Star Pickets

Star Pickets — Complete Buying Guide

Star pickets (also known as Y-posts or steel fence posts) are one of the most versatile and widely used fencing components in Australia. Whether you’re securing a rural property on the Sunshine Coast, fencing a large acreage block in South East Queensland, or setting up temporary yard fencing in Brisbane, star pickets offer an affordable, durable, and fast-to-install solution.

Black Bitumen Star Pickets

Black bitumen star pickets are coated with a bituminous paint finish that provides excellent corrosion resistance in standard conditions. The dark coating helps the posts blend into natural environments and is ideal for domestic gardens, landscaping borders, temporary fencing, and general-purpose rural applications. Black bitumen star pickets are the most cost-effective entry-level option and remain a popular choice for projects where budget is a priority and conditions are moderate.

• Finish: Black bituminous paint coating
• Best for: Gardens, landscaping, temporary fencing, general rural use
• Corrosion resistance: Good — suitable for standard and semi-rural conditions
• Cost: Most affordable option

Hot Dipped Galvanised Star Pickets

Hot dipped galvanised star pickets are manufactured with a zinc-coated finish applied through a hot-dip galvanising process, providing superior long-term corrosion protection compared to black bitumen posts. These are the preferred choice for coastal environments (including many areas along the Sunshine Coast), high-moisture zones, and permanent fencing installations that need to last decades. The galvanised finish is highly resistant to rust and withstands exposure to harsh Australian conditions far better over time.

• Finish: Hot dipped galvanised zinc coating
• Best for: Coastal properties, high-moisture areas, permanent rural and farm fencing
• Corrosion resistance: Excellent — significantly extends post lifespan
• Cost: Premium option, better long-term value for permanent installations

Star Picket Sizes — Which Height Do I Need?

Star pickets are available in a range of standard lengths to suit different fencing heights and applications. The right size depends on how many wire strands you’ll be running and what you’re fencing in or out.

• 450mm: A favourite with concretors — ideal for securing and bracing timber formwork and boxing when pouring concrete slabs, driveways, and pathways
• 600mm: Also widely used for concrete formwork and boxing, as well as light garden edging and shallow temporary stakes
• 900mm: Suited to lightweight garden borders and low-profile temporary fencing
• 1350mm: Common for small animal fencing, garden beds, and low boundary marking / 900mm high fencing
• 1500mm: One of the most popular sizes — ideal for standard rural and property boundary fencing
• 1650mm / 1800mm: Recommended where taller fencing is required, such as sheep or cattle enclosures suit 1150mm / 1200mm high fencing
• 2100mm / 2400mm: Used for high-security or livestock fencing requiring taller posts and 1500mm and taller fencing

As a general guide, allow for at least 300–400mm of post depth underground (up to 600mm for softer soils), with the remainder above ground for your fence height.

Star Picket Spacing — How Far Apart Should Posts Be?

Standard star picket spacing for rural fencing is typically 3–4 metres apart for plain wire or barbed wire fences, and 2.5–3 metres apart for ring-lock or mesh fencing where lateral load is higher. On undulating or rocky terrain on the Sunshine Coast and South East Queensland hinterland, you may need to reduce spacing to maintain consistent fence line tension. Always use strainer posts at corners and ends for a structurally sound fence.

Applications — Where Are Star Pickets Used?

• Rural and farm fencing: Boundary fencing for cattle, sheep, horses, and other livestock across South East Queensland properties
• Property boundaries: Cost-effective boundary marking for residential and semi-rural allotments around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast
• Temporary fencing: Construction sites, events, and short-term enclosures where quick installation and removal are needed
• Garden and landscaping: Edging, retaining wire mesh for garden beds, trellis support, and slope stabilisation
• Security fencing: Combined with barbed wire for deterrent fencing on rural properties
• Erosion control: Securing geofabric, coir logs, and erosion control mesh on embankments and slopes

Installation Tips for Star Pickets

Star pickets can be driven into the ground using a manual star picket driver (a weighted steel tube) or a mechanical post driver for larger fencing projects. Always check for underground services before driving posts. In harder soils common in parts of Brisbane and inland South East Queensland, pre-boring pilot holes may be required to achieve the correct installation depth without bending the post. For permanent fencing, concrete backfill around corner and strainer posts will significantly increase structural integrity and extend the life of your fence line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between black bitumen and hot dipped galvanised star pickets?
Black bitumen star pickets have a bituminous paint coating that provides good corrosion resistance and is suited to standard conditions at a lower price point. Hot dipped galvanised star pickets have a zinc coating applied through a hot-dip process, offering significantly superior rust and corrosion protection — particularly important in coastal and high-humidity areas like the Sunshine Coast.

How long do star pickets last in the ground?
Black bitumen posts typically last 10–20 years depending on soil type and moisture levels. Hot dipped galvanised posts can last 30–50+ years in appropriate conditions. Coastal environments and high-moisture soils will accelerate corrosion, so galvanised is strongly recommended for properties near the coast or with wet, acidic soils.

Do you deliver star pickets to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and South East Queensland?
Yes — we offer Australia-wide delivery including to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and across South East Queensland. Freight is calculated at checkout based on your location and order size. For large orders, contact our team for a freight quote.

Can I use star pickets for a cattle or horse fence?
Yes, star pickets are widely used for cattle, horse, and sheep fencing across Queensland and Australia. For livestock fencing, we recommend 1650mm or 1800mm posts spaced 3–4 metres apart, combined with ring-lock or plain wire. For horse fencing specifically, ensure the wire type selected is appropriate for horses (avoid barbed wire near horses).

How many star pickets do I need per metre of fence?
At a standard spacing of 3 metres, you’ll need approximately 1 post per 3 linear metres of fence, plus strainer posts at corners and ends. For a 100-metre fence run, this equates to roughly 34 line posts plus corner strainers. Our team can help you calculate quantities — simply contact us with your fence length and layout.

Order Star Pickets Online — Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & Australia-Wide Delivery

Discount Landscape Supplies stocks a comprehensive range of star pickets in both black bitumen and hot dipped galvanised finishes, available in multiple sizes to suit your project. We supply homeowners, farmers, landscapers, and contractors across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and all of South East Queensland. Order online with fast dispatch, or contact our team for bulk pricing and freight quotes on large orders.