Fixing a Failing Cedar Fence: Repair vs Replace Decision Tree
Cedar fences in LA typically need attention at year 8-12. The question we get most often: 'should I repair or replace?' The answer is rarely either/or — it usually depends on three things: post integrity, board condition, and what you'd build to replace it. Here's the decision tree we use.
Written by
Israel Acquino — Founder & General Contractor · CSLB #964664
Step 1: Assess post integrity
Cedar posts in LA last 8-15 years depending on bury depth, drainage, and irrigation overspray. To assess: push laterally on each post at the top of the fence — anything that moves more than 1 inch laterally has rotted at the base or has a degraded concrete footing. Probe the post at ground level with a screwdriver — if the screwdriver penetrates 1/4 inch with hand pressure, the post is rotted. Count the rotted posts vs total posts; this is the key number. If 30%+ of posts are rotted, we recommend full replacement. If less than 20%, repair is viable.
Step 2: Assess board condition
Inspect the boards: how many show major cupping (over 1/2 inch deflection across the board), how many have visible rot at the base, how many have failed or pulled-out fasteners. If 25%+ of boards show major issues, board replacement on the existing frame is significant work. If less than 15%, selective board replacement is reasonable.
Step 3: Consider what you'd build to replace it
If you'd replace cedar with cedar: repair makes sense if posts and majority of boards are sound. The repair extends the fence another 4-8 years for typically 30-50% of the cost of full replacement. If you'd replace cedar with hardwood (Cumaru, Ipe, Garapa): repair to extend cedar life is usually false economy. Better to do the upgrade once at the 25-year-lifespan tier rather than repair to push cedar another 5 years and then upgrade anyway.
Repair scope and cost
Typical repair scope on a 200-foot cedar fence with 30% post issues: replace 6-8 posts ($150-$300 per post installed), replace 15-20% of boards ($25-$45 per board installed), reseal entire fence ($800-$1500 for the full run). Total: $4500-$8500. This extends usable life 4-8 years. Compare to full replacement: $14,000-$26,000 for cedar, $24,000-$42,000 for Cumaru. Repair makes economic sense when remaining life > 5 years; replacement makes sense when remaining life < 5 years or when upgrading material.
What we typically recommend
Three patterns. First: cedar fence under 8 years old with isolated issues — targeted repair. Second: cedar fence 10+ years old with 30%+ post issues, planning to stay in home 5+ years — full replacement, usually upgrading to Cumaru. Third: cedar fence approaching end of life on a property being sold within 2-3 years — minimal repair to maintain visual quality through sale, document the fence as 'recently maintained' rather than 'recently replaced.'
Questions homeowners ask