Replacing the Fence Gate Posts

July 23, 2020

Our fence repair project continues with the installation of new posts for the fence gates.

Recently, the outdoor grounds crew at my Bedford, New York farm has been busy removing the old, deteriorated fence uprights that have been supporting my antique white spruce railings and replacing them with new cedar posts. Some of these posts also support the fence gates. They've held up very well, but after 15 years some of the posts definitely needed replacing. This week, Pete and Fernando tackled two gates leading into my orchard. It's a tedious process and has to be done by hand, but the duo did an excellent job.

Enjoy these photos.

: I have many gates leading into the various paddocks around my farm. This one, between my party lawn and orchard, needed some repair. The posts no longer supported the gate as well as it should and the gate slanted downward rubbing against the grass.

: The two cedar uprights holding the gate were quite wobbly. For a quick fix some time ago, we secured perforated metal strips to keep the post in place, but now it was time to replace the wood completely.

: Using a large wrench, Pete loosens and removes the bolts and washers from the two screw ends – one near the top of the gate and one near the bottom.

: A penetrating rust release spray lubricates the washer and bolt so they’re easy to remove.

: These are a bit rusted, but still in good condition and can be used again once the gate posts are returned.

: The gate is now separated from the old and deteriorated cedar post upright.

: The fence gate is placed carefully on the ground until the new support post is properly replaced.

: Pete digs around the old post by hand using a post hole digger, a hand tool used to manually dig deep and narrow holes in order to install fence posts. A post hole digger is also known as a clamshell digger, because of its resemblance to the seaside shell.

: Then, Fernando and Pete carry the new post to the location. It was transported from another area on our trusted Polaris Ranger EV. I have several Polaris ATVs at the farm and every one of them is used daily for touring the property, transporting equipment to various locations, moving plants, and so much more.

: Look how much this post had deteriorated. Here, one can see how deep the cedar posts were in the ground – digging them out takes time.

: Pete secures one end of a chain to the middle of the old post and the other end to a crowbar. Using the new post for leverage, Pete pulls out the old, deteriorated one.

: Here’s a closer look at what has happened over the years. The old posts will be chipped and repurposed as ground-dressing at a later time.

: Each hole is about four feet deep with another four feet above ground to support the fencing and gates. The new posts will be very secure here – and no cement is needed. Pete digs a little more to make sure the bottom is level.

: The new post is placed into the hole and turned so the nicest side faces out.

: And then it is backfilled with a shovel.

: Using a paddle bit, Pete drills two holes where the fence will be attached.

: Once the holes are made, Pete inserts the large screws of the gate until they go all the way through the log and out the other side.

: Next, he returns the washer and bolt to the opposite end of the screws.

: Finally, Pete cuts the post, so it is just a bit higher than the topmost railing of the gate.

Pete uses our

: In just a couple minutes, the post is cut. This post should last another 15-years or more. It is made of cedar. Cedar is extremely durable and holds up well to outdoor weather conditions.

: The fence is now secure. Pete lubricates the gate joints so it opens and closes smoothly and quietly.

: Meanwhile, Fernando puts a fresh coat of paint on another smaller fence that was installed the day before. Fernando puts two coats to ensure everything is covered.

: And of course, he uses my signature color, “Bedford Gray.”

: Pete replaces two more wobbly posts that flank the fence gate.

: Once done, he rakes around the hole to ensure the area is neat and tidy with no trace of sawdust.

: Pete also makes any necessary adjustments, so the gate is level at both sides and from the bottom. Here’s the finished fence gate – it looks terrific.