How to Reinforce a Weak Wooden Fence

Evaluate what repairs are needed to your wooden fence. Look for wood rot, uneven or crooked posts and rails, broken posts and rails, loose posts and rails, and chipped paint.

Treat wood that is rotting with a wood preservative. Remove old paint and debris from the rotting wood with a stiff bristle brush, and then apply the wood preservative with a paintbrush.

Purchase galvanized steel t-brackets to reinforce rails that have come loose from posts or are becoming uneven. The t-brackets keep the horizontal rails properly positioned and attached to the vertical posts. Use nails and a hammer to secure the brackets.

Reinforce weak or crooked posts. Dig around the post with a shovel, about 1 foot deep. Straighten the post as best as you can, and then fill the hole with the dirt you removed. Pack the soil until the post is secure.

Replace broken posts all together. Use a shovel to dig out the post, and then dig the hole deeper by another 6 inches. Fill the hole with 6 inches of gravel. Mix the cement. Place the replacement post in the hole, and then fill it with the cement, securing the post in place. Allow the cement to dry, which should take 2 to 3 hours.

Protect the wood from exposure, by painting it with a wood sealant or paint. Remove old paint and debris from the wood with a stiff bristle brush, and then apply the wood sealant or paint with a paintbrush.