Replace damaged fence pickets
Replace individual wood pickets without rebuilding a sound fence.
Lawn & garden · 2–4 hr · Easy
Before you start
Secure pets and keep children away while gaps are open. Wear gloves and eye protection for sharp fasteners. Stop for leaning posts or rotten rails; resolve old-paint hazards before disturbing coatings.
Tools and materials
- Matching pickets, compatible exterior fasteners and wood end treatment or finish
- Driver or nail puller, pry bar and block, tape, level, spacer, saw with clamps and eye protection
Check the problem
Check the supports
Gently test posts and inspect rails, especially at fasteners. Replace only pickets when those supports are firm and sound.
Match the existing detail
Measure actual thickness, width, height, top shape, ground clearance and gaps. Match the wood type and treatment.
Steps
Make the opening safe
Arrange temporary pet containment and identify the damaged pickets. Photograph spacing and top alignment.
Release the old fasteners
Back out screws or pry gently at each rail using a block. Remove sharp nails from both rail and discarded picket.
Prepare the replacement
Cut to match the measured height and profile on a stable clamped setup. Treat fresh cuts as the wood supplier requires.
Align height and spacing
Use a spacer and level to match the adjoining fence while retaining clearance above soil. Do not copy a sagging neighboring board.
Secure at every rail
Predrill if needed and use exterior fasteners of suitable length and compatible coating. Keep heads flush and points from projecting through the back.
Inspect and finish
Check both faces for sharp points, loose boards and changed gaps. Apply finish when permitted by wood moisture and product directions; remove temporary barriers only after the fence is secure.
Check both faces for sharp points, loose boards and changed gaps. Apply finish when permitted by wood moisture and product directions; remove temporary barriers only after the fence is secure.
Tips
Avoid interior screws
Use fasteners approved for the wood treatment and exposure.
Keep wood clear of soil
Persistent soil contact speeds decay.
A picket is not a post repair
A leaning fence needs a different assessment.