How Much Does Fence Repair Cost?

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For fences that are sagging, leaning, or full of cracks, fence repair cost ranges from $302 to $922, with many homeowners spending $594.

Highlights

• The typical cost range for fence repair is from $302 to $922, with the national average cost at $594.
• The main factors affecting fence repair cost include the length, height, and material of the fence; the type of repair; and the cost of labor.
• A homeowner may need to consider fence repair if they notice cracked or warped wood, rusted nails or screws, leaning or falling posts, stains or mildew, ground erosion, fallen trees, storm damage, termite damage, or vehicle damage.
• Homeowners may be able to take on minor fence repairs themselves, but it often makes more sense to hire a professional, especially for larger fence repair projects.

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Repairing a broken or sagging fence can help improve the curb appeal of a home and also secure the property. Typically, it’s less expensive to repair a fence than replace it, so the average homeowner will choose to hire a fencing professional to make the repairs. How much does fence repair cost? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, fence repair pricing ranges from $302 to $922, with the national average at $594, including the fencing materials and local labor costs. The overall price depends on the fencing style and material, the extent of damage, the fence size, and the type of fence repair needed. The cost of a new wood fence depends on the type of wood and the size of the fence. A minor repair can cost as little as $50, while substantial damage can cost as much as $2,300.

Labor costs average about $50 per hour, but local labor rates can be higher if the fence is located in a remote area or is on hilly or rocky terrain or if there are complex repairs. Since professional fencing contractors typically bill by the hour, homeowners can expect to pay more if the repairs are time intensive. From split rail fence costs to chain link fence costs to vinyl fence costs, the final tally for repairs can vary based on the fencing material and the type of repair. This guide will look into the important factors that influence fence repair cost, additional price considerations that can change the overall repair cost, the different types of fence repair, and some key questions for homeowners to ask a contractor about the fence repair process.

Factors in Calculating Fence Repair Cost

While many homeowners spend between $302 and $922 to repair a fence, the final price can vary from the national average of $594 due to a few important factors. These can include fence length, height, and material; repair type; and local labor costs.

Fence Length

Fence length plays a significant role in determining fence repair cost. Repairing a fence costs approximately $30 per foot, but the final price depends on the fence materials. The cost to repair a chain link fence is about $18 per foot, while repairs to a stone or a brick fence can cost upwards of $50 per foot.

Fence Height

Usually, the higher the fence, the more expensive the material cost. If a fence is taller than the standard height, custom-made fence sections or fence posts may be needed, which will increase the overall price of repairs. If a fence is shorter, posts or panels may need to be trimmed down, which will increase the labor costs.

Fence Material

When a fence or portions of a fence are being repaired, replaced, or patched, the material also influences the overall cost. While metal fencing is typically less expensive to repair than other materials, some repairs involve splicing, stretching, replacing, or weaving the metal strands together. This increases the time it takes for the repairs to be completed and results in higher labor costs. Premium fencing materials cost more per foot than metal fencing. Below are some common fencing materials and the average price ranges for each.

Fence Material	Average Price Range (Labor and Materials)
Aluminum and steel	$500
Bamboo	$16 to $35 per foot
Barbed wire	$450 to $1,500
Black locust	$14 to $25 per foot
Brick	$50 per foot
Cedar	$9 to $16 per foot
Chain link	$15 to $20 per foot
Composite	$4 to $8 per foot
Cypress	$6 to $12 per foot
Douglas fir	$7 to $9 per foot
Glass	$60 to $100 per foot
Ipe (Brazilian walnut)	$6 to $10 per foot
Iron	$255 to $740
Lattice	$30 per foot
Pine	$6 to $9 per foot
Redwood	$6 to $10 per foot
Spruce	$8 to $14 per foot
Stone	$50 per foot
Tropical hardwood	$12 to $20 per foot
Vinyl and PVC	$30 per foot
Western red cedar	$10 to $17 per foot
White oak	$7 to $10 per foot

• Aluminum and steel. Repairing an aluminum or steel fence runs approximately $500. Fixing these types of fences can involve welding, replacing posts, or replacing panels.
• Bamboo. As one of the most expensive fencing repair costs, bamboo fence repair cost ranges from $16 to $35 per foot. Sustained exposure to moisture can cause the wood to warp and rot, and many professional fencing contractors recommend that the bamboo not come into contact with the soil to avoid getting wet. If bamboo is left untreated, it can rot after 2 years, while a treated bamboo fence can last up to 20 years.
• Barbed wire. Repairing a barbed wire fence can cost from $450 to $1,500, with the national average at $975. It can be expensive to fix a barbed wire fence due to the process of splicing the barbed wire, using a crimping tool to remove the barbs, and stretching the material.
• Black locust. It usually costs from $14 to $25 per foot to repair a fence made of black locust. Some common repairs for this type of wood involve broken panels or wood rot. Black locust fencing is typically very durable and requires very little maintenance, aside from repairs required after severe weather.
• Brick. Repairing a brick wall costs approximately $50 per foot. The repair process can be time intensive and involves removing the damaged bricks and mortar, mixing new mortar, installing the new bricks, tooling the joints, and curing the repair.
• Cedar. Cedar fencing ranges from $9 to $16 per foot to repair. With its tight wood grain, cedar is naturally more resistant to rot, insects, and moisture, but it does require annual maintenance to resist the natural fading and scratches that happen to this wood species. Sanding, sealing, and staining are required to keep cedar in top shape.
• Chain link. Fixing a chain link fence runs from $15 to $20 per foot. Some repairs involve unhooking the chain link material and retwisting the wire back onto the frame. Replacing posts or complete sections of the fence is a common repair.
• Composite. Wood composite fencing repair cost ranges from $4 to $8 per foot. Composite fencing is generally easy to maintain compared to other types of wood fencing, since it usually just needs an occasional spray down from a garden hose. This material holds up well against insects, harmful UV rays, mold, and severe weather. Repairs are typically made to composite fencing for scratches, abrasions, and rust stains.
• Cypress. Cypress wood fence repair cost ranges from $6 to $12 per foot. While cypress wood is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and corrosion, it can get covered with moss and mold or fade to a dark gray color if it’s not properly maintained.
• Douglas fir. Fixing a Douglas fir fence can cost from $7 to $9 per foot. Since it doesn’t produce pest-resistant oils as other wood species do, Douglas fir has a shorter lifespan than other types of wood that are used for fencing material. It’s a soft wood that isn’t as weather-resistant, and repairs are usually made for issues related to warping, mold, mildew, storm damage, and rot.
• Glass. Commonly found around pools, glass fences cost from $60 to $100 per foot to repair. Some common repairs are to faulty hinges or broken glass panels.
• Ipe. Also called Brazilian walnut, ipe will cost from $6 to $10 per foot for fencing repairs. It can last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance, but it does require sealing to avoid turning gray. As an extremely hard wood, it can naturally withstand severe weather conditions and is resistant to mold and pests.
• Iron. The overall average price range to repair an iron fence is from $255 to $740, with many homeowners spending $495. Fixing metal fences such as iron typically requires welding, or in some cases the repairs can be made with epoxy.
• Lattice. The cost to fix a lattice fence is about $30 per foot. A lattice pattern can be found on the top of a slatted fence, or it can be used to make a shorter fence to enclose the space under a deck or around a home’s foundation. Lattice fences can be made from various materials, such as wood, vinyl, or metal.
• Pine. Fixing a wooden fence made from pine usually costs between $6 and $9 per foot. Common repairs to this type of fence typically stem from the wood splitting, warping, and shrinking over time. Regular maintenance that involves restaining and sealing will help avoid rotting.
• Redwood. Repairing a redwood fence runs from $6 to $10 per foot. Since redwood is a softer wood, it’s susceptible to damage, but it does contain natural oils that make it mold- and mildew-resistant. Regular maintenance is required so the redwood fencing can avoid sun damage and cracking in dry conditions.
• Spruce. The cost to fix a spruce fence ranges from $8 to $14 per foot. Common repairs for this type of wood are related to the wooden pickets shrinking after absorbing moisture and then drying out and the wood discoloring if it hasn’t been properly sealed. Since it’s not as durable as other types of fencing materials, it can warp easily. Spruce fencing typically lasts between 8 and 10 years.
• Stone. Fixing a stone fence or wall costs about $50 per foot, depending on the type of stone. By removing and replacing only what needs to be fixed, homeowners can save money on stone wall repairs.
• Tropical hardwood. It usually costs between $12 and $20 per foot to repair a fence made of tropical hardwood. This type of fencing is popular in humid climates, since it is naturally resistant to moisture and doesn’t need to be treated. It’s recommended that homeowners check for damage, such as warping and rot, on tropical hardwood fencing after extreme weather conditions.
• Vinyl or PVC. Homeowners can expect to pay about $30 per foot to repair a vinyl or PVC fence. Even though these materials are durable and can mimic the look of a real wood fence, they can still get damaged. Common repairs are related to holes and cracks in the material, as well as replacement of broken posts, rails, or panels.
• Western red cedar. Repairing a western red cedar fence can cost from $10 to $17 per foot. This wood needs to be stained and sealed as part of a regular maintenance schedule or it will discolor over time. Western red cedar is naturally resistant to insects and rot, and it will not warp or shrink. Known for its unique grain pattern and warm color, it’s a popular choice for many homeowners.
• White oak. Repairing a white oak fence runs from $7 to $10 per foot. While it is naturally resistant to the elements, it does have a tendency to bow and warp, so the fencing should be regularly checked for damage.

Repair Type

All the different parts of a fence need to be in good condition to ensure its longevity. Structural repairs and fence gate repair typically cost more than other types of fixes, such as repairs to lumber rails or post caps. Some of the most common repairs and replacements involve a fallen fence, fence posts, gates, holes, cracks, a leaning fence, a missing section or board, post caps, rails, or a rotten or rusted fence. Each of these repairs and replacements is discussed in a section below.

Labor

Labor costs to repair a fence are approximately $50 per hour, but they can increase due to emergency repair work, the type of repairs needed, the complexity of the job, and the accessibility of the fence. Cost estimates are usually free of charge, but homeowners will want to check with their professional fencing contractor to be sure.

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Additional Costs and Considerations

From the best types of fences for dogs and invisible fences to decorative front yard options, there are many different types of fences for a home. When planning for fence repair costs, homeowners may find that there are additional price factors and considerations that can change the overall price of the project. These can include the difference in pricing between repair and replacement, fence post repair, costs for painting or staining costs, and regular fence maintenance costs.

Repair vs. Replacement

While all types of fence repairs are possible, sometimes repairs are just not enough to fix a problem. Fence repair costs range from $302 to $922, with many homeowners spending $594 on average. If the time has come for a fence replacement, fence installation cost runs from $1,740 to $4,430, depending on the fence material, type, length, and more.

Fence Post Repair

If a fence post needs repair, it can cost approximately $140. Some signs that a fence post needs to be repaired are that the post has experienced substantial damage or it’s leaning to one side. Fence post repair usually involves digging new post holes with a post hole digger.

Painting or Staining

Many homeowners decide to paint or stain their wooden fence at the same time they make repairs. Painting or staining can cost from $3.50 to $13 per linear foot, or about $750 to $4,250 per project, depending on the size and material of the fence. Staining lasts longer than paint, since paint sits on the top of the surface of the fence while stain penetrates deep into the wood fibers.

Fence Maintenance

Performing consistent, regular maintenance is key to extending the life of a fence. Regular sealing and staining of wood fencing add an extra layer of protection to the fence surface and need to be done every few years. Keeping sprinklers away from fences can help minimize water damage, and ensuring plants and shrubs are trimmed can avoid issues with wood rot. Pressure-washing a fence can help remove mold, mildew, and dirt from the surface; this can cost from $125 and $235, depending on the size of the fence.

Types of Fence Repair

Costs for individual types of repairs can vary, but they’re needed to keep a fence in the best shape for years to come. Below are some of the most common fence repairs and replacements with the average price ranges for each.

Type of Fence Repair	Average Price Range
Fallen fence repair	$150 to $400
Fence post replacement	$140 to $400
Gate repair	$100 to $400
Holes or cracks	$125 to $400
Leaning fence repair	$500
Missing section or board replacement	$200
Post cap replacement	$80 to $100
Rail repair	$80 to $120
Rail replacement	$200 to $750
Rotten fence repair	$150 to $500
Rusted fence repair	$250 to $500

Fallen Fence Repair

A fallen fence needs to be repaired as soon as possible to relieve the stress on the posts from the fallen sections. It usually costs from $150 to $400 to fix a fallen fence. Repair costs will be on the lower end if the sections are intact and the posts simply need to be adjusted. If repairs are needed on the support posts and top rails, the overall costs will increase significantly. When a fence has fallen due to soil issues, homeowners can expect to pay from $150 to $500 to remedy the issue with work on the support structures and foundation.

Fence Post Replacement

If the fence post cannot be repositioned and reset, replacing the post can cost between $140 and $400, with the average price about $270.

Gate Repair

The cost to repair a fence gate ranges from $100 to $400, depending on materials and the difference in cost between repair and replacement. While replacing latches and hinges can cost under $100, replacing the gate or the panels may be recommended if the gate is badly damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, and this will increase the cost.

Holes or Cracks Repair

Many holes or cracks in a fence can be fixed for $125 to $400. The overall price of the repair project depends on the extent of the damage. Patching the holes or cracks is relatively easy and doesn’t take much time, but the sanding, staining, and repainting of the areas to match the rest of the fence take time and effort.

Leaning Fence Repair

Repairing a leaning fence costs about $500. Fence posts can lean due to shifting ground or rot at the base of the post. Adding support braces runs from $60 to $150, and pouring concrete to stabilize loose posts can cost from $125 to $2,300, depending on the size and length of the fence.

Missing Section or Board Replacement

Replacing missing sections or boards typically costs approximately $200. If there are entire panels that are missing, replacement can cost between $150 and $400 per panel.

Post Cap Replacement

Homeowners can expect to pay between $80 and $100 to replace a post cap. While many people think that post caps are strictly decorative, they actually protect the top of the post, which can be easily damaged. If a covering on top of a post breaks, homeowners are advised to replace it right away to protect the post from damage.

Rail Repair or Replacement

The average cost to repair a fence rail is $80 to $120 and from $200 to $750 to replace it. If a rail has separated from the fence, the juncture can be reinforced with a T-brace. If the rail is broken and needs to be replaced, it will need to be painted or stained to match the rest of the fence.

Rotten Fence Repair

Wooden fences can rot due to exposure to excess moisture or fungus growth. Fixing a rotted fence can cost from $150 to $500 and will need chemical treatments and filler for the cracks and holes. If the rot is extensive, the fence will need to be replaced.

Rusted Fence Repair

Wrought iron, chain link, and other metal fences can rust over time. They typically cost from $250 to $500 to repair. Some homeowners prefer to add a rust-resistant coating to the surface of the fence once a year to protect it from substantial rust damage.

Do I Need Fence Repair?

A fence in good condition can secure the property, improve the curb appeal of a home, and mark property lines with the neighbors. It’s important for homeowners to fix minor issues as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement down the road. Below are some important signs that a fence needs repair.

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