How to Replace Fence Panels

With the increase in unusual weather during UK winters, understanding how to replace fence panels on your own may be quite useful as even solid wooden fences can be damaged during storms.

Fence panels are a popular way of adding a boundary divide to your garden in garden design. Fences, on the other hand, are extremely high-maintenance, and replacing or repairing fence panels is one of the most typical challenges homeowners face following severe weather occurrences.

So, how do you go about replacing fence panels? Well, keep reading this article to find out!

An image of a timber fence with black posts. Black outdoor lighting and green shrubbery is also visible.

@mylifeblag

How to Replace Fence Panels and Posts

While replacing fences and posts can be done on your own, always get assistance when necessary and wear protective eyewear and gloves.

an image of a long, brown coloured fence amongst green grass in a garden.

@jacksonsfencing

Step 1: Remove the old panel

Pull the broken fence panel and the post apart with a crowbar until the nails are revealed. Then, using a hacksaw, hammer into the wood, and pull with pliers to make the panel safe to handle. Repeat on the opposite side of the panel, then remove.

an image of a red and mahogany coloured fence amongst a red bricked house.

@contemporaryfencing

Step 2: Install the new panel

Fortunately, most fence panels are available in common sizes and types. So, if you discover that a new panel is a bit too big, you can use a plane to reduce it to size.

There are two primary methods for attaching a new fence panel between timber posts:

If you're using clips attach them to the poles on each side of where the new panel will sit and hoist it into position (you'll need the help of another person or two for this). The panel should be slotted into position (50-75mm above the ground), and new galvanised screws should be used to fasten it.

If you are not using clips, measure and drill six pilot holes evenly spaced down each post. Place the new fence panel and lift it 50-75mm above the ground using bricks or a second set of hands. This will aid in the prevention of moisture. Check the panel's level with a spirit level before hammering galvanised nails into the pilot holes to fix it in place.

an image of a beige coloured fence used amongst a garden with green grass.

@jacksonsfencing

Step 3: Finishing the fence

To preserve the new panel and mix it in with previous units, use a decent exterior wood paint.

an image of a small wooden timber fence with small concrete posts and trim.

@durapost_uk

How to replace fence panels between concrete posts

Replacing fence panels between concrete posts is easy enough once you know how to do it. The idea is to position the fence panel on the legs so that it may be hoisted into position before removing the legs and lowering them. If the fence panel is dry (it hasn't been sitting on damp grass for a week), it should be quite light, making it easier to slide into position.

an image of a wooden timber fence with a wooden gate, and concrete posts.

@perfectpanelsandfences

Step 1: Reinforce Your Fence Panel

Put the panel on the ground so that the side facing your property is facing up. Place two pieces of wood on top of the panel, going top to bottom approximately a fifth of the way in from the edges, then, fix them in place.

an image of a wooden fence panel in construction, with concrete timber posts.

@project_landscape_and_design

Step 2: Build Legs

You should now construct some legs for your panel. These will create a H, with the panel sitting on top.

Place two more lengths of wood parallel to each other on the ground, the same distance apart as the two attached to the panel. Place your 6"-wide length over these two and nail into place. At each join, use at least two nails that are spaced apart. This avoids twisting and creates a more solid framework

an image of a dark brown picket fence, with concrete posts and trim.

@claymillfencing

Step 3: Tighten the Legs

Clamp the H-shaped legs to the underside of the wood lengths you fastened to the panel. Remember that after the panel is back in place, the side facing up is the side facing you. Check if the clamps can be easily removed from that side.

an image of a completed, beige wooden fence with concrete posts amongst green grass.

@perfectpanelsandfences

Step 4: Roll it Over

Roll the entire structure over and place the bottom of the legs in the empty space where you want your fence panel to end up.

an image of a modern timber fence amongst a garden shed and aggregate garden.

@gardentrellisco

Step 5: Raise the Structure to a Vertical Position

Lift the top of the panel above your head and move forward, verticalizing the entire structure. When it's fully upright, you should have a fence panel about 12 feet in the air, with the bottom just below the tops of the posts. You may be able to raise the top of the posts just enough to push the bottom of the panel between them (the posts will move significantly more at the top than the bottom), or you may need to lift it the last few inches to slot it into place.

an image of a charcoal grey paneled fence with grey timber posts amongst a green grass garden.

@pgrtimber

Step 6: Remove Clamps and Wood Lengths

Once the bottom of the panel is neatly in between the posts, just remove the clamps holding the legs in place and lower the panel into place. Remove the two pieces of wood you nailed on in step one, and you're finished!

an image of a wooden timber fence in a garden, with concrete posts.

@m.t.d_building

This concludes the ins and outs of replacing a fence panel and post! Fence replacement may be a challenging job, so we hope our article has helped you face it head on and with confidence.

If you have any questions on how to replace a fence panel or post or would just like to know some further information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local friendly Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on the number 01472 907051.

1st May 2024 Emily Green