Nobody wants to pay for a new fence when a repair would do, and nobody wants to pay for a repair on a fence that's going to fall over next winter anyway. These five questions usually settle it.
1. What condition are the posts in?
This matters more than anything else. Walk the fence and push on each post at waist height, then press a screwdriver into the wood right at ground level. Solid posts mean the fence has a future. If only the posts near the damage are bad, repair them. If most posts are soft or moving, the fence is failing from the ground up, and patching one section just moves the problem down the line.
2. How old is the fence?
Wood fences commonly last somewhere around 15 to 20 years, depending on the wood, the soil, and how much water they get. A 6-year-old fence with a storm-damaged section is a clear repair. A 22-year-old fence with the same damage is a closer call, because the parts that didn't fall are the same age as the parts that did.
3. How much of it is damaged?
A single section, a gate, or a handful of boards is a repair. When damage runs across multiple sections or multiple sides of the yard, add up the repair estimates. The rule of thumb Angi (opens in a new tab) cites is to consider replacement once repairs would cost more than about half the price of a new fence.
4. Will the repair match?
New wood next to old wood looks different for a while; staining helps. That's fine in most backyards. But if your HOA requires a uniform look, or the fence style is no longer available, a repair might mean replacing more than the damaged part. Sometimes that tips the decision.
5. Are you about to repair it again?
If this is the second or third repair call in a few years, that's your answer. Repeated service calls on an aging fence add up quickly, and each storm season brings another round.
Quick decision table
| Situation | Usually… |
|---|---|
| A few loose or broken boards, posts solid | Repair |
| One or two rotted posts, fence under ~15 years | Repair the posts |
| Gate sags but the fence is fine | Repair the gate |
| One section blew down, posts on either side solid | Repair |
| Section blew down and neighboring posts are soft | Replace the section, check the rest |
| Most posts soft, fence 20+ years | Replace |
| Repairs add up to more than ~half of a new fence | Replace |
| Third repair in a few years | Replace |
Special case: after storm damage
Storms don't usually break healthy fences. They finish off weak ones. So after a fence comes down in the wind, look closely at the posts that are still standing. If they're solid, a storm damage repair is the right call. If the storm exposed rot along the whole line, replacing now can save you from a second repair after the next storm. If you're filing an insurance claim, get the estimate in writing and keep your photos.
A middle option: replace the posts, keep the panels
If the boards and rails are in good shape but the posts are failing, you don't have to choose between a patch and a whole new fence. Replacing the posts (in wood or in galvanized steel) and re-hanging the existing panels can give a sound fence at a lower cost than full replacement. Learn more about fence post repair.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a wood fence last?
Often around 15 to 20 years, depending on the wood type, soil, drainage, and maintenance. Posts that stay wet at the base fail first.
Can I replace just one side of my fence?
Yes. Replacing only the worst side or section is common, especially when the other runs are newer or in better condition.
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.