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Ideally, when you replace a fence post, you should also replace the concrete footing. The concrete bonds to your new post, creating a secure base. If you install a new post into old concrete, it won’t be as sturdy.

That said, it is possible. Sometimes the post will lift right out of the concrete. If not, you can use a high-lift car jack to try and lift the pole out of the footing. Put the new post into the same hole and backfill it with fast-setting concrete. Keep in mind, this won’t work well for metal posts.

The ideal distance between fence posts depends on several factors, including the terrain, the purpose of the fence, and the material used. For different types of fences, here are some general guidelines:

• Wood and Metal Fences: Posts should be spaced between 5 and 8 feet apart.

• Vinyl Fences: Spacing can be between 6 and 8 feet.

• Chain-Link, Mesh, or Lattice Fences: Posts can be set anywhere from 4 to 25 feet apart, with 4-10 feet being common for chain-link.

• Wire Fences: Spacing can be up to 12 feet apart.

Posts for a horizontal fence should be no more than 6 feet apart. Wood pickets are not as strong when mounted horizontally as when mounted vertically. As such, the fence panels on a horizontal fence can’t cover the same span between posts as a vertical fence can. If you install the posts further apart on a horizontal fence, the fence will lose stability, making the boards more likely to sag. 

The most durable metal for a fence is wrought iron. With proper care, a wrought iron fence can last for centuries. This means regular resealing to stave off rust and corrosion, especially in coastal climates with salty sea air. In these environments, chain link and corrugated fencing tend to stand up better to the elements with fewer maintenance needs.