How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post | This Old House

Adding new life to an old fence with This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

Tools for How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post:

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How to Replace a Rotted Fence Post | This Old House

[The_El_Guapo]

Never in my life have i seen such loose and easily dug soil than I do in every This Old House video

[TheSnekkerShow]

Almost every time I've seen a rotted post in a fence or deck, the worst rot is close to the ground level where people often add topsoil. They'll last a lot longer if that part of the post is protected with a little concrete. That also simplifies landscaping so you don't hit the post with the weedwacker constantly, and expose more end grain that rots faster.

[shellbell]

This guys so New England I can’t get enough of it lol

[sclemmons]

I'm from LA and all my Dad and I used were pressure treated 4x4s in a 27 inch hole. Bottom 3 inches were crushed rock or sand and set the post on top of that. Filled in the post with concrete, then the top 2-3 inches were top soil. Lasted a long time especially since it is dry there.

[al]

I've seen every episode . and still have cable box set to record new. now I'm here watching its a drug I'm hooked on

[juliof]

Kevin said, "Nice job Roger" but Kevin did all the work. What's so nice Kevin?

[freewoodencrosses]

My son and I worked many hours removing a post that had concrete around it and in your case there was no concrete. you had it easy.
Made for TV.

[RoastBeefSandwich]

They say it's a requirement for a man to say "that's not going anywhere" after fixing something.

[GagaDebbie]

Wow! Roger I’m an old woman, I do not ever notice men, ever! I’m too tired. But for whatever it’s worth, you sir, are very* handsome! I hope it makes your day! Thank you both for the video. It was great!

[platinumeagled]

I think the fact they got those screws out after that many years was a mirical of its own

[rupe]

I know people are asking why not go down 48 inches for frost, but over my 65 years in New England I don't ever recall seeing frost more than about 20 inches, and that was a darn cold winter! BTW, I just installed city water and the inspector wanted the main at 48 inches as well, but when I asked why the outdoor meter pit had pipes within 18 inches of the surface he didn't have an answer!

[rosahairsalon]

One good thing about this old house episodes, there's always plenty of helping hands available

[joedoakes]

Paint the 'In ground' portion of the new post with roofing tar ! THEN, pour gravel and tamp !

[ballsthatclank]

Where's the part where they dug the 100 pound chunk of concrete out of the ground.

[scatme]

The proper way to install that post in the ground. Before placing the new post in the hole apply a coat of roofing cement on the flour sides of the post to about 2 inches above grade. That along with the rocks for drainage would protect the post from rotting.

[wayd]

I wish dirt was that nice to dig everywhere jeez

[Shazzkid]

Don't wanna take the whole fence apaahht
Throw everything on the taahhp

[morantactical]

If you really want to put off rot in your fence posts, cover the part of the post that will be underground with 2-3 coats of exterior primer. It seals the wood and prevents water and bugs from getting into the wood.

[Handlehandlebars]

Must be convenient having a fence post that is attached with those pocket hole type braces lol

[TanyaOwens]

Nice. In the clay soils down here in TX we need to set the post in Concrete. Would love to see you replace the post in a good neighbor fence