Updated 6/23/26

Customers often ask if their wood fence can be repaired or patched, and ultimately salvaged in order to save money on a full replacement. Sometimes the answer is simple. Other times it can be hard to guess just how much longer a wood fence will last. We like to be realistic when it comes to these conversations, providing a close look at all aspects of the comparison between repairing vs. replacing.  Hopefully, the guidance we have gathered for you below will help you make an informed decision about your old wood fence.

Signs that your wooden fence needs to be replaced 

You may need to consider fully replacing your wood fence if…

. . . A quarter or more of the boards and posts need replacing. At this point, it may be worth it to replace your existing wood fence in its entirety. A fence in this condition will continue to require numerous repairs each year. A full replacement will end up costing less by about year three (continue below). You can be confident in determining that a fence in this condition deserves a full replacement, and so do you! Enjoy a stress-free new fence for years to come.

. . . Your annual maintenance costs are high. Ask you Frederick Fence Co salesman to price up cost comparison between conducting the most necessary repairs and replacing the entire fence. This will give you a clear idea of what your repair costs will add up to in a few years. Does it add up to a full replacement cost? Sometimes labor and overhead costs make an extensive repair surprisingly comparable to a replacement cost, if not MORE!

. . . The fence has a consistent lean along more than a few sections. A leaning fence is a good indicator that posts have begun to rot underground. Structurally, the fence could become unsafe for children and animals. Once this starts happening it is definitely time for a replacement.

. . . You are having a hard time keeping animals in. Is your dog able to break its way through parts of the fence? Are your smaller animals always finding new holes to escape through? This is a signal that the fence is dilapidated, rotting, and needs to be replaced. Consider the risk of danger if they are able to escape. Your pets deserve a fence that keeps them safe and secure. Ask your salesman about the best dog or pet fence options for your animal friends.

 

Buy Materials Only and Save!

Frederick Fence Company is not only a fence installation business. We also maintain a retail department where homeowners and fellow fence companies can purchase fence materials for their own projects. We stock wood, vinyl, chain link, and aluminum fencing supplies. Any materials we do not currently have available can be obtained through special order.

Save on labors costs if you can do the fence work yourself or with a team of family and friends. Interested? Reach out to Roxanne at 301-663-4000. She will guide you through the purchasing process, provide pricing information, and keep you updated on lead time and ETA. We offer local delivery to customers within our service area. You can alternatively pick up your materials from our shop in Frederick, MD.  We do not offer shipping on products outside our service area at this time.

 

Non-Wood Materials to Consider

Are you considering something other than wood for your full fence replacement? Take a look at the options below. . . Both vinyl and aluminum are virtually maintenance free and built to last. ask your Frederick Fence sales expert for more pros and cons of each style! We will help you decide on the perfect design to suit your needs.

Vinyl- Vinyl is long lasting, sturdy, and remains just about the same color all its life. Choose from our stock colors (white and beige) or any other color you could ever want from red and green to black and brown.

Wood fence styles such as paddock, picket, or privacy, can be replicated with vinyl material. Our suppliers also make a wood-grain vinyl material that is meant to mimic the look of wood.

Choose vinyl to suit your need for pool fencing, dog fencing, fencing for aesthetic purposes, and so much more.

Aluminum- Aluminum is a wonderful picket fence material option. Pay for this fence once and have it forever! Aluminum is very long-lasting and is a great choice for dog fencing, pool fencing, or security fencing. Choose from a variety of grades (strengths) ranging from residential to industrial.

Composite- Composite material makes one of the most durable and lasting privacy fences on the market. Our suppliers manufacture a product that is eco-friendly as well as strong. We observe a very high level of satisfaction amongst homeowners who choose composite for their fencing. Learn more about TREX Composite fencing here! 

 

Ready for fence repairs or replacement? Call 301-663-4000 to schedule your free estimate appointment.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Written by Laura Braden, 7-year Frederick Fence Co. team member.