How much does it cost to repair a fence post?

Fence post repair costs $100–$400 per post depending on the type of damage. A leaning post braced and re-secured runs $100–$200. A rotted or broken post requiring full replacement costs $200–$400 per post, including materials and labor.

How do I fix a leaning fence post without replacing it?

If the post is structurally sound (not rotted), dig out the old concrete, straighten the post using a level and temporary brace, add gravel for drainage, then re-pour concrete around it. Use rapid-set concrete to minimize downtime.

Fence Post Repair Cost

Q: Can I repair a leaning fence post myself?

Yes. A leaning post that hasn't snapped can often be straightened and re-set with a post-hole digger, gravel, and a bag of fast-setting concrete. Total DIY cost is $20–$60 in materials. Allow the concrete to cure 24 hours before removing bracing.

Q: How long does a repaired fence post last?

A properly replaced pressure-treated pine post set in concrete lasts 10–15 years. Cedar posts last 15–20 years. The key is setting the post in gravel at the base (for drainage) and concrete above — not solid concrete all the way down, which traps moisture.

Repairing a fence post costs $100–$400 per post depending on the damage. Leaning posts are the cheapest fix; rotted or broken posts that need full replacement cost more.

Cost by Repair Type

Repair Type	DIY Cost	Pro Cost (per post)	Notes
Leaning post (re-set)	$20–$50	$100–$200	Post intact, just shifted in ground
Broken post (above ground)	$40–$80	$150–$300	Snap repair or sistering a new post
Rotted post (full replacement)	$30–$70	$200–$400	Dig out old post + re-concrete
Full post replacement (cedar/PT)	$50–$90	$250–$450	New post, new concrete, panel re-hang

Pro costs include a service call minimum of $75–$150. Many contractors charge per-post for multiple repairs on the same visit.

Signs Your Post Needs Repair

Leaning or shifting — post has moved out of vertical by more than 1–2 inches. Usually caused by frost heave, soil erosion, or inadequate depth.

Soft or spongy at base — press a screwdriver into the post at ground level. Easy penetration = rot. A rotted post will fail within 1–2 seasons.

Cracked or split above ground — horizontal cracks weaken the post structurally. Vertical surface cracks are cosmetic and can be left.

Gate sagging — gate posts bear extra load. If the gate drops, the post may have shifted underground.

DIY: How to Fix a Leaning Post

Dig out: Remove soil and old concrete around the post base (post-hole digger or digging bar).
Straighten: Use a level on two faces. Brace the post with 2×4 stakes nailed to the post and staked into the ground.
Add gravel: Pour 4–6 inches of gravel into the hole for drainage — this prevents future heaving.
Re-pour concrete: Use rapid-set concrete mixed to a stiff consistency. Fill to 2–3 inches below grade and slope slightly away from post.
Cure: Leave bracing in place for 24–48 hours. Fast-set concrete reaches working strength in 4 hours.

When to Call a Pro

3 or more posts need repair — bulk pricing is usually available
Posts are set in caliche, rock, or extremely hard soil
The post is a corner or gate post (structural — precision matters more)
You need a permit for the repair (some cities require this)
The fence section needs to be detached and re-hung after post work

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does fence post repair cost?

$100–$400 per post professionally. A leaning post re-set runs $100–$200; a full rotted post replacement runs $200–$400 including materials and labor.

Can I repair a leaning fence post myself?

Yes — if the post isn't rotted. Dig out the base, re-plumb with a level and temporary brace, add gravel, and re-pour concrete. Total DIY cost is $20–$60 in materials.

How long does a repaired fence post last?

A new pressure-treated pine post properly set in gravel + concrete lasts 10–15 years. Cedar lasts 15–20 years. The gravel base for drainage is the single most important factor in post longevity.

How do you fix a leaning post without replacing it?

Dig out the old concrete, straighten using a level and brace, add gravel, then re-pour rapid-set concrete. Only works if the post itself is structurally sound (no rot). Don't pour solid concrete all the way to grade — leave the top 2–3 inches as compacted soil.

Related guides

How to Install Fence Posts Concrete Per Post Calculator Fence Post Depth Guide

Reviewed by the FenceCalculate.com Editorial Team · Last reviewed: August 2026