Fence Repair Cost Per Foot

Fence repair costs average $30 per foot, depending on the type of material used to construct the fence. The following table lists the average cost per type of fence:

Typical Costs of Fence Repairs

The typical cost of fence repairs is $360 for a 12-foot section of fence. To calculate the cost to repair a fence, consider the fence’s material, as well as the cost of labor to complete the work.

Leaning Fence Repair Cost

Leaning fence repair costs on average $515. The actual costs vary depending on the type of fence:

Cost to Repair Fence Post

Replacing a fence post costs $270. Most homeowners pay between $140 and $400. If a fence post has sustained significant damage as the result of a collision with a car or other object, it’s often best to replace it to ensure the structural integrity of the fence.

The cost to repair a fence post depends on the extent of the damage, as well as the materials and labor needed to restore it. Simple repairs that require little more than repositioning and resetting the post cost less than completely replacing it.

Fallen Fence Sections

Fallen fence sections are unsightly — plus, they leave gaps in the fence and can damage the support posts, which increases the repair costs. If the fence panels are intact, you only need to rehang them. Other cases may require work on the top rails or support posts.

Fallen fence repair costs average between $150 and $400.

Holes and Cracks

Repairing holes and cracks in a fence costs between $125 and $370, depending on the fence's construction and the severity of the damage. In addition to patching the holes and cracks, wood and vinyl fences need refinishing or painting, which increases the cost of the project.

Wood Rot

Wood rot repair costs $325, with most people spending between $150 and $500 depending on the amount of damage. To repair wood rot, you need to chemically treat the wood, fill or patch the holes, and stain or paint the wood. Note that severe cases of wood rot can cause so much structural damage that the entire fence needs to be replaced.

Missing Boards

Replacing missing boards costs $200, with $100 at the low end and $300 at the high end. The actual cost depends on the type of wood or vinyl, the dimensions of the boards and the extent of the damage.

Repairing Gates

Gate repairs cost $250, with most people spending between $100 and $400. This can include everything from replacing damaged hinges and latches to installing a new gate and resetting the gate supports.

Fence Repair Cost Estimates by Type

Fence repair costs vary depending on the type of fence you have. Here are some fence repair cost estimates by type:

Fence Repair Price Factors

Fence repair price factors impact your final costs. Consider these factors:

• Material: Vinyl and wood fences come in panels that are easier to replace than repairing damage to a chain link fence. Chain link and wood fences cost less than vinyl, and vinyl costs less than stone or brick fences.
• Length and extent of damage: Replacing a complete panel sometimes takes less time than repairing a small section within a panel. Depending on how far the damage extends down the fence, you might need to replace multiple panels, which increases costs.
• Height: Taller fences are generally more expensive to repair because they require more material. Fences in non-standard panel heights may require extra labor to adjust them to their correct size, which can also increase costs.

DIY Fence Repair vs. Hire a Pro

DIY fence repair costs time and effort — plus, you might spend more on materials than a contractor who buys them in bulk. Hiring a professional fence repair contractor is more expensive, but it’s less effort and you get the guarantee that the job is done properly.

FAQs

Who pays to repair a shared fence?

Your state’s law determines which owner is responsible for the costs of repairing a shared fence. It will consider the following questions:

• Which owner uses the land near and leading to the fence?
• Does either owner have another fence attached to the boundary fence?
• Does a fence attached to the boundary fence completely enclose either property?

For example, in California, both property owners are equally responsible for maintaining boundary fences unless one owner chooses to leave the remaining sides of his or her property unfenced. In Illinios, both property owners are equally responsible for maintaining the fence.

Do you need a permit to repair a fence?

Your location determines whether or not you need a permit to repair a fence. You should make sure the project stays within the guidelines of state and local law, as well as community agreements. Some municipalities require a building permit for construction or repair work on a fence. Property owners living in neighborhoods with homeowner’s associations may need approval before they can do any work on a fence.

Before starting the project, speak with a representative at the local building code enforcement office and/or the appropriate individual within the homeowner’s association. This prevents unnecessary fines and conflicts with neighbors.

How do you repair a fence?

DIY fence repair takes preparation and planning. Assess the extent of the damage; then make a list of the materials and equipment you’ll need for repairs. Properly clean the affected area, and perform repairs as needed.

Professional fence repair costs more, so it’s important you hire the right fence contractor for the job. Research at least three contractors in your area and ask them each for a quote. Check that they have insurance and offer a warranty on the parts and labor. Then select the quote that best meets your needs.

How much does it cost to replace a fence gate?

Replacing a fence gate costs $145 if you do it yourself. Professional fence gate replacement costs $325.