Fence Help - DIY

Being only 2 yrs old you can certainly reuse them as long as they're in good shape. If they're in suspect or so-so shape, go all new. I'd go with 4" X 4" wood posts.

Panels from box stores are assembled with nails and not screws. The nails just don't hold up as well as screws especially after they've been put up, brought down then put back up. It loosens up and pickets come off easier. You could use the old fence panels and go screw all the pickets after it's reassembled. They also use 2X3 (instead of 2X4) rails more frequently which will sag and break over time.

You have a effort vs. cost scenario here.

If you reuse the existing panels, I'd get everything put up, pressure wash and bleach the panels, then stain them to make them last longer. You can use wood posts or metal posts. Wood posts will deteriorate over time, metal shouldn't. About a $15 per post difference between wood and metal (and metal brackets). If you use metal posts, on the next fence, you shouldn't need to re-set posts unless another hurricane hits.

The longest lasting solution, is also the priciest. Metal posts, 2X4 rails, and new pickets. Doing it yourself will be about $115 per panel post, concrete, and screws.

For fencing, I like to put the corner posts in, stretch a straight line, measure your 8' mark using the straight line and put posts every 8'. The 8' mark is super critical. Your rails will be 8' and if you have 8'2", you'll end up short on your rails and you'll have to fine a fence stretcher. Set the posts and let them dry at least over night. I will then stretch a tight line from end to end, to hang the rails. Get all of your rails set, then get to hanging pickets. Hang 5 pickets at a time. Check level on every 5th picket.

Galvanized heavy wall metal posts pounded 3 ft. deep (forget the cement). Attach 2x4 runners to hangers at each metal post, install pickets with screws

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If you already have panels, I would recommend adding 2x4 stringers for reinforcement. In the spring, Im going to take a jack and jack the sag out then add 2x4 stringers below the 2x3s.

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If I were you I’d stagger them so they don’t all terminate at the post. Having all the stringers terminate at the same point (at the same post) is what causes sagging.