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We need to talk about your fence.
You know the one. You walk past it every single day, and lately you've started deliberately not looking at it because you know what you'll see. Maybe it's developed a bit of a lean over the winter. Nothing crazy at first, but now it's definitely worse than it was a few months back. Or maybe there's a panel with a hole in it that wasn't there before, and you've got a pretty good idea which kid on the street is responsible.
I've been there. Standing in the garden with a coffee, staring at something that's clearly on its way out, wondering if this is something you can actually fix or if you're looking at a big replacement job that's going to hurt the wallet. It's one of those things that just sits there at the back of your mind, nagging away, because you don't even know where to begin.
So let's actually talk about it properly. No jargon, no trying to sound clever, just straight talk about what's possible when your fence starts letting you down.
Here's The Thing Nobody Tells You About Wooden Fences
Wood's a strange material when you really think about it. It's got this ability to bend and flex and be persuaded back into shape that you just don't get with metal or concrete. A fence that looks absolutely knackered can often be brought back from the brink without too much fuss.
Most people assume that once a fence starts leaning, that's curtains. Finished. Or that a broken panel means ripping the whole lot out and starting again from scratch. But that's not really how it works in the real world, away from the theory.
The truth is, proper wooden fence repair can sort out problems that look properly serious when you first spot them. That post that wobbles when you lean on it? Can often be straightened and secured so it's solid again. That panel with the hole where the football went through? Can be swapped out on its own without touching anything else. That whole section that's leaning like it's had one too many at the pub? Might just need some attention at the base where the real problems are hiding away.
But here's the thing you really need to pay attention to. It all depends on what's actually going on underneath, where you can't see.
Let's Work Out What You're Actually Dealing With
Before you can decide whether repair makes sense, you need to understand what you're dealing with. So let's walk through the usual problems together, the ones I see all the time when I'm talking to people about their fences.
The Leaning Fence
This is the one everyone knows. You look at your fence and it's just... not straight anymore. Sometimes it's a gentle slope that you barely notice. Sometimes it's proper dramatic, like it's trying to make a run for it into next door's garden.
What's happened here is almost always the posts. They've moved. And posts move because the ground around them has softened, or because the concrete holding them has cracked, or because the wood itself has rotted away below ground level where you can't see it.
Here's the good bit though. If the posts themselves are still solid—still sound wood, not spongy or soft when you poke them—a decent wooden fence repair can often straighten them up and brace them so they stay put. If the posts have rotted below ground, that's more complicated, but even then there are ways to fix it without ripping out the whole fence. I've watched teams do this and it's genuinely clever stuff, the kind of thing you'd never know was possible.
The Broken Panel
Maybe someone put a foot through it. Maybe the wind caught it just right during those storms we had. Maybe next door's kids are practising their finishing and your fence is bearing the brunt of it.
A single broken panel is almost always fixable without touching anything else. Panels are designed to be replaced individually. It's actually a straightforward job that someone who knows what they're doing can knock out in no time. Honestly, it's one of those repairs that feels like magic when you see it done.
The Missing or Rotten Bottom Bit
That horizontal piece running along the bottom—that's your gravel board. It's there to take the punishment from damp ground so your proper fence panels don't have to. When it's loose or rotten or missing altogether, the rest of your fence becomes vulnerable.
Replacing gravel boards is standard stuff. It's one of those jobs that makes a massive difference to how long your fence lasts without costing a fortune. Think of it as giving your fence a new pair of boots.
The Gate That Won't Shut Properly
Gates are heavy. They're fighting gravity every single day. Over time, the hinges can pull loose, the frame can twist, and suddenly you're having to lift your gate every time you want to close it. Proper annoying, isn't it?
Most gates like this can be brought back to life. Sometimes it's just new hinges and a bit of adjustment. Sometimes the frame needs reinforcing. But it's rarely beyond help.
When Repair Is Actually The Right Call
So how do you know if your fence is worth saving?
Here's what I've learned from watching people who do this day in, day out.
If the posts are still solid—meaning you can poke around them with a screwdriver and they don't feel soft or crumbly—you're in good shape. Leaning posts can be straightened. It's not a five-minute job, but it's absolutely doable.
If the damage is limited to one or two panels, repair is almost always the sensible option. Why replace the whole fence when most of it is perfectly fine? That's just throwing money away.
If the problem is at ground level—gravel boards, rotten post bases, that sort of thing—repair is often straightforward. These parts are meant to take the brunt of the weather and can be swapped out without disturbing the rest of the structure.
If your fence is reasonably young—say, under ten years old—the wood should have plenty of life left. Fixing it now extends that life significantly for not much money.
When Replacement Might Actually Be Better
Look, I'm not going to pretend repair is always the answer. Sometimes you're better off starting fresh, and here's when.
If multiple posts are rotten below ground level, you're looking at a lot of work to save a fence that might be past its best. Sometimes it's actually more cost-effective to replace the whole run and be done with it.
If the fence is ancient—like twenty years old, with wood that's dried out and cracked everywhere—repairing it might just be patching something that's ready to give up anyway. You might fix one bit only for another bit to fail six months later. I've seen that happen and it's frustrating for everyone.
If the damage is everywhere, with multiple leaning posts and several broken panels, you might be better off with a clean start. There's something nice about a brand new fence that's going to last you another decade or more.
But here's the thing: you don't have to figure this out on your own. Someone who does wooden fence repair day in, day out can look at your fence and tell you straight up whether it's worth saving. Good people aren't going to try and sell you a full replacement if a repair will do the job properly. They want you happy and they want your recommendation to your mates.
What Actually Happens During A Repair
If you've never had fence repairs done before, you might be wondering what it actually involves. Let me walk you through it.
For a wooden fence repair on a leaning section, here's roughly what happens. The team digs down around the affected posts to expose the base. If the concrete is sound, they might just need to straighten the post and backfill properly. If the concrete has failed, they might remove it and reset the post in fresh concrete. Sometimes they'll add metal supports or concrete spurs to give extra stability—basically giving that post a new foundation without replacing the whole thing.
For a broken panel, it's simpler. The old panel comes out, the new one goes in. They'll check the posts while they're at it, make sure everything's still solid, and secure the new panel properly so it doesn't become next year's problem.
For gravel boards, it's usually just removing the old ones and sliding new ones into place. Simple job, but it makes a massive difference to how long your fence lasts.
For gates, they'll check the hinges first. Often that's all it needs—new screws in fresh wood, or beefier hinges if the gate is particularly heavy. If the frame itself has twisted, they might add bracing to pull it back into shape.
Most repairs are surprisingly quick. A team that knows what they're doing can often sort out a leaning section in a few hours. A broken panel might be done in under an hour. It's one of those jobs where the result feels much bigger than the time it took.
The Money Question Nobody Loves Asking
Let's talk cost, because it matters.
Here's the thing about wooden fence repair compared to full replacement. Repair is almost always cheaper. Sometimes significantly cheaper. You're not buying new posts for the whole run. You're not paying for disposal of old materials across the whole fence. You're just fixing what's broken.
A typical repair job might run you a few hundred quid, depending on what needs doing. A full fence replacement runs into the thousands. So if your fence is basically sound with just a few problem areas, repair makes financial sense.
But—and this is important—cheapest isn't always best. If a repair is just a temporary fix on a fence that's nearly dead, you might end up paying twice. Once for the repair, and again for the replacement a year or two later.
This is why getting someone good to look at it matters so much. They'll tell you honestly whether repair is a proper long-term solution or just a sticking plaster.
Why You Might Not Want To DIY This
Look, I get it. You're capable. You've watched videos. You've got tools. I'm the same way with stuff around the house.
But fences are trickier than they look from the comfort of your sofa.
That leaning fence you're planning to straighten? The posts are set in concrete. Probably a lot more concrete than you're expecting. Digging that out by hand is back-breaking work that takes hours. One post might take you all afternoon. A whole run could take you weeks of weekends.
That broken panel you're planning to swap? Panels come in specific sizes, and if yours isn't a standard width, you're going to struggle. Plus you need to get the fixings right, make sure it's level, ensure the posts are still sound enough to hold it.
The professionals who do wooden fence repair for a living have done it hundreds of times. They know what they're looking for. They spot problems you'd miss. They have the right tools for the job. And honestly, they're so much faster that the cost of hiring them often works out cheaper than your time and stress.
What Happens If You Don't Fix It
I should mention what happens if you just leave it.
A leaning fence doesn't get better on its own. It leans a bit more each year. Eventually it falls. And when it falls, it might take panels with it, or damage whatever it lands on—plants, sheds, maybe next door's car if you're really unlucky.
A broken panel gets worse. The hole gets bigger. The wood around it weakens. Water gets in and starts rotting the good wood nearby.
Rot spreads. That little bit of soft wood at the bottom of one post can eventually travel up the post and into the panels. By the time you notice it properly, the damage is worse than it looks.
Basically, fence problems don't age well. They don't sort themselves out. The sooner you deal with them, the simpler and cheaper the fix.
Finding Someone Who Actually Knows Their Stuff
When you're looking for help, you want people who've been doing this a while. Not someone who's just started and is learning on your fence.
Good wooden fence repair teams will ask questions before they quote. They'll want to know what the problem is, how long it's been going on, whether you've had any other issues. They'll turn up, look at the fence properly, and give you honest advice about what's possible.
They won't try to upsell you a full replacement if a repair will do. But they also won't pretend a repair is possible if the fence is past saving.
The best sign is when they explain things clearly. When they show you what's wrong and why their fix will work. When they're happy to answer questions and don't make you feel stupid for asking.
Making Your Mind Up
So back to where we started. Can wooden fence repair fix leaning or broken panels?
Most of the time, yes. Absolutely yes. Leaning fences can be straightened. Broken panels can be replaced. Sagging gates can be brought back to life. Gravel boards can be swapped out.
The key is getting someone who knows what they're doing to take a look. They'll tell you whether repair makes sense for your specific situation, or whether you're better off starting fresh.
Either way, you'll know where you stand. And that's better than staring at that fence every morning, wondering what to do about it.
The Bottom Line
Your fence does a lot for you. It gives you privacy. It keeps your kids and pets safe. It marks your space as yours. When it starts to fail, it's not just an eyesore—it's a problem that's going to get worse.
But most fence problems are fixable. You don't necessarily need a whole new fence. You just need the right person to sort out what's wrong.
Don't leave it until it falls down. Don't keep staring at it and hoping it'll sort itself out. Get someone to look at it, get some proper advice, and get it fixed.
Your garden will feel like yours again. And you'll wonder why you waited so long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my fence is worth repairing or needs replacing?
A good rule of thumb is to check the posts. If they're rotten below ground level or wobbling badly in multiple places, replacement might be better. If the posts are sound and only a few panels are damaged, repair usually makes sense.
Can a severely leaning fence be straightened?
Yeah, in most cases. It involves digging around the posts, straightening them, and resetting them properly in concrete or adding supports. It's a proper job, but absolutely doable.
How long does wooden fence repair take?
A single broken panel might take an hour. A leaning section might take half a day. A full repair job on several problems might take a day or two. It depends on the scale of the work.
Will repaired sections match my existing fence?
Good repair work aims to blend in. New panels might look slightly fresher at first, but they'll weather over time. Most people can't spot repaired sections after a few months.
Can you repair just one panel?
Yes, absolutely. Panels are designed to be replaced individually. It's one of the most common repair jobs.
What causes fences to lean in the first place?
Usually ground movement, or posts that weren't set deep enough originally. Sometimes it's just age—the ground around the posts loosens over time, and the fence starts to move.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace?
Repair is almost always cheaper, sometimes significantly. But if the fence is very old with widespread problems, replacement might be better value long-term.
Can rotted posts be repaired without replacing the whole fence?
Sometimes yes. There are metal supports that can be fixed to the sound part of the post and set in concrete, effectively bypassing the rotten section. It's a clever solution that saves the rest of the fence.
How often should wooden fences be maintained?
A quick check once a year is sensible. Look for loose panels, leaning posts, or signs of rot. Catching problems early makes repairs simpler and cheaper.
Will my neighbours need to agree to repairs?
If the fence is on the boundary, it's usually good practice to let them know what you're planning. If you're replacing panels, they might appreciate the heads-up. Most people are fine with it.
Can you fix a gate that's dragging on the ground?
Almost always. Usually it's just worn hinges or screws that have pulled loose. Sometimes the gate frame needs reinforcing, but it's rarely a lost cause.
How do I find someone reliable for wooden fence repair?
Look for established companies with good reviews. Ask questions before they quote. See how they respond. The right people will be happy to explain what needs doing and why.
What's a gravel board and why does it matter?
It's the horizontal board at the bottom of the fence that sits close to the ground. It protects the main fence panels from moisture and rot. Replacing damaged gravel boards is quick, cheap, and extends your fence's life.
Can weather damage cause fence problems?
Definitely. Wind can loosen panels and push fences over time. Rain can cause rot, especially at the base. Sun can dry out wood and cause cracking. It's all normal ageing, but it can be managed with proper maintenance and timely repairs.
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