Fence & deck repair in Los Angeles
Post replacement, board swap, stain + seal, gate repair, deck railing fix. We do repair + refresh on existing fences and decks. Full new fence / deck builds route to a contractor.
What LA fence and deck repair covers
LA fences and decks age on a fast clock. Wood fences 10–15 years. Decks 15–25 years depending on wood species and stain schedule. The failure points are predictable: posts rot at grade line, boards warp from UV, gates sag from hinge pullout, railings loosen. Most of it is per-post or per-board repair, not replacement.
Our LA pros handle: single post replacement, board swaps, gate rehang and hardware, deck railing fix, stain and seal, termite triage. Full new-build fences (50+ feet) or new decks are contractor scope with permits (in most LA areas decks over 200 sq ft or 30" above grade need a permit).
What we handle
How it works
Photos showing the issue: rotted posts, warped boards, sagging gate. Linear feet if stain/seal.
Most repairs handyman-level. Structural deck issues (ledger board, joist damage) flagged for a contractor before we proceed.
Post: 2–4 hrs per post. Board swap: 15 min per board. Gate: 1–2 hrs. Stain: half-day for typical backyard fence.
Los Angeles specifics
LA termite belt (Westside, coastal, foothills): subterranean termites thrive in LA\'s mild climate. Every wood fence post in contact with soil is a termite target. We recommend pressure-treated or redwood posts with concrete footings above grade. If we find termite damage on repair, we flag — termite company referral before repair is the right path.
Redwood vs. cedar vs. pressure-treated (LA-specific): redwood (common in LA) ages gracefully + rots slowly, about $8–15 per linear ft for boards. Cedar slightly cheaper, similar durability. Pressure-treated pine is 60% the cost and lasts longer in ground but looks more industrial — best for structural / hidden posts.
Stain + seal every 2–3 years: LA\'s UV is brutal. Unstained redwood turns silver-grey in 18 months (aesthetic only, not structural). Stain + seal every 2–3 years keeps color and extends life. Oil-based semi-transparent stains hold color best.
Gates that sag (common LA complaint): gates over 4 ft wide sag over time from hinge fatigue. Fix: anti-sag cable diagonal inside the gate frame, or upgrade to ball-bearing strap hinges. Replacing the whole gate for this is overkill.
CA fire-hardening (wildfire zones): LA foothills and areas within defensible-space requirements limit flammable fencing within 5 ft of the home. Wood fence sections meeting the home may need to be replaced with metal or non-combustible material. Check your fire-hardened home zone before fence install.
Typical fence & deck pricing in LA
Labor + standard hardware included. Wood / stain cost extra.
Pricing informational. <!-- TODO: DENIS — verify -->
Frequently asked questions
My fence post is leaning — can it be saved?
Usually yes. If the post is sound above grade but the concrete footing has cracked, we excavate, reset the post, pour new concrete. Post is rotted at grade line → replacement. Costs similar either way.
What wood lasts longest for a new LA fence?
Redwood heart (slow-growth) — 20+ years. Cedar — 15–20. Pressure-treated pine — 15–18 in contact with ground. Vinyl fence lasts 30+ years but costs 2× wood. For budget + aesthetics, redwood is the standard LA choice.
Deck is spongy in spots — is it safe?
Spongy = rot in the joist or deck board. Board-level: we swap. Joist-level: we open a section, assess. If multiple joists are rotted, a structural engineer or contractor looks at ledger board attachment to the house before repair proceeds. Safety issue.
How often should I stain and seal?
Every 2–3 years in LA's sun exposure. Test: sprinkle water on surface — beads up (sealer intact) vs. soaks in (time to seal). Darker stains need more frequent refresh; lighter weathered-gray looks intentional as a "stain color."
Can you build a new fence or deck from scratch?
Small sections (under 20 ft) and deck repairs: yes. Full-run fence or full new deck: no — that's contractor scope, often permit-required in LA. We'll refer to a licensed fencing or deck contractor.
Do I need a permit to repair my fence?
Repair: no. New fences over 6 ft tall in most LA zoning: yes. New decks over 30" off grade or 200 sq ft: yes. We stay in repair + finish scope.
Termites chewed up half my fence — what do I do?
Termite treatment first (pest control), then replacement of affected sections. Don't just replace without treatment — they spread. Pressure-treated or redwood heart for the new posts + boards. Keep wood 2"+ off soil where possible.
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