Fence Post Replacement
The most cost-effective repair in fencing: rotted wood posts swapped for galvanized steel in concrete, keeping the boards you already have.
Overview
Wood fence posts usually rot in one place: right at ground level, where the post stays damp and the soil holds moisture against it. By the time a fence leans, the posts have often rotted through while the pickets above are still fine. Replacing the posts, not the fence, is often the smart repair.
We remove the old post and footing, set a galvanized steel post in a new concrete footing, and reattach the existing rails and boards. Steel posts don't rot, termites ignore them, and they hold far better in shifting clay.
Styles and options
What's included
- Removal of the old post and footing
- Texas811 locate before digging
- Galvanized steel post in a new concrete footing
- Footing crowned to shed water
- Rails and boards reattached and straightened
- Haul-off of old posts and concrete
Specifications
- Posts
- 2-3/8" galvanized steel
- Footings
- Concrete, depth set by fence height
- Embedment
- Typically about one-third of above-ground height
- Top
- Crowned to shed water
- Brackets
- Galvanized post-to-rail brackets
- Boards
- Existing boards reused where sound
What affects your estimate
- Number of postsThe main driver.
- Old footingsBreaking out old concrete takes time.
- AccessAlleys, side yards and landscaping.
- Board conditionDamaged boards replaced while we're there.
- GatesGate posts carry more load and are set deeper.
- HeightTaller fences need deeper footings.
Common questions
Is replacing posts cheaper than a new fence?
Usually, if the boards are still sound. If the pickets are rotting at the bottom too, replacement may be the better value.
Can steel posts work with my wood fence?
Yes. Galvanized steel posts with brackets carry wood rails and boards, and sit behind the boards on the good side.
How deep should fence posts be set?
A common rule is about one-third of the post's above-ground height, adjusted for soil and wind. In our clay, we err deeper.
Will you damage my landscaping?
We dig by hand near beds and irrigation, and we flag sprinkler lines with you first.
Often paired with
Let's walk your property line.
Tell us about the project and we'll schedule a visit. You'll get an itemized written estimate, with no prices guessed online and no pressure.