A broken or leaning fence can be annoying, especially after one of Perth’s windy weeks. And the first thought most people have is, “Can I just fix this myself?”
Sometimes you can — but sometimes doing it yourself creates more headaches (and more cost) than calling someone in the first place.
Here’s a straightforward way to figure out which is which.
When a DIY Fence Repair Is Usually Fine
There are a few small jobs you can sort out without much drama.
If a single timber slat has popped out, or a nail or screw has worked loose, you can usually sort that with a drill and a spare 20 minutes. The same goes for a gate that’s dragging or a loose hinge that just needs tightening. Light cosmetic fixes like sanding and repainting a timber fence are also fair game.
In short: if it’s a small, surface-level issue that doesn’t affect the structure, you’re probably safe to tackle it yourself.
When DIY Becomes Risky (or Expensive Later)
A fence may look simple, but the structure underneath is what keeps it upright through storms and soil movement. And that’s where DIY gets shaky.
If a post is wobbling, leaning, sinking, or loose in its concrete footing, that’s no longer a “weekend fix.” That’s the backbone of the fence failing.
The same applies when a fence is leaning noticeably along a whole section — the problem often starts below ground level, not in the panel you can see.
Colorbond fences also catch people out. They seem straightforward, but the angles, locking tabs and re-seating of panels take a bit of technique. Bend one panel the wrong way and you’re suddenly buying replacements.
Storm damage is another one that looks easier than it is. A fence can be upright but weakened — and it only takes one more good gust to bring it down.
And then there’s the neighbour factor. If it’s a boundary fence, WA rules say decisions should be agreed on by both neighbours. A DIY repair that one neighbour isn’t happy with can turn into a dispute very quickly.
Why DIY Often Fails on Bigger Repairs
There are a few common patterns we see:
- The fence is straightened but not re-levelled properly, so it leans again within weeks.
- Posts are re-set too shallow or without proper compaction.
- Rails get reattached, but the underlying rot isn’t fixed.
- Colorbond panels are forced instead of slotted, leading to creases.
None of this is meant to scare you off — it’s just the stuff we’re called in to fix after a DIY attempt. And by then, it usually costs more.
What Professionals Do Differently
When you call our team for fence repairs Perth, the first job is figuring out why the fence failed, not just what broke.
That might mean checking:
- how deep the post is actually set,
- whether the concrete has cracked,
- how the soil is shifting,
- if rails or support brackets are carrying any weight,
- or if multiple posts are slowly moving.
Once we know the cause, the repair tends to last far longer. We re-set posts to the correct depth, align the fence properly, use exterior-rated fixings, and replace rotted timber instead of patching over it. It’s not complicated — it’s just done right.
If You Still Want to DIY, Here’s What You’ll Need
For minor repairs, a basic kit helps:
- Drill or screwdriver
- Level
- Galvanised screws or nails
- Replacement timber
- Exterior sealant or paint
- Patience
If a repair involves concrete, deep digging, large panels, or structural straightening, it’s usually better to stop there and get help. That line — between “I can fix this” and “This is going to get worse if I touch it” — is the real trick to DIY fencing.
When in Doubt, Get a Quick Assessment
If you’re unsure whether your repair is simple or structural, it’s worth getting a set of trained eyes on it. We can take one look and tell you whether a DIY fix makes sense or whether you’re better off leaving it to the pros.
For reliable, long-lasting repairs, you can always reach out to our team for guidance.
Related FAQs
Is a leaning fence dangerous?
It can be. Leaning often means the post is failing, and once it goes, the whole section can fall.
Do I need my neighbour’s approval to repair a boundary fence?
Yes, in most cases both neighbours need to agree — especially for anything beyond cosmetic fixes.
Can DIY repairs void insurance claims?
If the repair contributes to further damage, yes. Insurers usually prefer professionally assessed repairs for boundary structures.
