How to Repair a Fence
Fix broken boards, leaning posts, and other common fence problems
What You'll Need
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Tools
Hammer
Drill/driver
Saw
Circular, reciprocating, or hand saw
Post level
Tape measure
Pry bar
Shovel
For post work
Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions
Assess the damage
10 minutes
Determine what needs repair: individual boards, entire sections, or posts. Check if posts are rotted at ground level or just leaning. Plan your repair approach.
Replace damaged boards
15-30 minutes per board
Remove damaged boards using a pry bar or by removing fasteners. Cut replacement boards to match. Pre-drill screw holes to prevent splitting. Attach with exterior deck screws (not nails - they pull out).
Pro Tip
Pre-drilling is essential for fence boards, especially near the ends.
Fix a leaning post - assess first
10 minutes
Determine why the post is leaning: rotted at base (needs replacement), inadequate concrete (can be reinforced), or soil erosion (can be stabilized). Check the post at ground level for rot.
Straighten a leaning post
30-60 minutes
Brace adjacent fence sections to prevent them from falling. Dig around the post base to expose the concrete (if any) or bare post. Use a level to determine true vertical. Either add concrete around existing base or dig out and reset.
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30 minutes + 24-48 hours cure
If the post is sound but unstable: dig the hole deeper, add gravel for drainage, set the post plumb, and pour concrete around it. Brace in position until concrete sets (24-48 hours).
Pro Tip
Shape the concrete so it slopes away from the post to shed water.
Replace a rotted post
1-2 hours + cure time
Brace fence panels on either side. Remove fasteners connecting rails to the old post. Dig out the old post and concrete. Set a new post in concrete, ensuring it's plumb. Reattach fence panels after concrete cures.
Warning
A rotted post should be completely replaced, not patched.
Repair sagging gates
30-60 minutes
Sagging gates usually need a turnbuckle and cable kit. Install diagonally from the lower hinge corner to the upper latch corner. Tighten the turnbuckle to lift the gate. Also consider replacing worn hinges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using interior screws that rust
- Not pre-drilling (splits wood)
- Concrete too wet when poured (weak)
- Not bracing post while concrete cures
- Patching rotted posts instead of replacing
Safety Warnings
- Call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities
- Wear gloves when handling treated lumber
- Use proper lifting technique for fence posts
When to Call a Professional
If many posts are rotted, for very long fence runs, if the fence is on a property line (may need survey), or for decorative/specialty fencing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Project Overview
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 1-4 hours
- Est. Cost
- $20–$100
- Tools
- 7 items
- Materials
- 4 items
- Steps
- 7
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