Steel gateposts

[Murph7355]

Is 6mm mild steel (primed and painted) OK for gateposts?

Any sensible additional precautions to take for the bit that goes into the ground?

[Magooagain]

Condensation could be a problem so a discrete hole top and bottom for a bit of airflow may help.

[sherman]

Paint the bit in the ground with bitumen paint and the post will outlast you.

[Murph7355]

Cheers fellas. Will be following the advice.

Outlasting me is what I'm after!

I had contemplated stainless or galvanising but have been advised the former are expensive and potentially difficult to paint, and the latter not likely to give a smooth finish.

[biggiles]

Shape is important - have a look at some agricultural (galvanised) gateposts to get some perspective? Either in a merchants, or in the countryside..