Try These 13 Fence Post Cap Ideas To Enhance Your Backyard

Choosing the right backyard fencing for your family's lifestyle can be a challenge. But one element that can upgrade your space no matter what height, style, or material of barrier you install is the humble post cap. These are intended to prevent water from pooling on top of your posts, a serious problem that can cause them to rot or split. Designed to fit tightly over each one, fence caps are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Whether you have a fence made from vinyl, wood, or another material, there's an option out there that can add both functional protection and aesthetic appeal. There are also caps that serve double-duty by providing ambient lighting around your fence line or on top of your mailbox, deck railings, or any other landscaping post. From classic copper models to color changing orbs, solid cedar blocks to simple slip-on vinyl designs, these 13 fence post cap ideas can enhance your backyard.

While our lineup below should give you enough design choices to find a cap that fits your aesthetic preferences, zeroing in on the right size is one of the most important steps. Although most fence posts come in standard sizes, double-check by measuring two sides of your post to determine the true dimensions. After all, your cap needs to fit securely to keep out water and debris. "The ideal fence or deck post opening size is between 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch larger than the width of your post," Decks Direct says.

Whether you prefer a Gothic style or something more plain, reviewers say the Weatherables Outdoor Vinyl Post Covers fit securely over fence posts and are easy to install. Nearly 500 users gave them a five-star rating and consider the caps a great value for the money. Made of PVC, they simply slide on to your posts, protecting the tops from water that can cause warping or rot. Although you don't need to use screws or nails to fix them into place, you can use a product like the bestselling Gorilla 100% Waterproof Silicone Sealant for additional security if you'd like.

Do you love to host parties in your backyard? If creating a fun ambiance is important to you, reviewers say the SIEDiNLAR Solar Color Changing Post Cap Lights are a great choice for illuminating areas at night. Thousands of reviewers gave these waterproof caps a five-star rating, reporting that they fit on a variety of vinyl and wooden fence post sizes. In addition to a warm white light setting, the solar lights also have a setting that automatically cycles through seven bright colors.

Copper is a classic choice for outdoor accessories because it offers extreme durability and a beautiful appearance as it develops a patina from weather and age. Although they are a little more expensive than vinyl models, the HLC Solid Copper 4x4 Post Point Caps are made from a sturdy and thick-gauge copper that nearly 800 reviewers gave a five-star rating. They slide over posts before being secured with a small amount of adhesive. Keep in mind that they only fit over standard 4x4 posts, which typically measure slightly smaller than exactly 4 inches.

Do you love transforming your backyard into a tropical getaway with the look of flickering lights, but don't want the hassle or risk of live flames from tiki torches? If so, you may want to consider using the Dynaming Solar Flame Post Lights instead. Designed to fit 4x4, 5x5, or 6x6 wooden posts, hundreds of reviewers gave these post caps a five-star rating, describing them as easy to assemble and install. Charged in full direct sunlight, the realistic flame look also gets high marks.  

Ideal for topping off a traditional wooden fence post, the Deckorators 4x 4 Newport Classic Cedar Post Cap comes in both untreated and treated pyramid and traditional flat designs. Over 400 reviewers gave them a five-star rating, describing them as "well-made", "substantial", and "an excellent product at an excellent price." Made of western redcedar, these caps are a durable option that are resistant to decay and will accept finishes like DEFY Extreme Exterior Wood Stain. Just bear in mind you'll need a construction-grade adhesive like Loctite PL Premium to install them.

Unlike some other color-cycling models, the HUYIENO Solar LED Post Cap Lights don't just have bright white and color modes. You can also set one of the seven available colors to display steadily, a feature reviewers said made their fences, decks, and other outdoor spaces look "festive." Compatible with both 4x4 and 5x5 inch wooden posts, these solar-powered lights turn on automatically at night and are worth considering if you want a cohesive look on a variety of posts or pillars. 

Available in cyan, iridescent, and multicolor options, the SUNNYPARK Crackled Glass Mosaic Solar Post Cap Lights are another way to add eye-catching color to your backyard. Totally solar-powered, they're designed to fit 3.5x3.5 or 4x4 wooden posts. Made from rustproof mosaic glass patches, reviewers say these fence post caps are attractive and easy to install with the included screws. Along with mentioning the outstanding brightness and sparkle that attracts compliments from the neighbors, several users said they ended up ordering more.

From illuminating your garden to lighting your hardscape for safety, there are a lot of reasons why you need outdoor solar lights for your yard. The ENSLI 4x4 Solar Post Lights have three modes: cool white, warm light, and neutral. Its square strip with 40 LED beads is housed in a transparent and waterproof cover. Nearly 200 reviewers gave these lights a five-star rating, appreciating the quick installation and adapter that allows you to use the caps even if your fence post is smaller than 4x4 inches.

Available in a copper or black housing, the DenicMic Metal LED Solar Cap Lights stand out not just because of the metal lamp shades that feature decorative patterns. The solar-powered lights also provide a very bright yet warm glow that reviewers say adequately illuminates footpaths and decks. The base is compatible with a variety of post sizes, and users say they are easy to install. However, one did recommend using slightly larger screws than the ones included if you live in a high-wind area.

When you're after a more traditional look, especially if you're opting for a lantern style, it's important to pick a fence post cap that offers a vintage or retro shape. Hundreds of reviewers say the Melunar Waterproof Solar Post Lights are bright, attractive, and reliable in a wide range of temperatures. Although they're made of plastic, several users say they were better than they expected. Easy to mount with the included screws, the manufacturer recommends fully charging them in a sunny spot for at least 12 hours prior to use.

Color changing? Check. Waterproof? Check. Solar powered? Check. Thousands of users gave the SUNNYPARK Crackle Glass Design Fence Post Cap Lights a five-star rating because there are very few boxes this product doesn't check. They're capable of fitting wooden, composite, or vinyl fence posts measuring 4x4 inches or smaller, these solar models require slightly more installation expertise than a slide-on cap. You'll have to remove the insulating sheet to drill a few holes before carefully screwing them into place.

The Azdele 6x6 Aluminum Pyramid Post Caps are a bestseller on Amazon for a reason. Sold in a four-pack, these matte fence post caps are thick, powder-coated for UV-resistance and rustproofing, and designed to fit larger fence posts. Installation is simple, taking just a few minutes to drill the included screws into your wood posts. Users rave about this product, saying they "look amazing", offer "a perfect fit", and are "exactly what we needed". Others said they were impressed with the overall quality and durability, even against pesky squirrels that like to chew everything in sight.

Close to 3,000 reviewers gave the Dynaming 8 Pack High Brightness Flickering Flame Post Lights a five-star rating, making them some of the best-reviewed fence caps we could find. The solar-powered LED lights provide soft illumination thanks to an included AA rechargeable battery, and they come with a variety of bases to make them work with several post sizes. Reviewers said they "couldn't be happier," "would get them again in a heartbeat!", and rave about the realistic flame effect that adds both beauty and brightness.