Posts are usually priced differently than the rest of a fence repair, because each one involves the same core steps regardless of what's attached to it: removing the old post and footing, setting a new one, and letting the concrete cure.
Typical post replacement costs
These are national ranges published by Angi (opens in a new tab) and HomeGuide (opens in a new tab) in 2026, useful for scale, not as a quote for your yard.
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wood post replacement | $120 – $350 per post | Angi |
| Damaged post (any material) | $250 – $600 per post | HomeGuide |
| Steel or metal post replacement | $150 – $450 per post | Angi |
| Concrete footing removal (per post) | Often included, or $50 – $150 extra for old/oversized footings | HomeGuide |
Why Bay Area jobs often run toward the higher end
These national figures blend regions with much lower labor and material costs. Bay Area labor rates, insurance, and lumber tend to be higher, so local estimates commonly land in the upper part of these ranges, and travel time can add to small single-post jobs in outlying areas.
What drives the per-post price
- Old concrete removal. Breaking out and hauling away a large or deep existing footing takes real time, and it's often the single biggest driver of price on a "simple" post swap.
- Access. A post buried behind landscaping, against a slope, or in a tight side yard takes longer to reach than one along an open fence line.
- Wood vs. steel. Steel posts cost more upfront but don't rot, which can be worth it in consistently wet spots.
- Number of posts in one visit. Each additional post on the same job usually costs less than the first, since the trip and setup are shared.
- Matching the rest of the fence. If new posts need to match existing post caps, trim, or stain color, expect a bit more time.
Repair brackets vs. full replacement
For a post that's just starting to soften but isn't broken through, some contractors offer post repair brackets or splints — steel reinforcement bolted alongside the existing post rather than pulling it and starting over. These generally cost less than a full post replacement, but they're a shorter-term fix: they reinforce a weakening post rather than removing the rotted wood, so plan on a real replacement once the post is failing rather than just aging.
For guidance on whether it's time to fix just the posts or reconsider the whole fence, see repair or replace a damaged fence, and for how long a new post should last before this comes up again, see how long do wood fence posts last.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to replace one post or the whole fence?
Replacing individual failed posts while keeping sound panels is almost always cheaper than full replacement, as long as most of the fence's posts are still solid.
Why does removing old concrete cost extra?
Breaking out and hauling away an old footing takes real labor time and sometimes equipment, and it's often the most time-consuming part of an otherwise simple post swap.
Are steel posts worth the extra cost?
In consistently wet, shaded, or low-lying areas where wood posts fail early, steel posts can be worth the higher upfront cost since they remove rot from the equation entirely.
Cost ranges and legal notes on this page are general information, not a quote or legal advice. Prices vary by job; get an estimate for your fence.