How Much Does Fence Repair Cost in 2025?
Fence repair costs an average of $609
Fence repair costs average $609, with most homeowners spending within an average range of $304 to $938.
Fence repair cost factors include fence height, length, and fencing material.
Fence repair is a more affordable option than a full fence replacement, and addressing fence damage early helps avoid more extensive and expensive issues later on.
Regular maintenance, including painting or staining, can extend the lifespan of your fence.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Fence repairs average $609, and most homeowners spend between $304 and $938 to get an existing fence back in good shape. While a small repair can cost as little as $50, fixing extensive damage can cost as much as $5,450. Your final price depends on the extent of the damage, the type of fence material, and local labor rates. Inspect your fence once or twice a year, so you can catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
Fence Repair Cost Factors
The height, material, length, and cost of labor will impact your final price to repair a fence. Here’s a look at the biggest cost factors.
Height
Higher fences generally cost more to repair because they require additional materials and equipment. The extra time required to fix a taller fence will also factor into hourly labor costs for the project. You’ll also pay more for fences that are higher or shorter than standard, as this usually requires custom wood cutting, which will add to your overall costs.
Length
Like height, length plays a big role in fencing repair costs. At $30 per linear foot for average fence repair costs, it stands to reason that a longer fence will cost more to repair. However, length is only a factor if repairs are needed throughout the entire body of a fence.
Cost by Repair Type
There are several kinds of fence repairs you may need to take on, each of which has its own costs to consider. Some of the most common fencing costs are broken boards, leaning fences, broken wire, chipping paint, fallen fence sections, or a broken gate.
| Repair | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fallen fence | $150–$400 |
| Post replacement | $270 per post |
| Gate repair | $100–$400 |
| Holes or cracks | $125–$400 |
| Leaning fence | $200–$400 |
| Missing sections | $150–$300 per panel |
| Rotten sections | $150–$500 |
| Rusted sections | $250–$500 |
| Cracked or warped wood | $125–$400 |
Material
While some fencing materials are more expensive by the square foot, others incur higher costs due to the time and labor involved in replacing them.
| Material | Average Cost per Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $20 |
| Chain-link | $20 |
| Stone | $50 |
| Aluminum/steel | $24 |
| Wrought iron | $30 |
| Lattice | $30 |
Labor
Local fence contractors charge an average of $50 per hour. Tricky repairs, uneven ground, or tight access can push costs higher.
Because most fencing contractors bill by the hour, lengthy repairs along the entire fence line cost more. Rough terrain, hard soil, and tight spaces add time and materials, which raises your price.
Land Leveling
You may need to level your yard in order to properly repair or replace sections of your fence. On average, homeowners pay $2,180 for land leveling, depending on the size of the area being worked on and how much work is needed to complete the job.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once your fence is repaired, you’ll need to continue to pay for regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. The primary considerations are periodic painting and staining of your wood fence, as well as pressure washing. These shouldn’t cost too much upfront, but they’ll save you a lot of money in future fence repair costs.
Repair vs. Replacement
Whenever possible, repair the fence rather than replace it—you’ll keep more money in your pocket. A fence pro can tell you whether a quick fix, a partial replacement, or a brand‑new fence is the smarter move.
Budgeting for Fence Repair
Fence repair is an expensive project, but one that can’t be avoided when you need it. Here are a few steps to save money:
Clear the work zone—move furniture, debris, and overgrown plants before the crew arrives.
Ask neighbors who share the fence to split the bill.
Tackle small jobs yourself: fill tiny holes, stain boards, or pressure‑wash panels.
If you plan a future replacement, choose durable vinyl or composite to cut long‑term costs.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financial responsibility depends on where the fence sits. If it’s clearly inside your lot, you foot the bill. When it’s right on the property line, state laws—California and Illinois are two examples—usually require both neighbors to split repair costs equally unless you agree otherwise. Check your local rules before scheduling work so you know exactly what you’re on the hook for.
Start by walking the fence line and noting every issue—loose boards, leaning posts, cracked panels. Next, gather at least three quotes from licensed contractors, comparing experience, warranties, and costs. Once you pick a pro, they’ll secure materials, reset posts, and fix or replace damaged sections. A thorough inspection and a qualified contractor keep the fence safe and extend its life.
Straightening a leaning fence costs an average of $200 to $400. A fencing pro will assess the damage, reset or replace the posts, and realign the panels so the fence stands upright again. Fixing the lean early on prevents further strain on framing and keeps the structure both sturdy and attractive.
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