Yes, you can replace just the fence panels if the fence posts are in good condition. In order to find out what you need to know about updating a fence by replacing fence panels, keep reading or watch the video below.
Watch the how to: replacing fence panels.
In this video, we show how I made over this old and crumbling stockade fence. It’s a simple, sharp, affordable way to change the look of your fence into an elegant solution. You will see how to:
- Set up tools
- My love affair for my new Kobalt saw horses and Disston OmniTable
- A modern, fresh, attractive fence design
- How to remove fence panels
- Integrate the new design with the existing posts
- Using Spax screws instead of nails for working alone efficiency
- Get the fence panel tops even with each other
- How to make a fence with both sides “neighborly”
- How to straighten posts that have moved out of plumb
- Work flow tips
- Fun gate hardware
What we used when replacing fence panels.
For this project, we used readily available 1×6 pressure treated pine boards to tune-up this old fence. We ran them horizontally and off-set them, similar to this powered up fence design, so both sides were the same as each other. It stretched the look out and then set the property off from its neighbors. We also hid the old posts inside new boards and arrived at an extremely low-maintenance, affordable and excellent fence.
I screwed everything together for a bunch of reasons. It’s a tighter connection and walking around the back yard with a cordless impact driver and screws is way easier than dragging a hose and compressor.
Intact fence posts create an opportunity.
Fence panels fail before the posts do in most circumstances, especially older stockade style fence panels. Usually, the pressure treated post are fine. They’ve probably moved over the years, but they’re otherwise in suitable condition and you don’t need to both remove and build an entirely new fence. In fact, intact fence posts give you a lot to work with.
It’s also an opportunity to get a different, custom look for similar–if not less–money than buying new fence panels that is well-beyond the original fence. For this fence repair, I ditched the old panels (you will need a way to dispose of them; local trash pick-up likely won’ take them) and then replaced the old stockade fence with horizontally placed 1×6 pressure treated pine boards. It’d a clean, modern look and almost worry-free look. It turns heads.
Is rebuilding a fence a DIY-able project?
I think so. I’s definitely good practice because, well, it’s a fence not a Steinway. If you make a mistake, then you can fix it or hide it. Kitchen tile? Not so much with tile, if you know what I mean.
Before you begin building fence panels, make sure you are comfortable with the tools involved. And, also it’s a good idea to have the materials delivered. You don’t want to be that guy holding on to fence panels on the roof of the car while driving out of the home improvement center.
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