How To Demolish and Replace Old Wood Fence

A wooden fence is the perfect addition to your property as it provides the necessary privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal. But over time, wood fences start to deteriorate and lose their charm. This results in rotting, warping, pest infestation, and damage from storms and heavy winds. If your wooden fence has served its purpose, it may be time to replace it. But how do you go about demolishing and installing a new fence? In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps you need to know to remove and replace an old wood fence.

Step 1: Assemble Your Tools

Before you begin demolishing your old fence, you need to gather all the necessary tools. Some of the must-have items include a sledgehammer, a pry bar, a circular saw, gloves, safety glasses, and face mask. You will also need to rent heavy equipment such as a bobcat, an auger, and a power drill. Having these tools at your disposal will make the job a lot easier and faster.

Step 2: Remove the Gates

The first step in demolishing your old fence is to remove the gates. Start by unscrewing the hinges and setting them aside. Next, remove the latch and springs, taking care not to damage them. Store these items safely and move on to the next step.

Step 3: Pull Down the Fence Panels

Using your sledgehammer, knock down one fence panel at a time starting from one end to the other. Be careful not to cause too much damage to the fence posts. Once you've knocked down all the panels, use the pry bar to dig out the nails and screws from the posts. This will make it easier to remove them from the ground.

Step 4: Remove the Fence Posts

Use the bobcat to lift the fence posts out of the ground after you have removed the fence panels and the nails/screws. Be careful when operating the equipment to avoid damaging your property. Once the posts are out, break the concrete footing using your sledgehammer or an auger.

Step 5: Install The New Fence

Now that you have removed the old fence, it's time to install a new one. Start by setting the fence posts in the ground with concrete. Use the circular saw to trim the posts to the right height and then install the fence panels. Finish the job by hanging the gates and installing any accessories like post caps and finials.

 

Conclusion

Demolishing and replacing an old wood fence requires patience, skill, and the right tools. However, with these simple steps, you can get the job done successfully and efficiently. If you're unsure about doing this yourself, contact professionals like Byers Fence, a fence contractor in Sanford, FL, to help you get started. They can provide you with expert tips, advice, and fence installation services that will exceed your expectations. With a new fence in place, you'll have a beautiful, secure, and functional addition to your property that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.