Fix a fence panel
Save £100–200 in 2 hours — no tradesperson needed
Most people call a tradesperson for this. You probably don't need to.
Last updated: March 2025
Only basic tools needed — most homes already have them.
Before you start
In England and Wales, boundary responsibility is defined in your title deeds — check which side of the fence is yours before spending money on repairs. The convention is the posts face your side, but this is not always the legal boundary.
After a storm, check all panels and posts — even those that look fine may have weakened fixings that will fail in the next storm.
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Tools & materials
- ✓Hammer and nail bar / pry bar— to remove old nails and panel
- ✓Tape measure— to confirm panel size before buying
- ✓Drill and screwdriver— for galvanised screws
- !Replacement fence panel— buy — standard 6ft wide panels from any DIY store
- !Galvanised screws or nails— buy — must be galvanised for outdoor use
- !Fence preservative— buy — apply to all bare wood after fitting
Want everything in one go?
Prices shown on retailer sites. Always check current pricing before purchasing.
Assess the damage
Check whether the issue is with the panel, the post, or both. A loose or broken panel can usually be replaced or reattached. A rotten or leaning post is more serious — a panel fixed to a rotten post will fail again within months.
Most people get this done in under 5 minutes.
Where beginners go wrong
Fixing a panel to a rotten post — the post will fail again within the year. Always check posts before fitting new panels.
Using standard screws or nails outdoors — they rust and expand, splitting the wood and eventually falling out. Always use galvanised or stainless fixings.
Not treating cut ends — untreated wood soaks up moisture quickly, especially at cut ends and the bottom of panels where water pools.
Stop and call a fencer if...
Multiple posts are rotten — replacing posts requires concrete work and is significantly harder than panel replacement
The fence is on a sloped site and needs special installation — panels need to be stepped or raked to fit
There is a dispute with a neighbour about the boundary — get the boundary agreed before spending on repairs
Cost breakdown
Recommended starter kit
Five tools that cover most home repairs.
- →Adjustable spannerAmazon·Screwfix
- →Screwdriver setAmazon·Screwfix
- →PTFE tapeAmazon·Screwfix
- →Spirit levelAmazon·Screwfix
- →Tape measureAmazon·Screwfix
Want everything in one go? Get it on Amazon
What you just learned
You now know how to assess fence damage, replace a panel, and maintain wood to extend its life. The same principles apply to gate repairs, trellis fixing, and decking maintenance.
Most people would pay a tradesperson for this.
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
Check your tenancy agreement — boundary and fence maintenance is often the landlord's responsibility. Report damage in writing before doing any repairs yourself.