Fence Repair Guide: Common Issues, DIY vs Pro, Costs
How to diagnose fence problems and decide whether to fix or replace.
💡 Quick Answer
Most fence repairs cost $150–$700. Replacing a few boards is a simple DIY job. Leaning fences, broken posts, and storm damage usually need a professional.
Common Fence Problems & Repair Costs
Broken or Missing Boards
$50–$150The most common repair. Individual boards crack, warp, or blow off in storms.
DIY? Yes — remove old board, measure, cut replacement, nail or screw in place. Easy weekend project.
Leaning Fence
$150–$400Usually caused by rotting posts, loose soil, or wind damage. Gets worse if ignored.
DIY? Maybe — you can brace with steel supports. But if the post is rotted underground, it needs professional replacement.
Broken/Rotted Post
$200–$500 per postThe most serious common repair. Posts rot at ground level where moisture collects.
DIY? Difficult — requires digging out concrete footing, setting new post, realigning panels. Hire a pro.
Sagging Gate
$100–$300Gates sag over time from weight and use. Hardware loosens, hinges bend, posts shift.
DIY? Yes — install an anti-sag gate kit ($20-40 at any hardware store). Takes 30 minutes.
Storm/Wind Damage
$200–$1,000+High winds can knock down entire sections. Falling trees can destroy fence runs.
DIY? No — usually needs multiple posts and panels replaced. Check your homeowner's insurance — storm damage may be covered.
Repair vs Replace: When to Call It
🔧 Repair When:
- • Damage is localized (1-2 sections)
- • Fence is less than 10 years old
- • Posts are still solid
- • Repair cost is less than 50% of replacement
- • You're not planning to sell soon
🔄 Replace When:
- • Multiple posts are rotted
- • More than 20% of boards are damaged
- • Fence is over 15 years old
- • Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement
- • You're planning to sell your home
- • You want to upgrade material or style
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- • Inspect annually: Walk the fence line every spring. Catch small problems before they become big ones.
- • Keep soil away from wood: Soil contact accelerates rot. Maintain a 2-inch gap between ground and bottom board.
- • Stain/seal wood fences: Every 2-3 years. This is the #1 thing you can do to extend fence life.
- • Clear vegetation: Vines, bushes, and trees pushing against fences cause damage. Keep plants trimmed back.
- • Fix small problems fast: A loose board becomes a missing board. A small lean becomes a fallen section.
Need a Fence Repair Pro?
Find fence contractors in your area who handle repairs and replacements.
Find Contractors Near YouRelated guides: Fence Cost Guide · Fence ROI · Getting Quotes