How to Replace Cedar Posts & Foundation

Remove the nails or screws that secure the cedar fence post to the fence panels. If the post is secured with nails, use a crow bar to pull each nail out. If the post is secured with screws, back out each screw with a drill and Phillips driving bit. Swing the side panels as far from the post as possible to give yourself room to work.

Remove all the dirt and sod on top of the cement boot, around the post, with a shovel. Wiggle the cedar post back and forth in a circular motion to see if you can free the boot from the ground. If it wiggles loose, ask a friend to help you lift the post and boot out of the ground. If the post seems stuck, dig along the boot to expose one or two sides, then wiggle the post again and free it from the ground.

Measure the hole's depth and remove any necessary dirt to make it 36 inches deep. Tamp down the hole's base with a hand tamper. Pour 6 inches of gravel into the hole and level it.

Pour a bag of cement into a wheelbarrow. Add water to the cement and mix it with a shovel until you achieve a smooth consistency. Center the new cedar post in the hole and pour the cement you mixed into the hole until it is about 2 inches from ground level.

Hold a level against the cedar fence post and adjust it so it is plumb in the hole. Use scrap two-by-fours to brace the post overnight while the cement dries.

Set the braces aside and swing the fence panels against the new cedar fence post. Nail or screw the panels to the post to hold them in place.