If you have a wooden fence in your yard, you may want to repair it. You can do this by adding some T-brace or removing some of the smaller posts in your fence. Another great option is to stain it. This will protect it and make it look like new.
Replace a damaged section of chain-link fence fabric
If your chain link fence has been damaged by critters, storms, or general wear and tear, you may need to replace a portion of the fabric. This task can be relatively simple if you are willing to invest in the proper tools. However, if you are not comfortable handling heavy-duty power tools, you might want to hire a professional for the job.
To start, you will need to remove the damaged section of fabric. You can do this by pulling the wires off the fence, or you can take it one step further by untwisting the ties. Once the wires are out, you will need to save the ties for your replacement fabric.
Next, you will need to cut the damaged section into manageable pieces. You can use a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw to do the cutting. For this, you will need a friend or two to hold the end of the pipe while you work.
Add a T-brace
If you’re wondering how to repair wooden fence rails, you can repair them with a metal T-brace. The best brace will be able to hold your fence in place even in low spots without the need for additional anchors.
Before beginning any repair work, you should ensure that the area is properly cleaned with chlorine bleach. You can also apply a wood preservative to the damaged area to arrest incipient rot.
When working with wooden rails, you should have a good spirit level in order to ensure that your posts are vertical. Check that they are placed straight and that they are aligned with other posts.
Make sure that you have enough lumber to complete the job. It is better to have extra than to have to cut more.
Brace a fence post plumb
A braced fence post will help your fence rails last a lot longer. Using a brace can also ensure that your fence posts are plumb. For this reason, you may want to brace your posts with scrap materials before you actually pour concrete around them.
Before you can brace a fence post, you’ll need to dig a hole for the post. This hole should be about 18 inches deep and six inches in diameter.
You’ll also need to cut the post to length. It’s also important to measure for stakes. Then, use wood stakes to keep your post vertical. These stakes should be at least four inches long. Ideally, you’ll want to nail or screw them to the post.
Next, you’ll need to place a piece of scrap lumber between the stake and the post. Ideally, you’ll nail the lumber to the post with galvanized nails.
Remove small post footings
When you’re repairing wooden fence rails, you might need to remove small post footings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you’re dealing with rocky terrain. However, there are ways to deal with the problem.
The first step is to determine the location of the post. It should be in line with the rest of the fence and be plumb to the right and left. You can do this by marking the position of the post with a string.
Next, you’ll need to excavate the area around the post. Dig down several inches and clear away any rocks or dirt from the concrete footing. If the post is cemented in place, you’ll have to use a steel mallet to break up the concrete.
Stain your fence
Fence staining is a labor-intensive process, and requires protective clothing, tools and a lot of time. It’s also important to choose high-quality products. Cheaper fence stains will not last as long as a higher-quality product, and you’ll need to replace them more often.
Before you start, you should test the stain on a hidden area. If the fence has previously been finished, you should use a finish stripper to remove the old finish. Then you’ll need to scrub the fence with a stiff-bristle brush. Once you’ve done this, you’ll want to wait several weeks.
When you’re ready to begin, make sure the weather is dry and cool. Staining in hot temperatures can cause the stain to peel off in a short time. Similarly, too cold or too wet conditions can prevent the stain from penetrating.
