How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Wood Fence?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Repairing a wood fence costs $654 on average, but homeowners could pay between $140 and $2,100. Factors like the extent of the damage, location, and type of wood influence repair costs. Regular maintenance is essential to prolong your fence's life. Budgeting for professional repairs ensures quality work and helps you avoid more costly issues down the line.

Common Fence Issues and Cost to Repair Them

First, identify what's wrong with your wood fence. Many common issues, from structural damage to below-ground problems, are simple fixes.

Rail Damage Repair and Wood Posts Replacement Costs

If a post is beyond repair, replacing it costs $270 on average. Shifting ground can cause posts to move out of position, but there are less expensive repairs, like resetting a post.

Weather deterioration, rot, or collision with an automobile will require replacement, which will cost significantly more. In some cases, you can use a steel spike, mender, or bracket to reinforce a damaged post or rail instead of replacing it at a cost of $12 to $20, excluding labor.

Repair needs depend on the type of wood and the design, but homeowners should not try to do it themselves, especially with the rails. Rails help reinforce the posts, and if you repair them incorrectly, more posts could easily break off or fall backward in high wind conditions. In most cases, a professional can repair or replace the damage and leave the rest of the fence intact, saving the homeowner time and money.

Cost to Repair a Rotted Wood Post

Repairing rot costs between $150 and $500, depending on the damage. This may include chemical treatments, filling holes, and staining or painting. In severe cases, you might need to replace the entire fence.

Wood is naturally susceptible to rot because of exposure to the elements. You have the choice to repair by patching and supporting the rotted posts or rails. Depending on the extent of damage, you might have to completely replace the support panels and boards, which will cost more but last longer against climate conditions.

Cost to Repair Holes & Cracks in a Wood Fence

Repairing holes and cracks costs between $125 and $400. If your fence needs refinishing or repainting, the project price will increase.

Causes of holes and cracks can include:

• Termites

• Climate conditions

• Damage from collision

Termites and climate conditions can cause wood fences to develop holes and cracks over time. Structures do not always need replacement, though. If the hole or crack isn't too extensive, you can patch or refinish boards, panels, and slats instead.

When extreme damage compromises the fence's integrity, you will need to remove the piece and replace it. That's why homeowners should have extra pieces of the same kind of lumber on hand. You can use them for patchwork at any time and avoid having a mismatched piece.

Weather Damage

Price to repair weather damage ranges from $210 to $620, depending on the type of finish and the extent of the wear and tear. Preparation of the surface, including cleaning and removing old finishes, may need more time, materials, and equipment and could increase total project costs.

To maximize durability, homeowners should stain or paint the wood to protect it from the weather for as long as possible. The type of stain or paint you add will affect how long it lasts against elements other than wind or termite damage. 

Leaning, Sagging, or Shifting Ground

Expect to pay between $200 and $400 to repair a leaning or sagging fence caused by damage or shifting ground. If the foundation and posts are sound, repairing rails and panels may be enough. Major work on the foundation and support structure will be more expensive.

Causes of a leaning or sagging fence can include:

• Base rot

• Failing parts

• Soil shifting

• Weather conditions

Posts sometimes sag because their bases rot below the ground level, but that doesn't mean you have to replace them. Rather, you can dig out the ground around it, put it in the correct upright position, and pour concrete around the base to hold it correctly in place again. Basic concrete costs between $3 to $6 per square foot. Another way to correct the sag is to install a diagonal brace to prop it up, again using concrete for support.

Sagging gates can occur due to surrounding posts sagging in the ground or failing parts. A gate can also sag if its heaviness forced the frame out of alignment. To fix this, you can install a tension rod with a turnbuckle adjustment for $5 to $15, excluding labor. Another way to mend a misaligned gate is to remove it from the hinges and attach a new wood diagonal bracing kit for between $15 and $40, not including labor.

In most cases, sagging or leaning is a complicated repair and not a DIY project. Homeowners should call a professional to diagnose the problem and give a quote to fix it.

Wooden Gate Repair Costs

Gate repair costs range from $100 to $400 and can include anything from replacing parts to fixing structural damage. The type of damage and whether you have a wooden or metal gate will determine how much you pay to fix it.

Problems with gates can include:

• Loose or creaky hinges

• Sagging due to weight

• Misaligned latches

Wood Fence Picket Replacement

Replacing missing boards or panels costs between $150 and $300. Prices depend on the type of wood you choose and the size of the replacement pieces.

Pickets come in a range of wood types and styles and range in price from $1 to $10 each. You should replace pickets when they warp or break. New units will need staining or painting to match the original fence and increase longevity. A standard picket is 6 feet tall and 6 inches wide.

Factors that Affect Repair Costs

Several factors affect repair costs, including local codes, the extent of the damage, fence size, fence type, and its style. Your location, the fence’s age, and its condition also influence the price.

Permits and Codes

For repairs, it's your responsibility to ensure the project complies with state, local, and community guidelines. Permits aren't always required for repairs, but when they are, your pro will often handle them and include the cost in the quote. Be sure to seek approval from your homeowners association before starting work to avoid fines or conflicts.

Height

Height will be different depending on local city codes and homeowner expectations. On average, local front yard codes for residential areas limit a fence to between 3 and 4 feet in height. Back or side yard structures can be around 6 feet tall. Those who need to make repairs will need to consider costs based on those heights.

Extent of Damage

The amount of damage will affect how much you pay. In most cases, the extent of damage depends on the type of wood. For example, pressure-treated lumber has many preservatives, so it will last indefinitely. Compared to other types, cedar and redwood stand up well underground and won’t need much stain or paint to handle the elements.

Those who invest in these kinds of materials are less likely to experience extensive amounts of harm. If they invest in less expensive materials, they might have a greater amount, which could mean more extensive repairs and a higher overall price.

Supporting Structure

Since posts support the rails and panels of the fence, they will be the main area needing repair should they ever break or rot. If an undamaged post moves out of its regular position, it will need resetting in a concrete foundation or deeper in the ground.

You will need to patch, refinish, or replace worn posts, depending on the extent of wear and tear and how it affects the rest of the structure. The type of damage, labor, number of posts, and wood type will factor into the total cost to fix this supporting structure.

Fence Maintenance Costs

Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend your fence's life and keep it looking its best. You can maintain your fence with a little time and a few inexpensive tools.

Equipment

The cost of pressure washing varies based on the length of your fence and other local specifics. You can purchase an electric or gas-powered pressure washer for between $90 and $800, depending on the desired strength. You can also rent pressure washers for between $40 and $100 per day. Be sure to choose the right equipment, sprayer tip, and technique when cleaning and prepping the material. Too much pressure can cause damage, while too little pressure will not effectively prepare the surface.

Staining, Painting, and Sealing

Painting or staining a fence costs between $3 and $14 per linear foot.

Coating your fence will improve its overall look and enhance its durability. Reapply sealants according to manufacturer recommendations, often every six to 24 months. Homeowners may also want to keep leftover or matching stain, paint, and sealant on hand for repairs and quick fixes.

DIY Wood Fence Repair vs. Hiring a Pro

Consider hiring a local fencing pro to repair your wood fence. Repairing a wooden fence can be a complicated job that requires at least two people, various skills, and specialized equipment. A professional can save you time and money by purchasing materials at wholesale prices, completing the work quickly, and avoiding costly errors. Start by searching for fencing pros near you and get quotes from at least two before making your decision.

Consider hiring a professional fencing contractor to ensure your wood fence is repaired correctly and efficiently.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.