How much does it cost to repair a fence?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Fences are common sights around many properties. They provide privacy and protection for your home and yard, serving as boundaries to mark the edges of your property. They also dampen noise from neighbors and traffic in the area. Many fences are made to last for years, but they can become damaged due to accidents, storms, and general wear and tear.

If this happens, it is best to call in a professional to repair your fence. The national cost average to repair a fence ranges from $200 to $850, with most homeowners spending $500 to replace a damaged fence panel. The low cost for this project is $100 to repair a worn picket with sanding and simple repairs. This project’s high cost is $2,500 to repair extensive storm damage.

Fence Repair Cost

Fence Repair Cost per Foot

The cost of fence repairs varies based on several factors, such as the fence type, material, and size. Most homeowners pay $10 to $50 per linear foot for professional repairs. However, many repair companies have minimum call-out charges and set fees for certain repair types. So, they will not always charge per linear foot.

Cost to Repair a Fence by Material

One of the most important factors to take into account when repairing a fence is the fence material. Fences can be made from many materials, including wood, wrought iron, aluminum, and barbed wire. Some materials like vinyl are cheaper and easier to work with, while others, such as barbed wire, are harder and more expensive to fix or replace. The table below shows common fence materials and average repair costs for each.

Vinyl Fence Repair

Repairing a vinyl fence costs between $200 and $700. Vinyl is one of the cheapest fence materials and also one of the most popular. Vinyl is a relatively durable material but may become damaged in storms or due to accidents and impacts, leading to holes, cracks, and other problems. It is also common for vinyl posts or sleeves to be damaged and require resetting or patching.

Aluminum Fence Repair

The average repair costs for an aluminum fence range from $250 to $800. Aluminum is the most affordable type of metal fence to install and maintain, but this fence is usually not as strong or resistant as other metals like wrought iron. Aluminum fence panels can become cracked, dented, and damaged. A repair person may be able to weld the damaged section but will more likely unbolt, remove, and replace the affected panels or patch any light damage from warping and weathering.

Steel Fence Repair

The cost to repair a steel fence varies from $250 to $850. Steel is a strong, resistant, and reliable material for fences, so steel fences do not tend to suffer from much general wear or tear. However, sections might be damaged in storms or due to accidents, and it is common for damaged parts to be welded or repainted.

Chain Link Fence Repair

The average cost of chain link fence repairs is between $300 and $600. Chain link fences are popular, durable, and strong, and they can be used in any environment. And they can last up to 25 years without too many problems. Common repairs include resetting the posts, repairing the top rails, and stretching fresh chain link fence sections when the existing sections are damaged.

Wrought Iron Fence Repair

When repairing a wrought iron fence, expect to pay between $300 and $1,000. Wrought iron is the most expensive variety of metal fencing to have installed and repaired. Wrought iron needs to be welded when serious damage occurs in storms or accidents, and wrought iron fences often have decorative patterns and styles, so the welding needs to be careful and precise.

Wood Fence Repair

The average cost to repair a wooden fence ranges from $400 to $600. Wood is one of the most aesthetically pleasing materials for a fence because you can choose from various woods with different colors and grain patterns. Wood can also be stained and painted in assorted colors. However, wood fences require maintenance to keep them safe against damage from rot and pests. Over time, exposure to the elements can lead to serious damage, and sections may need replacing or posts reset if they start to fall out of position.

Concrete Fence Repair

Expect to pay between $400 and $1,100 for concrete fence repairs. Concrete fences are rare to see on residential properties, but they are still a popular option with some homeowners due to their strength, stability, and privacy and security advantages. Concrete is immensely strong and usually damaged only in serious accidents. When this happens, new sections of concrete fence need to be carefully created and fitted. It is also possible to have concrete posts in your wooden fence, and they may need repairing with an epoxy repair mortar if damage occurs.

Stone Fence Repair

Repairing a stone fence averages $450 to $1,250. Stone is one of the toughest materials to use for a fence, but damage may occur in bad storms, or the stones might wear down over time due to weathering. New stone pieces may need to be fitted with mortar if the old ones are damaged.

Brick Fence Repair

The average cost for brick fence repair is between $450 and $1,250. Like stone and concrete, brick is a very strong and sturdy material, and brick fences add elegance and allure to any property. Bricks stand up well to changing weather and temperatures, but they may get damaged in accidents and need to be relaid and reset, which can be a long and intensive job.

Barbed Wire Fence Repair

To repair a barbed wire fence, expect to pay an average of $500 to $1,500. Barbed wire fences are designed for protection and security, and they can last for decades. But they may need repairing in accidents, such as a tree branch falling on the wire and crushing part of it or if the posts become rotten or damaged. Barbed wire fence repairs can be more expensive than other fence repairs because the wire needs to be handled with care. So, you may pay extra for the labor due to the risk and precision required in the process.

Fence Repair Cost by Type of Fence

Another factor influencing your fence repair cost is the fence type. Fences come in various types, from privacy fences designed to be tall to picket fences that tend to be much smaller overall. Some fences require less work and fewer parts to fix, resulting in cheaper overall costs.

Temporary Fence Repair

For temporary fence repairs, expect to pay between $100 and $300. Temporary fences may include materials like wire mesh panels, plastic mesh panels, or simple metal barriers. These temporary fences may be used while repairs or landscaping is going on or before replacing or installing a new fence. Tears and other issues may occur in the mesh panels, but since this fence is only temporary, it may be best to delay repairs to save money unless they are absolutely necessary.

Electric Fence Repair

Professional repair for electric fences averages $100 to $450. The most common issues with this fence are wiring problems that may occur inadvertently when gardening or landscaping. You usually need to hire a specialist in electric fencing to solve the problem and repair damaged wires.

Picket Fence Repair

Expect to pay between $100 and $500 for picket fence repairs. Picket fences are typically very short, so they do not have much material, and repairs tend to be small jobs. They are usually made of wood but can also be made of vinyl and other materials. Picket fences might need repainting, staining, or repairing due to damage from the elements.

Lattice Fence Repair

When repairing a lattice fence, average costs are between $250 and $850. This is one of the more decorative fences, and it can be made of different materials, such as vinyl, wood, or metal. Lattice fences are made with a distinctive pattern that allows plants to grow up and around them. Depending on the material, different issues may arise with lattice fences like water damage, rot, dents, or breaks in certain pieces, and they need to be repaired with care to preserve their pattern and style.

Split Rail Fence Repair

Expect costs to range from $300 to $700 to repair a split rail fence. A split rail fence, also known as a post and rail fence, is a traditional and simple wooden fence that you usually see on ranches and farmland. They are good for covering large sections of land and work well for animal enclosures, being made of simple posts and a few rails stretched between them. Over time, pest and water damage may lead to issues with the posts and rails.

Shadowbox Fence Repair

For shadowbox fence repairs, homeowners pay an average of $350 to $700. A shadowbox fence is a unique wooden fence that almost looks like a picket fence but much taller and with alternating boards on either side of the rail. It is an attractive fence that is good for privacy and home value, but because these fences are typically made from wood, they are prone to common wood issues like rot and pest infestations.

Stockade Fence Repair

To repair a stockade fence, expect to pay between $350 and $700. A stockade fence is made from wooden boards that have been placed in close connection, side by side, without gaps between them. You can find stockade fences in various woods like spruce and cedar, and they are good for privacy. However, like other wooden fences, they are prone to rot and pest damage.

Privacy Fence Repair

Repairing a privacy fence averages $400 to $1,250. Privacy fences are usually the biggest and tallest fences and may be made of many materials, including wood, metal, brick, and stone. The fencing material has a big impact on the final price, but privacy fence repairs usually require more work and greater labor costs due to their size.

Cost to Repair a Fence by Type of Repair

Many issues may arise with your fence over time. Posts, panels, and gate damages are some of the most common issues that require repair. However, it is also possible that your fence might need repainting, staining, or reinforcing. The table below shows common repair types and average prices for each.

Fence Charger Repair

Homeowners pay between $100 and $250 for professional repairs for their electric fence chargers. The charger provides power to the wires throughout your electric fence, but issues might arise if the charger is damaged somehow. It might need rewiring, resetting, or adjusting in some way to start working normally again.

Fence Picket Repair

Repairing pickets costs $100 to $300 on average. Pickets can become damaged in various ways, just like other parts of your fence. They may get cracked, chipped, or have holes in them due to impacts, storms, and accidents. The picket material impacts the price because wooden pickets tend to be cheaper to fix than metal ones.

Fence Post Repair

Repairing a fence post ranges from $150 to $400. Fence posts often suffer from problems like leaning or wobbliness, which may be due to improper installation or disturbances in the soil. They can also have issues with rot, water damage, or termite infestations. They may need to be reset or reinforced to remain upright.

Fence Panel Repair

Professional repairs for fence panels average $150 to $400. It is common for fence panels to fall down in strong winds and storms, so they might need to be repositioned and screwed back into place. It is also a common problem for panels to have holes and cracks that need to be filled in and patched over.

Fence Gate Repair

Homeowners pay between $150 and $500 for gate repairs. The price you pay mostly depends on the gate size and material. If you have a wooden gate that just needs a little hole filled in with putty, this is cheaper than a damaged wrought iron gate that requires careful welding back into shape.

Fence Reinforcement

Reinforcing an existing fence costs $200 to $600, depending on the reinforcement method and amount of required work. Fences can be reinforced in various ways to defend against the wind, such as by screwing additional pieces of wood along the rails or applying concrete around the base of the posts to secure them in place.

Fence Staining

The average cost to stain a fence is between $1,000 and $3,000. This is a good technique to use for wooden fences when you want to refresh their look. This also creates a barrier against moisture damage to the panels, rails, and posts. This can be important for people living in areas with a lot of rain or high humidity.

Fence Painting

Painting a fence averages $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the fence size. Painting a fence can be a good way to breathe new life into it and cover up marks and stains. It is also good protection for wooden fences and can help extend their lifespan and protect against the elements.

Cost to Repair a Fence by Type of Replacement

In some cases, the parts of your fence may be damaged beyond repair. For example, if a post has worn away due to rot or a panel has been smashed by a falling tree branch, repairs are usually not possible, and these parts will need to be removed and replaced. It usually costs more to have parts replaced due to the added material costs. The table below shows examples of common fence replacements.

Replace Fence Pickets

Replacing pickets in your fence costs between $150 and $350. Pickets come in a wide range of materials, including vinyl, wood, and metal. The cost is influenced by the material used because vinyl pickets tend to be much cheaper than metal ones. It is also usually more work to replace metal pickets because they may have to be welded into position.

Electric Fence Transformer Replacement

Having a new transformer installed for your electric fence ranges from $150 to $350. The price mostly depends on the transformer type you need. Installing it is easy and can be done in under an hour, but the material costs vary, depending on how strong the transformer needs to be.

Pool Fence Mesh Replacement

Replacing mesh in a pool fence costs between $200 and $400. Many pool fences are made from simple vinyl mesh materials to let light pass through while still providing a barrier. The mesh might become damaged or torn if someone or something falls into it. When this happens, a replacement is the best course of action.

Fence Post Replacement

To replace a fence post, expect to pay $200 to $500. Fence posts may need replacing if they are excessively damaged due to rot, storm damage, accidents, or termites. When the damage is too great for repair, contractors usually recommend a full replacement.

Replace Fence Panels

Replacing panels in your fence costs $200 to $750, mostly depending on the panel type, material, and size. Replacing a simple vinyl panel is much cheaper than replacing an intricately detailed wrought iron section of your fence. Fence panels usually only have to be replaced if they suffer serious damage.

Fence Gate Replacement

Replacing a fence gate averages $200 to $850, depending on the gate type. If you have a simple wooden gate, the material costs are low, and the installation process should not take long. For a large decorative wrought iron gate, costs can be much higher.

Cost to Fix a Fence by Type of Problem

Many different problems may arise with your fence, and the cost of repairs varies based on the problem you are dealing with. Fixing a small hole is a much cheaper and easier job than repairing a fence devastated by a bad storm. The table below shows common fence problems and average repair costs for each.

Hole in a Fence

Fixing a hole in your fence ranges from $100 to $400, and it mostly depends on the hole size and fencing material. Small holes in wooden fences can be patched with putty and sanded down to look new. But larger holes in more expensive fences like brick fences may require more materials and work to repair.

Loose Fence Post Repair

Fixing a loose post in your fence costs between $150 and $500. Posts can be loose or wobbly due to improper installation or potentially because of weakness or damage around the base. If your post is still strong and intact, a professional might need to dig around it and reset it in an upright, stable position. If it is damaged from rot or pests, it might need to be replaced entirely.

Cracked Fence Post Repair

Homeowners pay between $150 and $500 to repair cracked fence posts. Posts can crack due to various reasons, such as storm damage, heavy impacts, and weathering. In some cases, the damaged part might be able to be patched or treated with resin or mortar if your post is made of concrete. In other cases, you might need a total replacement.

Leaning Fence Repair

Fixing a leaning fence averages $200 to $800. Leaning fences are usually caused by problems like improper installation or wear and tear to the posts. However, in more serious situations, rot or pest infestations could be causing a fence to lean. This can be a more costly repair job because parts need to be removed and replaced.

Rusted Fence

Fixing a rusty fence costs between $250 and $1,000. Rust is an issue that can affect chain link and wrought iron fences. It is caused by excess exposure to moisture and the elements. People who live near the ocean may have to deal with rusty fences more often because of the high salinity levels in the air. In some cases, rusty sections can be buffed out or treated with a neutralizer and then painted. In other situations, if the rust is bad and extensive, parts need to be replaced.

Rotted Fence

Fixing rot in your fence ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on the damage amount. Rot occurs in wooden fences due to excess moisture, and it is common for rot to affect the bases of wooden posts because they are in constant contact with the soil, exposing it to a lot of moisture. In some cases, rotted parts can be removed, and the rest of the structure left intact, but often, rotted sections have to be replaced entirely.

Storm Damage Repair

Fixing storm damage to your fence averages $300 to $2,500, and the price depends on the extent of the damage. Some storms can devastate fences. For example, branches can fall from trees and destroy entire sections, or large items might be blown into the panels and knock them down. In other cases, if your fence is strong and reinforced, the damage might be minor and could be fixed with simple patching and fresh screws or nails in the damaged areas.

Labor Cost to Repair a Fence

Labor costs for fence repairs vary from $50 to $200 per hour. A handyman might have rates near the lower end of this range, while specialist fence repair experts charge more. Many repair workers have minimum fees or call-out rates of around $75 to $100, but these fees may be waived if you hire them to repair your fence. The time required to repair fences varies. Some jobs like patching holes or replacing a couple of boards or pickets can be done quickly, but things like repainting, staining, or reinforcing large sections take several hours.

Cost to Fix a Fence by Location

Another factor that might affect the cost of your fence repair is its location. Fences can be found in many areas around a property, from the front yard and backyard to decks and pool areas. The table below shows common locations where you may expect to find a fence and the average repair costs for each of these common locations.

Pool Fence Repair

The average cost of repairing a pool fence ranges from $200 to $850. Pool fences tend to be chain link, vinyl, or metal fences, and they are not usually too big or have very complicated designs, so they are often among the cheapest fences to repair. Common issues that may arise with a pool fence include fading or cracks and dents due to accidents.

Deck Fence Repair

To repair a deck fence, expect to pay between $200 and $850. Deck fences are commonly made from wood to match the rest of the deck, but it is possible to have vinyl or metal deck fences. Common issues with these fences include rot, water damage, and breakages due to accidents on the deck.

Balcony Fence Repair

Repairing a balcony averages $200 to $1,000. Balcony fences are usually quite small, keeping repair costs low. And they are not likely to suffer too many issues because of their elevated positions. However, they can be damaged in storms, and many people have decorative balcony fences made of metal that require welding when damaged. Also, some balcony fences may be hard to access, adding to the labor repair costs.

Backyard Fence Repair

The average cost for backyard fence repair ranges from $200 to $1,250, depending mostly on the fence material. Backyard fences vary enormously, from cheap and simple vinyl fences to intricate wrought iron fences and concrete privacy fences. Many issues may arise with them, such as rot damage in wooden posts or breakages in metal panels.

Front Yard Fence Repair

Expect to pay between $200 and $1,250 for front yard fence repairs. Like backyard fences, front yard fences come in many types, sizes, and materials, from wooden picket fences to tall brick fences with wrought iron gates. The materials and repair type are the main factors in determining the repair cost.

Reasons to Repair a Fence

There are many different reasons for repairing a fence, and various issues affect fences over time. Some of the biggest issues are things like broken panels, leaning or wobbly posts, and fallen panels. Also, fences are often damaged in storms. Large cracks and holes in sections of a fence should be repaired, and it is important to have urgent repairs if you notice signs of rot or termite damage in a wooden fence. Missing boards and pickets also need to be replaced.

Emergency Fence Repair

There may be situations when you require emergency repairs to your fence. These include when panels fall over or you have an electric fence for animals and the transformer is broken or wires damaged. Many repair companies and contractors offer same-day emergency repair services, but you usually have to pay an extra $100 to $200 for urgent repair.

Fence Maintenance

There are plenty of ways for homeowners to look after their fences to reduce the need for costly repairs and replacement parts. For example, it is recommended to inspect your fence regularly to look for any signs of damage.

Check around the posts and panels for cracks, rot, water damage, dents, and breakages, and if you see any signs of trouble, take action right away. The longer you leave problems, the worse they can become, especially water and pest damage.

It is also wise to clean your fence often with a pressure washer to prevent dirt from building up and degrading the materials. However, be careful with the settings if you have a wooden fence because too much water or pressure could damage it.

Check on plants around your fence and trim bushes and trees that are too close and could do damage during a storm. Also, remove big and heavy items from your yard and outdoor spaces when storms are coming to prevent them from blowing into the fence.

Fence Repair vs Replacement

When faced with costly fence repairs, many homeowners hesitate between having their fence repaired or replaced. Weigh the costs and value on both sides. If your fence is old, damaged, and requires expensive repairs regularly, it might be more cost-effective to get a new one. It costs $1,500 to $10,000 to have a fence replaced, depending on the size, location, and materials required.

Fences usually last from 10 to 20 years, depending on the material. So, if your current fence is 10 years or older, it may be time for a replacement. However, with proper care and maintenance, fences can last a long time. And if your fence is still in good condition and only requires minor repairs, it may not be necessary to have it replaced.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pressure Wash a Fence

It costs between $125 and $235 to pressure wash a fence. This is a good way to spruce up an old fence, washing away years of built-up dirt and grime quickly. It is also wise to pressure wash fences before staining or sealing them.

Wind Proof a Fence

If your area is prone to high winds, it may be wise to invest in a strong windproof fence. You can pay an extra $10 to $25 per linear foot for this fence or pay $200 to $500 for reinforcement services to strengthen your existing fence against the wind.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Permits. You may need a permit for certain fence repairs, especially large-scale repairs that involve replacing big sections of your fence or digging down into the ground to replace posts. Check with your local homeowner’s association or building inspector’s office to find out more.
• Prepare the area. Ensure the area around the fence is properly prepared before repairs begin to reduce the risk of extra damages. There might be nearby trees or bushes that need trimming to make way for new fence installations or repair work.
• Warranty. Many fence installations come with a warranty, covering defects in workmanship and potentially paying for any repairs or replacements you may need. Check your warranty policy to find out if you have any coverage because this may save you a lot of money on repairs.
• DIY. It is possible to carry out simple fence repairs on your own if you have the correct tools and experience. Cleaning, painting, and staining fences can all be done by homeowners to save money. You may be able to reinforce posts and replace damaged boards or panels as well. But if you have any doubts or concerns, contact a professional.
• Insurance. Many homeowners policies cover “other structures” on your property, and this includes fences. So, you may find that damage to your fence from things like storms or fallen tree branches may be covered.
• Share costs. In some situations and states, fence repair costs may need to be shared by homeowners on both sides of the fence. This is something you need to look into in your area. It is wise to speak and negotiate with neighbors beforehand to agree before starting any fence repairs.