Wooden Fence Picket Replacement

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Introduction

A broken fence may cause many issues, such as your pet getting out, the pesky home owners association giving you a fine, or maybe you just do not like the way it looks. Replacing a picket on a wooden fence is much easier than it seems, and this guide is here to prove that. With just a few simple steps and a quick run to the hardware store, you will have that picket replaced in no time.

Before completing the rest of this guide, complete Step 1. This is needed to get the measurements of the picket you are replacing so you can purchase a replacement.

This materials listed in this guide reflect the materials needed to replace a single picket. For every additional picket being replaced, add 6 x 2 1/2” Wood Nails.

What you need

Step 1 Picket

Wooden Fence Picket Replacement, Picket: step 1, image 1 of 3

Wooden Fence Picket Replacement, Picket: step 1, image 2 of 3

Wooden Fence Picket Replacement, Picket: step 1, image 3 of 3

IMPORTANT: This step will need to be completed before continuing. You will need to use these measurements to purchase a replacement picket needed later in the guide.
Use the tape measure to measure the height, width, and depth of the picket.
Use these measurements to purchase a replacement picket. Home Depot and Lowe's are good places to purchase a picket. If you are unfamiliar with what you are doing, ask any worker there for some help and they will help you get your replacement.

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Step 2

Wooden Fence Picket Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Place the tip of the pry bar under the picket, in line with the nails.
Use a hammer to push the pry bar under the picket.
Use soft taps with the hammer when hitting the pry bar. Using too much force may reduce accuracy and lead to injury.
Pull the pry bar away from the fence to remove the picket.

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Step 3

Wooden Fence Picket Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Only complete this step if there are still nails in the wood after you have removed the picket. If all nails are removed, continue to Step 4.
Slide the claw of the hammer underneath the nail.
The claw is the forked area of the hammer. This is commonly used to aid in the removal of nails.
While holding the handle, pull on the hammer to remove the nail.

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Step 4

Wooden Fence Picket Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

Before installing the new picket, clear the area of any debris.
Obstructions may cause the picket to be crooked when installing, or make a gap too large for the nails to work properly.
Use the tape measure to measure the gaps between the left and right side of the picket.
Doing this allows the replacement picket to be centered directly between the other pickets.

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Step 5

Wooden Fence Picket Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

Caution: This step involves hitting nails with a hammer in close proximity to your fingers. Work gloves are recommended if you are unfamiliar with using a hammer.
Hold a wood nail approximately 1 inch from the side of the picket.
You may place the first nail 1 inch away from either the left or right side of the picket. Each section uses 2 nails so it does not matter which side you choose to work on first.
Lightly tap on the wood nail with the hammer to begin pushing the nail into the picket. Continue until the nail is fully in the picket.
Repeat until there are 2 nails inserted in the picket at every cross section.

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Conclusion

This guide only demonstrates how to replace a picket on a wooden fence. For questions regarding staining your fence and finding the right stain, I recommend talking with a worker at a hardware store near you. They can help you find the right product and make sure your new picket matches the rest of your fence.

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