Fence post replacement in Exeter
Professional fence post replacement services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-160
Typical Duration
2-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Fence post replacement in Exeter. Rotten posts dug out, new posts set solid, panels rehung properly.
Fence Posts Rotten or Leaning?
When fence posts go, the whole fence goes with them. Replacing rotten posts properly means digging out the old concrete, setting new posts vertical and deep, getting everything solid again. It's hard graft but it's the only way to fix a fence that's leaning or has rotten posts.
💡 Pro tip: Fence posts rot at ground level where timber stays damp. Everything above ground can look fine while the post is completely rotten underground. That's why fences suddenly lean over - the buried bit has gone. Concrete spurs can save posts if there's enough solid timber left, but often full replacement is the only proper fix.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Old concrete dug out completely | New post shoved in next to old concrete (wonky) |
| Post set vertical and at right depth | Post leaning or too shallow |
| Concrete mixed properly and compacted | Weak mix or air pockets in concrete |
| Panels rehung level and secure | Panels forced back wonky, don't fit right |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Dig Out | Remove panels, dig out old post and concrete (hard work) |
| Set New Post | Position new post, check vertical, concrete it in solid |
| Let It Set | Give concrete time to go off properly |
| Rehang Panels | Put panels back, make sure everything's level and secure |
📦 You're Left With
- New post set solid and vertical
- Panels rehung properly and level
- Fence line straight and secure
- Old post and concrete removed
Pricing Guide
| Scope | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single timber post replacement | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Single concrete post replacement | 2.5 hrs | £135 |
| Multiple posts or difficult access | 3+ hrs | £160+ |
£60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Posts and concrete extra - timber post about £15-20, concrete post £25-35.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Post rotten at ground level - Too far gone for concrete spur
✅ Fence leaning - Post has failed and whole fence shifted
✅ Post broken - Impact damage or old age
✅ Full replacement needed - Concrete spur won't work
Why Choose Us for Fence post replacement in Exeter?
Rotten posts completely replaced
Concrete or timber options
Panels rehung properly
Fence solid and vertical again
What to Expect
Step 1: Dig Out the Old
Remove panels either side, dig out the rotten post and old concrete. This is the hard bit - clay soil and old concrete are a pain.
Step 2: Set the New Post
Position new post, check it's vertical and the right depth, concrete it in properly. Get this right and the job's done right.
Step 3: Rehang and Finish
Once concrete's set, rehang panels, check everything's level. Make sure the fence is solid and looks straight.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is hard work but doable if you're fit and determined:
🔧 What you'll need
- Replacement fence post (concrete or treated timber)
- Ballast and cement for concrete (or postcrete)
- Spade and post hole digger
- Spirit level
- Lump hammer and pry bar
📐 How to do it
- Remove panels carefully and support them somewhere safe
- Dig out old post and all the old concrete (this takes time)
- Set new post at same depth as others (usually 600mm minimum)
- Check post is vertical in both directions with spirit level
- Fill hole with concrete, compact well, check still vertical
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Not digging out all the old concrete (new post goes in wonky)
- Post too shallow (won't hold, especially for gates)
- Concrete too wet or too dry (weak or won't set properly)
- Not checking vertical before concrete sets (can't fix it after)
💡 Pro trick: Before you concrete in the post, tie a string line along the fence line at the top of the other posts. Position your new post so the top just touches the string - gives you height and alignment in one go. Makes the fence look straight and professional.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Gravel boards save posts: If you're replacing posts, consider fitting gravel boards along the bottom. They keep fence panels off the wet ground and rot instead of your panels. Much cheaper to replace a gravel board than a fence panel.
Combine with:
- Fence panel repair (replace damaged panels while posts are out)
- Garden gate repair (fix the gate while fencing is down)
- Gravel board installation (protect new panels from ground damp)
Related services:
- Fence post concrete spur (alternative if post not too far gone)
- Fence panel repair (often needed when posts have failed)
- Close board fencing (upgrade while you're at it)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my fence post needs replacing?
If you can wiggle it easily, it's probably rotten at ground level. Push the fence - if the post rocks in the ground, it needs replacing. Or if the wood at ground level is soft and crumbly when you poke it with a screwdriver, it's gone. Sometimes a concrete spur will save it, but if it's really rotten or the whole post is wonky, full replacement is the answer.
Concrete posts or timber posts - which is better?
Concrete lasts forever and never rots, but it's heavier to work with and more expensive. Timber looks better and is cheaper, but it'll rot eventually - maybe 15-20 years if it's pressure-treated. For most domestic fencing, treated timber posts are fine. For long-term or where you've got heavy gates, concrete's worth it.
Do you have to take the panels down to replace posts?
Usually yeah, at least the panels either side of the post I'm replacing. Sometimes I can leave panels hanging if they're in good shape and I'm careful, but often it's easier and safer to drop them. I'll rehang everything properly once the new post is in.
How long before the concrete sets?
I'll usually tell you to leave it 24 hours before hanging gates or putting weight on it. The concrete starts setting within a couple of hours, but giving it a full day means it's properly solid. For just panels sitting in slots, you can do it sooner, but better to wait.
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