How to fix rotten fence pillar?

[TKG]

I have a leaning end pillar on my front picket fence. I’m happy to use a steel star picket to straighten it, but I’m afraid I’ll hit the old concrete base when I drive the picket in. I don’t really want to have to replace the whole post. Richard

[JacobZ]

Hi @TKG,

Did you have any photos of the post that you can upload? It would be much easier to offer guidance if we could see what you are working with. Let me know if you need a hand uploading images. I am happy to help if required.

If you were looking to install a star picket hard up against the post, then it is almost certainly going to hit the concrete. You can confirm this fairly easily by digging out around 100-150mm of dirt at the base of the post to expose the concrete.

If you can define where the concrete ends, then you might be able to drive a couple of star pickets in at an acute angle, then screw them to the post with a couple of 30mm Galvanised Hex Head Timber Screws. 

Another option, which would likely be better, is to drive a star picket into the ground on each side of the post, around 200mm either side of the post, then screw the star pickets to the fence rails. This will allow you to straighten and support the post while drastically reducing the weight that this post is bearing.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[TKG]

Thanks Jacob. Sensible suggestions. I also wondered about installing a steel shoulder for the pillar to rest on. Your thoughts?

[JacobZ]

Hi @TKG,

If the rot on the post doesn't extend too high, then yes, there's a pretty good chance you could cut it off at just above ground level and install something like a stirrup post anchor. The only issue with this is that the rotten post will be in the ground beneath the solid post, so you wouldn't have anything to bolt it to. If you could clean out the rotted timber from the hole, then top it up with some concrete, then this should work.

Is that the sort of thing you were thinking of?

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[TKG]

Thanks Jacob

i think I can find a solution from your advice. Richard