Fencing · Repair, replace or choose · Updated November 2026
Fence Repair vs. Replacement
Most fence damage is localized: a leaning post, a few broken boards, a sagging gate. HomeAdvisor puts the average repair at about $611. Replacement makes sense when problems are widespread or the fence is near the end of its life.
Repair costs
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Fence repair (average) | $304–$939 (about $611) |
| Post replacement | About $270 per post |
| Missing sections | $150–$300 per panel |
| Cracked or warped wood | $125–$400 |
| Gate repair | $100–$400 |
From HomeAdvisor's fence repair cost guide.
Repair makes sense when
- Only a few posts or panels are damaged.
- The rest of the fence is solid and has years left.
- You can match the material reasonably well (new wood can be stained to blend in).
Replacement makes sense when
- Many posts are rotted at the ground line or leaning.
- Repairs would cover a large share of the fence.
- Old materials cannot be matched and patches look out of place.
- You want a different height, material or layout.
New fencing runs $20–$50 per linear foot for wood and $30–$60 for vinyl, plus $10–$20 per foot to remove the old fence (fencing cost guide). Try the fence budget estimator.
Shared fences
If the fence sits on a property line, talk with your neighbor before repairs or replacement. Some states have rules on shared fence costs, and HOAs may have approval requirements.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor: Fence repair cost, accessed November 2026
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed above and in our fencing cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.