Staining and SealingWood Fences

If your fence has recently been built, you might need to wait a period of time before staining it. Although there are discrepancies about when a fence should be stained, there is a general rule of thumb. If the wood has a moisture level below 13%, then the fence can be stained. However, delays might occur in the event of rain, so it is best to stain when there are a few clear weather days in a row.

In general, there are no temperature or sunlight restrictions on our oil-based penetrating stains. However, the wood must be dry, with a moisture level under 13%. As a result, in most parts of the country, it is generally safe to stain year-round.

We always recommend that you pick the stain you like best! Some stain colors tend to be a bit more popular than others due to variances in maintenance or appeal. Darker colors generally require less maintenance than lighter or natural tones. Dark stains and black stains have become popular for creating a bold style and often produce a great contrast against homes or other structures, with the added benefit of requiring less maintenance. However, if you need a bit more guidance, there are a few things that you can take into consideration when choosing a stain color.

If you have existing wood structures on your property, you might want to choose a stain that complements them. Another consideration you might need to take into account is if there are any HOA regulations. Some HOAs require particular colors of stain or need advanced approval for stains. Keep in mind that colors appear slightly different in different lights. Just like how a paint color inside a house can look different at various times during the day, your fence or deck stain can appear slightly different in various lighting situations as well. It is always a good idea to stain a sample of the type of wood you are using so you can see it throughout the day to make sure it is the stain color you want.

When you stain your fence, you are protecting the investment you made to build that structure. The cost of staining can vary slightly, but as a guide to the general investment, we will share that to have a fence stained, the price generally ranges from $0.7 - $1.25 per square foot on most projects.

In general, you want your contractor to be able to access the wood fence with ease. Trimming back large landscaping, such as shrubs and smaller trees from fence or deck lines, will help your contractor be able to get to all parts of your fence. Mowing the grass around the base of all structures is beneficial, along with weeding along fence lines. Also, your contractor would appreciate if you turn off any scheduled sprinkler use.

Maintaining your outdoor space is just as important as maintaining your indoor space! Several times a year, it is recommended to clean stained fences with a broom or leaf blower to keep dirt particles and debris off the wood. A soft wash with gentle cleaning chemicals is recommended once a year to "sanitize" your wood structures and to kill any organic growth that your fence might accumulate.

Other than general cleaning, it is best to apply a maintenance coat of stain to your fence every three years to keep it looking perfect. This maintenance suggestion also depends on the color of stain you have chosen for your structure. Maintenance could be needed sooner for lightly pigmented colors or natural tones, while more heavily pigmented and darker stains tend to last longer between applications.

It is not too late to stain your fence! Even an older structure can be cleaned and restored. If your fence is not very old, a basic wash is usually needed prior to staining and sealing. If your fence is a bit older, a full restoration might be necessary before staining. This would include a thorough cleaning and a wood brightener application.