A concrete repair spur is a strong, vertical support that is used to strengthen or rescue a failing timber fence post without having to replace the entire post and panel. It is a simple but very effective product, and it can often add years of life to an existing fence line at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.

The spur itself is a narrow, reinforced concrete upright with pre drilled holes. It is set into a fresh concrete footing next to the existing timber post, usually to a depth of around 600mm or more, depending on the height and style of the fence. Once the spur is secure in the ground, the timber post is firmly bolted to it. This new support takes over the job of holding the fence upright, even if the original post has rotted at the base.

We typically recommend concrete repair spurs in situations where one or two posts have started to lean or wobble but the panels themselves are still in decent condition. They are particularly useful along older fence lines where replacing the entire run would be expensive and unnecessary, or where access for full replacement is difficult.

Repair spurs are also a good option when you want to minimise disturbance in the garden. Installing a spur usually involves lifting the panel slightly, digging out a hole for the spur next to the existing post and concreting it in place. The surrounding fence and planting can often remain largely untouched, and the job can be completed relatively quickly.

However, repair spurs are not always the right solution. If most of the posts are badly decayed, or if the panels are in poor condition, it may be better to put the money towards a new, heavier duty fence with properly concreted posts and gravel boards. When we assess your fence in York, we will talk you through whether spurs are a sensible choice or whether a more comprehensive replacement would give better value in the long run.