Repair your fence if the posts are still solid and the damage is limited to a few boards or one leaning section. Replace it if the posts are heaving, the wood is widely rotted, or you are fixing something every season. The deciding factor is almost always the posts, not the pickets. Here is how to tell which way to go and avoid throwing good money after bad.
When a repair makes sense
A repair is the smart, cheaper move when:
- The posts are solid and plumb. Good posts are most of a fence's value. If they are fine, repairs are easy.
- Only a few pickets are cracked, split, or missing. These swap out quickly.
- One section leans because of a single bad post, while the rest is straight.
- A storm took out a localized area but the rest is sound.
Repairs can also buy you a year or two to plan and budget for an eventual replacement.
When replacement is the better value
Replace the fence when:
- Multiple posts are heaving or rotted. Our clay works posts loose, and once several go, patching becomes endless.
- Rot or warping is widespread across many boards, not just a few.
- The fence leans down its whole length.
- You are repairing it every season. At some point the repairs cost more than a new fence that lasts another 15 to 20 years.
- You want a different look or height and the old fence is near end of life anyway.
The quick test
Push on several posts along the line. If they are firm, lean toward repair. If they rock or the concrete moves, the fence is failing at its foundation and replacement usually wins. For why posts fail here, see how long a wood fence lasts in Texas.
Not sure? Get an honest look
We will tell you when a repair is all you need rather than selling a full replacement. If it is time to replace, see the complete guide to fencing in DFW and what a new fence costs.
