DIY Network

House Call: Repairing Wooden Fence Boards From "Complete Fix-It" episode CFI-108

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Figure A Figure B

Brad Staggs helps a homeowner replace a rotting board in her fence.

Materials:

2"x8"x8' board
Circular saw
Speed square
Flat bar
Hammer
Block of wood
Clamps
Jigsaw
Planer (can be rented for about $50 a day)

1. If the boards in your fence are not consistent in size, Staggs suggests using a block of wood and a hammer to loosen the old board (figure A), taking care not to damage it if possible, so it can be used as a pattern for the replacement. When it's loose enough, insert the pry bar and remove the board from the fence.
   
2. With a pencil mark a rough outline of the old board onto the new one. Cut the board to size with a circular saw, leaving it a couple of inches longer than the old one.
   
3. Rip the board to the width of the old one.
   
4. Put the new board through a planer, making several passes until it's the same thickness as the old one.
   
   Tip: When you're feeding a board through a planer, remove your gloves, as they could get caught in the planer and cause injury. But keep your gloves on if you're catching the board as it passes through the planer; they will help you avoid splinters.
   
   
5. Clamp the board to the work surface and use a jigsaw to cut the curved top (figure B).
   
6. Remove the old nails from the fence with the pry bar. Then have a helper hold the replacement in place while you drill four new holes in it.
   
7. Attach the new board with galvanized screws.
   

RESOURCES :

HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV