Keep your fence from going off the rails
A loose or wobbly fence post may seem like no big deal—there are other posts to support the fence, right? However, a loose post can threaten the integrity of an entire section, and if you don’t fix it (or call a pro in ASAP), you could end up spending far more to replace the whole fence. Instead, grab a shovel and learn how to fix a loose fence post like a pro.
To restore your fence post, you’ll need to use a shovel to dig out the soil around the loose fence post. Continue digging until you reach the existing fence post base, which will likely be made of concrete.
Use a level to determine the right positioning for the fence post. Once the post is level, place a two-by-four wood plank at an angle from the top of the post to the ground, then drill the brace into a stake in the ground. This will stabilize the post as it dries.
Follow the instructions on your concrete or post foam product to mix.
For concrete, open the bag and pour the dry concrete mix into a wheelbarrow. Use the garden hose to add water, occasionally stirring with a shovel until it reaches a consistency similar to crunchy peanut butter or oatmeal.
To activate the foam product, break the seal on the pouch, then rub the closed pouch across a flat surface to mix it. Continue mixing for about 20 seconds. Cut open the pouch when you’re ready to pour it into the concrete hole.
Next, shovel in the concrete mix or pour in the foam. The foam will expand as you pour it into the post hole. For the concrete, continue adding more of the wet concrete until it’s 1 inch from the surface.
Follow the instructions on the concrete or foam product label for how long the material needs to dry. Concrete will start to harden within 20 to 40 minutes, but wait at least 10 hours before reattaching the fence or adding any other weight to the fence post. Foam will harden within a few minutes of applying, but wait at least a few hours for it to cure before adding weight.
Finally, cover the fence post base with the soil you removed earlier. Plant grass seed, install sod, or add other decorative plants to finish the job.
Repairing a loose fence post is a simple DIY task, but there are some beginner mistakes to watch out for.
Working too slowly: If you opt for foam, make sure you work quickly. Foam can harden in just a few minutes, so double-check that your fence post is level before leaving the foam to dry.
Not leveling the fence post: Don’t just eyeball whether the fence post is straight. Use a level to ensure the fence post won’t be leaning after the concrete or foam dries.
Watering too close to the post: After adding soil and grass or plants, avoid getting the fence post wet to prevent the post from rotting.
Repairing a post that’s too far gone: A leaning post sometimes needs a fresh base for stability, but don’t ignore a rotten, warped, or otherwise damaged post. Consider whether repairing or replacing the fence post will be the right fit for a long-lasting fence.
To fix a leaning fence post, make sure to work on a mild, dry day when the threat of freezing overnight is gone. Ideally, late spring through early fall works best for this project, although you should fix a loose fence post ASAP to avoid structural damage to your fence. Here are the best conditions for fixing a loose fence post:
The daytime temperature should be 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The overnight temperature should be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit but ideally higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The forecast should be clear of rain.
The cost to repair a fence post yourself adds up to around $150, although costs can range from around $50 to $250 depending on how much concrete or foam you need and how many posts you’re fixing. The biggest expense is the fill material. You’ll spend $10 to $30 for two 50-pound bags of concrete or $15 to $30 for each pouch of foam.
While it may take a DIYer about six hours to finish fixing one loose post, a pro can get the job done in about one or two hours. Hiring a pro costs $150 to $400 to fix one fence post. So, who do you call to fix a fence post? Leave this project to a fencing pro near you so that you can get your Saturday back.
While Naaman and Mike were very professional and amicable to work with, there were issues in this project that makes giving a higher rating impossible. We had several communications issues that delayed completion. The roofers accessed the property without communicating with me. Just showed up...
Ohio Roofing SolutionsWe hired Andrew and the team from Midwest Lightscapes for a custom lighting design and installation on a Victorian Village home. The house had outdated low-voltage halogen outdoor lights and many of them were not working. Andrew designed and installed a new system including uplighting on the...
Midwest LightscapesMr. Potter is professional and gave us excellent advice for the fence. He is honest and straight forward. His crew finished the job quickly and did an excellent job. The fence is beautiful and is a major improvement of our backyard.
Excellent work; great attention to detail; makes good suggestions but always goes along with what the customer requests; clean and tidy; intelligent; very reasonable rates. I would definitely hire him again for other home projects. He can do a variety of different jobs including: drywall,...
Installed a fence in the back yard. High quality cedar fence.
HAD ISSUES WITH RETURNING PHONE CALLS DURING BID PROCESS AND SCHEDULING JOB. BUT JOB DID COME IN $100 LESS THAN BID. WORKERS WERE PROFESSIONAL, PROMPT, AND DID NOT GET SEALER ON NEIGHBORING FENCE.
DON'T TRUST THAT THE JOB WILL TURN OUT AS YOU EXPECT. THE OWNER IS NOT CAREFUL ABOUT HOW HE BIDS JOBS. IN OUR CASE, WE SHOWED A PHOTO OF A CEDAR FENCE AND EXPLAINED WHAT WE WANTED. HE BID A PRICE THAT SEEMED GOOD. BUT WE DISCOVERED THE REASON AS THE TEAM BEGAN BUILDING THE FENCE: HE DIDN'T...
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Explore the key factors that impact vinyl fence installation costs in Columbus, OH, including labor, materials, permits, layout, design, and yard conditions.
A new fence adds privacy, improves safety, and even boosts curb appeal. But how much does fence installation cost? Find out in this guide.
A fence can be a beautiful and functional addition to your property. Learn all the factors that determine your fence installation costs in Columbus, OH.
Not sure how to calculate blocks for your retaining wall? Here’s how to figure it out based on the size of your wall and the dimensions of your blocks.
Looking for a bit of privacy in your backyard refuge? Explore six inexpensive ways to cover a chain-link fence for all the solitude you could ever want.
When it comes to the fence for your home, privacy can be paramount. That’s why privacy fences are such a great choice for many. Find out if they’re right for you.
