sure saving money by not replacing the posts wasn't being penny wise but pound foolish.

Bill, I ruled out an electric fence because the fenceline goes thru some scrubby and wooded areas and I thought that it would keep grounding the fence out. To be honest, I'm terrified of electric fences. When I was about 9 years old there was a freak accident on my uncle's farm and my cousin was killed by an electric fence. Even though my adult mind knows that it was an undiagnosed heart condition that killed him and that a normal person would have just felt a big zap, I still hate the things.