Fence repair - replace panels but keep using existing posts

[CAPSLOCK]

Possible dumb question incoming...

I have a 6' wooden privacy fence. At least 2, probably 3 panels need to be replaced. The posts seem quite sturdy.





Is this as simple as removing the dilapidated panels & replacing with new? Would the new ones just slip nicely into the holes in the posts, and get screwed in place? I'm not handy but thinking we could manage if that's all it would require.

Closer pics of the holes in the posts. Ignore the ivy, it is increasing the structural integrity of the fence at this point...

 

[dizneegirl]

Just as easy as replacing if the posts are good. Reuse of holes is probably not as easy and may not not line up easily (stuff probably settled in the time those panels have been there). Doable, though.

You may need additional pieces of wood/supports to make it work. Depending on how worn/rotted the holes may be.

 

[tvguy]

I would replace the posts. If the panels are bad, the posts can't be far behind. And I STRONGLY recommend metal posts. They even have them now that look like 4x4 posts, but are in reality metal posts clad in wood.

 

[SteveH]

Replace it all, one good wind and that fence is down.

 

[evilmommie]

The posts actually do look solid…can’t believe I’m saying that. Because the fence is completely dilapidated. I’m assuming they are set in concrete and all of that. Can’t tell what the post integrity is from the pics. Don’t let that vegetation grow on the fence in the future. That growth causes wood rot and cracks.

 

[TippyThomas]

I'd worry about what those 4x4's look like below the surface. If it were me I'd replace all of it because I think it's a gamble to continue to use the posts.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Posts don't budge. The rest of the fence is nowhere near as bad as those 2 panels pictured, the one in between is iffy. They're all there, at least. If I were paying someone, I'd do the whole line.

I think the ivy/vegetation was worst longest against those 3 panels. When we removed most of the ivy in 2023 when I bought it, we had to leave some on those panels because the ivy was "structural" even then.

I have ivy death poison to eradicate the remainder along there, along with the stupid thorny weedy crap & other invasive vine (bittersweet?).

 

[tony67]

along with the stupid thorny weedy crap & other invasive vine (bittersweet?)

Good luck - I've tried everything and cant get rid of the thorny weeds I have - the neighbors have been fighting them since 1952 when the houses were built

I even dug up the entire section of the yard, put down a barrier, some dirt and sand and covered it with gravel - and it still comes back a year or two later - its pretty hearty - hopefully you have better luck.

Also I find that the pre-bought weedkillers are pretty useless - a salt, dish soap and vinegar mixture seems to work better and its probably better for you.

 

[John VN]

If the posts can be rocked back and forth = IMO, they are history
If the posts have some rot at ground level or below = IMO, ^^^

 

[CAPSLOCK]

If the posts can be rocked back and forth = IMO, they are history

They can't. It's surprising but they are legit sturdy! Maybe they were some kind of treated wood where the panels were not? They don't have the dry brittle feel of the panels either.

 

[Judique]

I had that fence at the back of my property when I moved in here many years ago. It belonged to the people on the other side so I really couldn't do much. Eventually some years later they decided to fix their fence with something I didn't like.

While they dilly dallied the posts rotted out. This is a relatively cheap fence material. And the sturdiest parts are the posts, in general. If they are in cement they will break off at the ground.

If doing a temporary patch job, try replacing your bad panels, especially if cost is an issue - if you can buy some that will fit.

Personally I'd gut it all and start fresh but I'll still be in my house when a newer fence is needed in future. The whole 'fence' issue to me would depend on how long I intended to stay and whether I needed to keep something in or out, whether people or animals or whether I wanted a level of privacy. Good fences help make good neighbors.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

The whole 'fence' issue to me would depend on how long I intended to stay and whether I needed to keep something in or out, whether people or animals or whether I wanted a level of privacy. Good fences help make good neighbors.

Just dogs - mine is 13yo and does not have interest in going through the fence. The neighbor's shepherd will stick her head through regularly and has come through the fence twice (this contributes the boards breaking off). Neighbor will go halfsies on that fenceline replacement.

The rest of the fence, which is in better shape anyways, doesn't abut the shepherd's yard so that also contributes to it not needing to be replaced at this point.