A broken or leaning fence isn’t just an eyesore—it can affect your privacy, property value, and even safety. Whether it’s a few loose boards or a completely broken section, these issues tend to get worse over time if ignored.
Letting small problems sit often leads to larger damage—and bigger repair bills. But the good news? Most fence repairs are manageable, even if you're not a contractor.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to repair a fence step-by-step. We’ll also cover how to repair a wooden fence, how to repair a broken fence, and what to expect when it comes to cost.
Common Fence Problems You Can Fix Yourself
Before grabbing tools or wood, it helps to identify the damage. Here are the most common fence issues and what causes them:
Loose or missing boards – Often due to wind, rot, or simple wear and tear.
Broken fence sections – Caused by impact (like fallen branches) or prolonged neglect.
Leaning posts – A result of poor anchoring, soil erosion, or water damage.
Rusty or popped nails – Caused by moisture and aging materials.
Sagging gates – Usually from worn-out hinges or soft ground around the post.
Each of these can usually be fixed with basic tools and a few materials.
How to Repair a Broken Fence: What to Do Step-by-Step
If you're dealing with a broken fence—whether it's a cracked rail or a full section snapped—here’s how to handle it:
1. Remove Damaged Materials
Start by pulling out any splintered or broken boards, rails, or posts. Use a crowbar or claw hammer for leverage, and wear gloves to avoid injury.
2. Check the Structural Parts
Inspect the fence posts and nearby rails to make sure they’re still secure. If the post is unstable or the rail is cracked, those need to be replaced too.
3. Replace the Broken Section
Measure the damaged area and cut new boards to match.
Attach new boards using exterior screws or galvanized nails.
If a post is broken, dig out the old one and reset a new 4x4 post in concrete.
4. Reinforce Where Needed
Use metal brackets or braces if you’re reattaching boards to older rails. This gives the repair more strength and prevents future sagging.
5. Seal Exposed Wood
Apply a wood sealant or exterior paint to any new sections to protect against rot and water damage.
🛠️ Tip: When repairing a broken fence, take photos before and after—it can help if you need to show insurance, or just track what’s been fixed.
How to Repair a Wooden Fence in 5 Simple Steps
Wood fences are popular because they’re affordable and easy to repair. Here's a quick breakdown of how to fix a wooden fence specifically:
Inspect for rot or damage
Tighten loose hardware
Replace broken pickets or rails
Fix or reset leaning posts
Seal or stain exposed areas
We go into more detail on each of these in the earlier section—but the process stays the same whether it’s a small issue or a fully broken area.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Fence?
Fence repair costs vary depending on the damage and whether you hire a pro or DIY. Here’s what to expect:
On average, it costs $300 to $800 to repair a fence if you hire a contractor (source). DIY repairs are cheaper but take more time and effort.
When It’s Better to Repair Instead of Replace
Here’s when repairing makes more sense than replacing:
Less than 20% of the fence is damaged
The posts are still in good shape
You’re happy with the height and look of the fence
The damage is isolated to one section
But if the fence is rotting throughout, leaning badly, or over 15 years old, a full replacement may be a better long-term investment.(source)
Keep Your Fence in Good Shape Year-Round
Once you’ve repaired your fence, it pays to keep up with basic maintenance. Here’s how to make your repair last:
Inspect it twice a year for damage or rot
Clean it with mild soap and water every spring
Re-seal or stain wood fences every 2–3 years
Trim back plants around the base to prevent moisture damage
Staying on top of small repairs prevents bigger problems down the line.
Need Help with Fence Repair?
Here's How We Can Help Don’t have time to fix it yourself—or not sure where to start? Our fence repair team is here to make things easy.
We handle everything from replacing broken boards to full post resets, so you can keep your yard secure and looking good.
