Brentwood & East Contra Costa
Fence Replacement: Sections or the Whole Fence
When the posts are rotting along the whole line and the boards are brittle, repairs keep coming back. Replacing a section, or the full run, ends the cycle.
Free estimates · No obligation
Signs it's time to replace rather than repair
- More than a few posts are soft at the ground, so the rest aren't far behind.
- Boards split when you fasten into them; the wood won't hold a repair.
- You've paid for a repair two winters in a row.
You don't always have to replace everything. If one side took the damage, or one run is much older, replacing that stretch is common. The whole fence makes sense when posts are failing everywhere, when a new section would look out of place, or when your HOA wants a uniform look. Our guide on repair versus replacement has a simple way to decide.
What a replacement involves
- Measure and plan the line, height, style, and gate locations; confirm the property line and HOA rules.
- Call 811 so buried utility lines get marked.
- Tear out and haul away the old fence, including old concrete footings where needed.
- Set new posts in concrete, tops sloped to shed water.
- Build rails, boards, and gates, then trim, cap, and clean up. Stain or seal once the wood has dried.
Styles you'll see in East County yards
| Style | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Standard privacy | Boards on one side of the rails | Most common; the "back" faces one neighbor |
| Good neighbor | Boards alternate sides so both look finished | The usual choice for shared lines |
| Board-on-board | Overlapping boards on alternating sides | More privacy, lets some air through, uses more wood |
| Steel posts, wood boards | Galvanized posts, wood rails and boards | Posts don't rot; costs more up front |
| Horizontal slat | Modern horizontal boards | Needs closer post spacing; check HOA rules |
What fence replacement usually costs
New wood fences are quoted per linear foot. National averages run roughly $44–$67 per foot installed, with West Coast labor at the high end (Ergeon, 2026). Length, height, style, gates, and haul-away of the old fence set the final number.
Every job is different, and the estimate is free. Full breakdown: fence repair costs in Brentwood.
HOAs, permits, and shared fences
- HOA approval: many neighborhoods in Brentwood, Oakley, and Antioch have rules on fence height, style, and stain color. Get approval before work starts.
- City rules: height limits and permit requirements vary by city and by where the fence sits (front yard, side yard, corner lot). Check with your city's planning department.
- Shared fences: California presumes adjoining owners share the reasonable cost of a boundary fence and asks for 30 days' written notice before work (Civil Code §841). Most neighbors simply split one written estimate. This isn't legal advice; for a dispute, talk to an attorney.
- Property line: if you're not sure where it is, settle that before the old fence comes down.
Fence Replacement: common questions
How long does a fence replacement take?
A typical backyard fence is often torn out and rebuilt in a few days once work starts. HOA approval, materials, and weather can add time before that.
What is a good neighbor fence?
A fence built so both sides look finished, usually by alternating boards or panels between the two sides of the rails. It's the usual choice when neighbors share the cost.
Do I need a permit to replace my fence?
It depends on your city, the height, and the location. Many backyard replacements at standard height don't need a building permit, but taller fences, front-yard fences, and fences on retaining walls often have rules. Check with your city first.
Can my neighbor and I split the cost?
Yes, and California law presumes neighbors share reasonable costs of a boundary fence. The contractor can write one estimate for both of you.
Related fence repairs
Storm & Wind Damage Fence Repair
Fence fell or broke in wind or rain? Get the yard secured and the damage fixed.
Wood Fence Repair
Replace broken pickets, split rails, and rotted kickboards without replacing the whole fence.
Fence Post Repair
Replace rotted or snapped posts and reset them so the fence stands straight again.
Talk to a local fence pro
Fence down, leaning, or falling apart?
Call now or send a 30-second request. You'll be connected with a local fence contractor for a free estimate.