How to Repair a Fence

A broken fence in disrepair can ruin the appearance of any home, regardless of how beautiful it otherwise appears. Repairing a fence is a job that can be completed by any homeowner as long as you have the right tools and follow these steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paint or stain to match rest of fence
• Galvanized nails
• Concrete
• Wood preservative
• Fence boards
• Hand saw or circular saw
• 4-by-4-posts
• 2-by-4-posts
• Hammer

Repair the Rail

1. Determine if the rail is salvageable or has to be completely replaced.

2. If a horizontal rail is not rotten, hammer two pieces of 2-by-4 to the fence post directly under the damaged rail with galvanized nails to support it. Hammer the nails through the rail and into the 4-by-4-supports. A metal T-brace can also be hammered into the rail to support it.

3. If an entire rail needs replacement, disassemble the entire section of fence.

4. Cut individually-measured rail lengths of 2-by-4 so that each rail fits tightly against the fence posts. Each rail will need to be measured because of the inconsistencies in fence sections.

5. Nail rails into place with angled galvanized nails. The bottom rail can be positioned at grade level or up to 12 inches in height.

6. Measure and cut individual fence boards attempting to keep all of them a standard length.

7. Nail the boards into place using two nails at each rail. It's best to nail the top rail first so that adjustments may be made at the lower rail. Leave a space of one board between each board as it's nailed into the rail. Then return to the starting point and fill in the gaps.

Repair the Post

1. Determine if a wobbly fence post is completely rotted. If not, it can be splinted or supported instead of being replaced.

2. Brace the post by hammering 2-by-4-splints along the weakened area. Be sure to put one on each side.

3. If the post is loose in the posthole, brace the post by driving stakes into the posthole along the sides of the post, pinching it into a stable position. If the post cannot be secured this way, concrete can be added to create a secure concrete base.

4. Paint the new pieces of lumber to match the rest of the fence. Because of weathering, matching may be difficult and the entire fence may need repainting.

Tips & Warnings

• Before making repairs, it is wise to saturate wood with some type of preservative to prevent rot from spreading.

• Applying caulk to joints between posts and rails prevents moisture from penetrating into cracks.