
How to Restore an Old Wood Fence in 8 Steps
- Check the Posts. If you’re, you know, on the fence (sorry) about restoring your old wooden fence, the first thing you should do is check the state of its foundation.
- Identify What Needs to be Repaired or Replaced. ...
- Power Wash. ...
- Let the Fence Dry. ...
- Sand Your Fence. ...
- Make Any Necessary Repairs. ...
- Apply Sealer or Stain. ...
- Repeat Every Two Years. ...
How much does it cost to repair a wooden fence?
How much does it cost to repair a wooden fence? Homeowners nationwide pay an average of $585 to repair a wooden fence. Project costs usually range from $298 and $871 but can be as little as $150 or as much as $1,350.
Should I repair or replace my wood fence?
Replace Fence Posts and Rails
- Repair or Replace My Fence after Massive Fence Damage. Replacing major fence damage will be cheaper. ...
- Multiple Fence Post Problems. It is fine to just fix one fence post when it is loose, splintered or warped. ...
- Parts and Materials Are No Longer Available. ...
- Lack of Functionality. ...
- Fence OKC Estimates Are Always Free. ...
How to best maintain your wooden fence?
Follow the instructions below to fill a cracked fence with epoxy successfully:
- Clean the cracked area with a wood-safe cleaner
- Mix the epoxy according to the directions on the box
- Apply the mixed epoxy to the cracks in the fence
- Let the epoxy set based on the recommended times in the product directions
How to renew your wooden fence?
STEP 1: Remove Loose Paint
- Remove Loose Paint Do not ignore the cardinal rule of repainting anything: Never paint over peeling paint. ...
- Prep and Repair Once you’ve thoroughly scraped away the loose paint, it’s time to examine the fence and make repairs. ...
- Prime and Paint

How do you repair a rotting fence?
Step 1: Detach the Fence's Rotted Section. | ... Step 2: Remove Rotted Patches of Wood. Save. ... Step 3: Replace the Rotted Patches. Save. ... Step 4: Attach the Fence Posts You Just Fixed. | ... Install the Fence Properly. ... Choose the Right Fence Materials. ... Stain the Wood Fence. ... Clean the Fence Regularly.More items...•
How do you repair a rotted wooden fence post?
1:527:34How to Fix a Broken Fence Post in Under 30 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's just rotted down below where it broke. And I'll take something to kind of scrape in there. So IMoreIt's just rotted down below where it broke. And I'll take something to kind of scrape in there. So I find the hole in the concrete where the post sits.
How do you replace fence panels between wooden posts?
3:024:51How to Repair and Replace Wooden Fence Section Panel Only - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey'll need two screws at the top and they go in really easy into the wood. Then I'll take two moreMoreThey'll need two screws at the top and they go in really easy into the wood. Then I'll take two more screws to secure the bottom of the slat.
How do I rebuild an existing fence?
0:154:30Replacing Privacy Fence - DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse the breaker bar to impact and crack the concrete again on the corner. And then pull the concreteMoreUse the breaker bar to impact and crack the concrete again on the corner. And then pull the concrete out this method keeps the concrete in bigger pieces.
How do you repair a rotten wood fence post without replacing it?
0:1610:03Rotten Fence Post How To Fix It Cheaply Yourself - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf. You can get the post into the hole. And then line up the diagonal cuts and screw them togetherMoreIf. You can get the post into the hole. And then line up the diagonal cuts and screw them together with some wood glue on it because if that's the case then the post should be secure.
How do you fix rotting wood post without replacing it?
Wood fillers are products such as Bondo and Minwax that are designed to be all-purpose fillers for gaps, holes, and rotted wood. Their application is simple, they cure quickly, and they're not supposed to shrink once dry.
Can you replace one fence panel?
If you are only replacing one or two panels, you'll want to match them as closely to the existing ones as possible. If you've bought new clips to help you install the new panel, now is the time to screw them into place. Ideally, put three clips on either side at the top, middle and bottom of each post.
How do you fill gaps between fence boards?
4:034:28Cover Gap on Wood Fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBring it down here and just cut it right there and then staple that down and just continue on downMoreBring it down here and just cut it right there and then staple that down and just continue on down and that'll keep that uh all those gaps filled so that you have some privacy in your yard.
How do I remove and replace fence panels?
1:309:06How to fix a broken fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipObviously whenever you need a loose hacksaw blade always wear protective gloves. Check that theMoreObviously whenever you need a loose hacksaw blade always wear protective gloves. Check that the nails are out then use a nail bar or crowbar to prise away the damaged. Panel.
How do you renew an old wood fence?
All you have to do is remove the surface layer of aged wood cells to expose a fresh layer of wood. With a power washer, it's as easy as washing your car. Then apply an exterior wood oil fence stain to preserve this new layer of wood. It'll prolong the life of your fence to boot.
How do you update an old wood fence?
0:011:01Updating Older Backyard Fence - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBeams. Next use a top string and level and nail fence boards of the same size to the cross. Beams ifMoreBeams. Next use a top string and level and nail fence boards of the same size to the cross. Beams if you decide to add stain to the fence pick a color that will enhance the look of your landscape.
How can I make my old wood fence look better?
0:134:09How To Revitalize an Old Fence With Ready Seal!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSolution. So let me show you how we do that okay so our cleaning solution is made up of 25% bleachMoreSolution. So let me show you how we do that okay so our cleaning solution is made up of 25% bleach 75% water with a drop of the dishwashing detergent to help it stick to the wood.
What are the components of a wood fence?
The components of a wood fence include vertical posts, rails that run horizontally from post to post, and screening material such as boards or pickets. Examine your fence, no matter what its type, and you can probably identify each of these elements. Rot is a wood fence's biggest enemy.
What to do if a post is rotted?
If the post is rotted or broken, you may be able to repair it with a pair of splints or you may have to replace the entire post. Advertisement. If the post seems intact but has come loose in its hole, a pair of stakes or, better yet, a new concrete base can steady the post. To stake a post:
How to repair a 2x4 rail?
Step 1: Before you make repair, saturate the damaged areas and a 2x4 liberally with a wood preservative. This keeps the rot from spreading. Step 2: To make a cleat to support the rail, make sure the rail is level, then fit a 2x4 snugly underneath.
How long should nail boards be?
They should be of uniform length, as long as the distance from the bottom of the bottom rail to the top of the top rail, as measured at one of the posts. Starting at one end, nail boards to one side of the rails, leaving space equal to a single board width between each.
How to plumb a post?
To plumb a post, set it in in its hole, hold a level to one side, and adjust the post until the level's bubble is exactly centered. Step 7: To set intermediate posts, measure the height of each end post above grade level to ensure that both are the same height .
Can you use untreated wood for a fence?
With the latter, no finishing is necessary; the fence can be left to weather naturally. If you must, you can use untreated wood for screening and top rails, and for bottom rails that are at least four inches above the ground. You'll need 4x4s for fence posts, 2x4s for rails, and 1x4s or 1x6s for screening.
What is a wood fence?
Wood fences usually consist of posts, rails and screening material. The posts run vertically while rails stretch horizontally between posts. The screening material consists of pickets or boards. Examine each of the fence components at least once per year, and correct any issues before they create bigger hassles.
Why do fence posts rot?
Posts are particularly susceptible to rot, especially when they weren’t treated to fend off wet weather conditions. The lowest rails and screenings can deteriorate when vegetation rubs against the wood and traps water. The following five tips can help you keep your wood fence in the best shape possible.
Basic Damage
If there are some minor cracks or knotholes in your fence, you can easily fix this with just a bit of wood filler or putty. Granted, these fixes will be noticeable unless you stain or paint your fence afterwards. Here’s how to fix a knothole with wood putty:
Board Replacement
If a few boards on your fence are damaged or warped, you can replace them with new ones, rather than replacing the entire fence. Start by finding the measurements for your boards so you can get the right amount of lumber to replace them. You should be able to find boards for your fence at your local hardware store or lumber yard.
Posts
While replacing the entire fence post is recommended if there’s serious structural damage, such as a rotting or broken post. You can also add some extra support to posts that have minor damage. The simplest solution is to use metal post base, which can be bought for around $15-$20.
How much does it cost to restore a wood fence?
In many cases, restoring an old wood fence is actually a better option than replacing it. A new wooden fence can cost up to $3,000, and installing a wrought iron fence could cost even more. This step-by-step guide will help make your old fence look new again.
What is the best way to clean cedar fences?
Power washing your fence helps remove grime, fungi, wood flakes, and peeling wood. It’s also a good way to clear away gray fading, a common occurrence when tending to older cedar fences.
What is the best sandpaper for restoring a fence?
Sanding helps remove splinters and sharp edges and gives your old wooden fence a fresh look. Medium-grit sandpaper is good for most fences.
How much pressure to use to power wash a fence?
If you use a store-bought chemical cleaner, be sure to read the label and use the correct water ratio. Start on low (500 to 800 PSI) when power washing your fence and increase as needed. Too much pressure could strip or damage the wood.
