Post padding sizes: which pad fits your post?
Post Protector Pads fit round galvanised steel posts in three sizes: NB100 for 114.3 mm posts (about 359 mm around), NB125 for 139.7 mm (about 439 mm) and NB150 for 165.1 mm (about 519 mm). Each comes in 1.8 m, 2.0 m, 2.4 m lengths. NB200 (219.1 mm) and other sizes are made by quote.
Post padding size table
| Pad size | Post outside diameter | Tape around post (approx.) | Also called | Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB100 | 114.3 mm | ≈ 359 mm | 100 NB, DN100, 4 inch, "114 pipe" | 1.8 m, 2.0 m, 2.4 m |
| NB125 | 139.7 mm | ≈ 439 mm | 125 NB, DN125, 5 inch, "139 pipe" | 1.8 m, 2.0 m, 2.4 m |
| NB150 | 165.1 mm | ≈ 519 mm | 150 NB, DN150, 6 inch, "165 pipe" | 1.8 m, 2.0 m, 2.4 m |
| NB200 | 219.1 mm | ≈ 688 mm | 200 NB, DN200, 8 inch, "219 pipe" | By quote |
Diameters are standard Australian galvanised pipe sizes (AS 1074 / AS/NZS 1163); wall thickness does not change the outside diameter. Circumference = π × diameter, rounded. Structural 168.3 mm pipe is close to NB150 but larger: ask us. Square posts and timber posts are by quote.
How to measure your post
Wrap a tape measure once around the post and compare the reading with the size table. It takes under five minutes and needs only a flexible tape.
- Wrap a tape around the post. At about knee height, wrap a flexible tape measure once around the post and read the circumference in millimetres. A tailor’s tape or a strip of paper you then measure flat also works.
- Match the circumference to a size. About 359 mm around is NB100 (114.3 mm outside diameter), about 439 mm is NB125 (139.7 mm) and about 519 mm is NB150 (165.1 mm). If you are more than about 10 mm away from these, ask for a quote.
- Measure up to the lowest fixing. Measure from the finished ground (or soft-fall surface) up to the lowest sail fixing, eye bolt, bracket or padeye on the post.
- Choose a pad length. Pick the longest pad (1.8 m, 2.0 m or 2.4 m) that still leaves a clear gap, about 300 mm as a rule of thumb, below the lowest fixing so the hardware can be tensioned and inspected.
Prefer a calculator? Enter your measurements in the Will it fit? check on the order page.
Which pad length should I choose?
Choose the longest pad that stops below the lowest sail fixing with a clear gap, about 300 mm as a rule of thumb. The pad always sits on the ground and wraps up the post.
| Pad length | Lowest fixing at least | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 m | about 2.1 m | Childcare centres, kindergartens, primary schools |
| 2.0 m | about 2.3 m | General use, most shade sail posts |
| 2.4 m | about 2.7 m | Tall posts, sports areas, secondary schools |
Measure from the finished ground or soft-fall surface. If a bracket or eye bolt is lower than these, choose a shorter pad or ask for a custom length.
How to fit a post protector pad
Stand the pad on the ground against the post, wrap it around and press the full-length closure shut. No tools are needed. Fitting instructions come with every pad and take precedence over this guide.
- Check the post. Make sure the post is clean and dry and there are no sharp burrs, loose fixings or bolt ends in the area the pad will cover.
- Stand the pad on the ground. Stand the pad upright against the post, sitting on the ground or soft-fall surface, with the closure facing away from the main play or traffic area.
- Wrap and close. Wrap the pad around the post and press the overlapping closure firmly along its full length so it sits snug without gaps.
- Check the gap. Confirm the top of the pad stops below the lowest sail fixing with a clear gap, and re-check the closure after the first few days and after storms.
Post pads help soften accidental bumps against posts. They do not replace compliant playground surfacing or your own site risk assessment.
Prices by size and length
Pads cost $395 to $525 each depending on post size and length, plus delivery from $70 for one pad (calculated by postcode at checkout). Quantity discount: 5% off 10+ pads, 10% off 20+ pads. Not registered for GST. No GST is charged.
| Post size | 1.8 m pad | 2.0 m pad | 2.4 m pad |
|---|---|---|---|
| NB100 114.3 mm post | $395 | $425 | $485 |
| NB125 139.7 mm post | $415 | $445 | $505 |
| NB150 165.1 mm post | $435 | $465 | $525 |
Quantity discount: 5% off 10+ pads, 10% off 20+ pads. NB200 (219.1 mm) posts, custom colours and printing are by quote.
Installing new posts? Read how deep a shade sail post should be.