How to Fix a Leaning Fence Post: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

To work on the leaning post, you need it to be free from the pressure of the entire fence. Start by wedging a few pieces of two-by-four 8-inch wood between the ground and the fence panels on both sides. If you can only access one side of the fence, remove the pickets from either side of the post to create a bracing system.

There’s no real right or wrong way to do this as long as the fence is supported. If you don’t have extra wood lying around or don’t want to go buy some for this project, you can also get creative and use long shovels or rakes as braces.

Once the weight of the braces supports the fence panels, you can start removing the horizontal stringers off the post. You’ll likely need a screwdriver or nail remover, depending on how they're attached.

Take your shovel and dig a hole around the leaning fence post. You may hit a large chunk of concrete from the original fence post installation project. There’s no need to remove this concrete. Instead, focus on removing enough dirt around it so you can move and straighten the post as needed.

Now that you can move the post around, it’s time to follow the steps for how to straighten a fence post. Get the post into the correct position. Use your level to make sure your fence post is straight. If you have extra braces, brace the now-straight fence post to stay in the right spot while you refill the hole in the next step.

You have three options for refilling the hole: a mixture of sand and gravel, quick-setting concrete, or expandable foam. Concrete and expandable foam will be stronger, but you may already have sand and gravel at hand that you want to use. Whatever option you use, wear gloves to protect your hands. 

If you can pick up and remove the fence post fully, we recommend adding a layer of gravel before you refill the hole. This will help give moisture a place to go that isn’t your wood to help prevent wood rot. If you already have some rot and want extra support, you can attach steel angles with screws before refilling the hole with your preferred method. 

Using Sand and Gravel

When using sand and gravel, fill your hole with 1 part small gravel to 1 part wet sand. Use a tamper to pack it down. Once the sand is dry, you can reattach your fence panels. Only use this option if your ground is relatively dry and rocky. 

Using Concrete

Concrete may be a better option if you experience a lot of moisture in your area. After adding the layer of gravel, pour the concrete mix into the hole, then slowly pour a gallon of water on top; use a paint stick to mix it up if needed. The concrete should be slightly above ground level. Before it hardens, take your trowel and create a slight downward slope toward the ground so water can run away from the post.

The concrete will take about an hour to harden. But you should wait four to six hours before reattaching your fence panels.

Using Expandable Foam 

Before using expandable foam, double- and triple-check that your pole is in place. While sand and concrete give you a bit of leeway in terms of adjustment after the fact, the expandable foam does not. At best, you have only a few minutes to adjust the pole after application before it’s mostly fixed. 

Mix your resin following the manufacturer’s instructions. Cut the corner of the bag with scissors and immediately pour the mix into the hole. Quickly readjust your post as needed and wait two hours before reattaching your fence panels. If the foam expands anywhere you don’t want it to, cut it away with scissors or your shovel.

It’s time to reattach the fence panels and rails. Simply attach them to the existing holes using screws (potentially new ones if necessary) and a drill. Your fence should be sturdy now!