how to fix a leaning fence

How To Fix A Leaning Fence

Have you noticed that your wooden fence has started to slant? Does it look a little less stable than it used too? A fence post that stands upright and sturdy is a secure fence, but a leaning fence post can pose safety hazards. It is a good idea to fix your leaning fence and get it back upright so it's one less thing to worry about. Keep reading to learn all about wood fence restoration and repair, wooden fence repair cost and gate repair!

Materials That You Will Need To Fix A Leaning Fence

Level
Hammer
Nails
Shovel
Sledgehammer
Lumber Posts (2×4)
Wooden Stakes (3 feet)
Concrete
Wheelbarrow (if necessary)

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Step 1: Support the Lean

This is where you need to locate where the fence and the post meet and drive the shovel into the ground beside the leaning post. Be sure to dig deep enough so you are able to push it back in place.

Insert a stake into the ground using your sledgehammer deeply enough to secure it. Place the stakes about 5 – 6 feet from every post that has begun to lean in the opposite direction. Then place the stakes on the same side of the fence but parallel to the lean.

Keep the post upright and use your level to make sure it all lines up correctly.

Step 2: Repair the Leaning Fence

If you need someone to help keep the post in place it will be easier to lodge the lumber post into the ground so it rests on the lower corner against the stake. This project usually works best when you have two sets of hands!

Hammer a nail into the lumber so you can attach it into the post. Be careful not to let the nail go all the way through it.

Now using concrete, mix it in a wheelbarrow or a large tub as the bag directs you and pour it into the holes surrounding each leaning post. Do not overfill; allow some room for the dirt to fill over it. Let the concrete dry for about 24 hours.

Now, you can assess if the concrete has hardened enough before you put the dirt back over it. (You can add some grass seed if this is a concern) You can remove the stakes and lumber posts – the concrete should secure the leaning post enough that the 2 x 4 is not necessary.

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Step 3: Fixing a Wooden Gate

If your gate needs to be fixed, detach it if you can and remove it from the fence section entirely. You can dig around the posts with a shovel and remove them. If it doesn't come out easily enough, you might want to use a sledgehammer so you can take it out piece by piece.

The fence is now most likely unsupported so you'll need to use a level and prop it up.

Dig a 3 foot hole and insert the new post. Using your level again, attach the fence rail to the hinge post with nails once leveled. Now you can remove the prop from the fence section.

Nail the furthest side of the fence post and tie a mason's line and wrap it around the latch post. Set the hinge post so it touches the line and lines up.

Screw studs in and mix up your concrete. Fill with concrete but don't overfill – you will be putting the dirt back over the concrete once it has dried. Concrete usually takes 24 hours to completely dry.

Reattach the gate.

For Your Information

If you hire a contractor the cost can range from $200-$1,000 depending on the extent of the damage to the fence. If your fence has a minimal lean and can be fixed quite quickly by a professional, the cost will go down. However, the cost of time, labour and sometimes supplies can vary. Always be careful when hiring a contractor, make sure they are insured and offer you the best rate.

If you plan on fixing it yourself the amount can also range from $150-$600 depending on how much supplies you need. Factor in the time it will take you to complete this project – so plan for a whole day.

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