Does staining a fence make it last longer?

Painting or staining a wood fence can help your fence last longer and look better. Either one will extend the lifespan of your fence by giving it some protection against rot, insects, wear, and tear. However, of the two we always recommend that you stain a fence rather than painting it.

Is staining your fence worth it?

Benefits of Staining and Sealing Fences

Staining and sealing wooden fencing not only keeps it looking good it also ensures it will last longer, particularly if a softwood like pine has been used for construction.

Is it better to stain or seal a fence?

Stains offer the same benefits as sealers but with some extra advantages. Sun damage can cause a fence to fade and become grey in as little as a few months. A quality stain can protect a fence against the UV rays at the heart of the process. The more opaque the stain, the more UV protection it provides.

Which lasts longer on a fence stain or paint?

Does paint or stain last longer on a fence? Stain tends to last longer than paint – but it can be more difficult to apply. Keep in mind that stain will fade over time and may need to be reapplied, even if it does outlast normal paint.

Is it worth staining an old fence?

Whether your wooden fence is years old or newly installed, it can benefit from a single inexpensive addition: stain. Applying wood stain to the slats improves its design and prolongs the lifespan of your hard-working outdoor structure—a win-win!

EVERYTHING you need to know about STAINING Fences

How long does a stained fence last?

Stain can last anywhere from 1 to 8 years, depending on how opaque the stain is. Transparent stain lasts a short time, while an opaque stain lasts longer. Paint lasts up to 10 years if it is properly applied and the right type of paint is used.

Should I pressure wash my fence before staining?

More often than not, it is not a good idea to power wash a fence before staining it. Power washers can force the mold and mildew (the greying color of the fence) deeper into the wood pickets. This causes the wood to deteriorate quicker. Power washing a stained fence can create divots on the surface of the wood.

How do I extend the life of my wood fence?

Use exterior oil-based stain or latex paint, which will seal out moisture, prevent wood rot, limit the amount of weathering and extend the life of the wood. Choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from turning gray. Let the wood dry for about a week before applying a stain or sealant.

How do I keep my wood fence looking new?

How often should I stain my fence?

A wood fence should be treated every two to three years with paint or stain. The experts at Five Star Painting recommend stain due to its durability on wood exposed to the elements.

Does stain protect wood from rotting?

Protect Against Rot and Bugs

The wood will have to be replaced. Applying stain is a simple way to help protect wood surfaces and keep out termites, mold, mildew, and other pests that cause rot.

Is stain enough to protect wood?

While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. Without a protective top coat, wood can be damaged easily due to contact with water, food, or sharp objects.

How do I keep my wooden fence from rotting?

To keep the wood from rotting, apply a wood preservative to seal it. "It's like wax on a car," Holt says. "It helps protect it from the elements, from water, from sprinklers." Water-repellent preservatives and sealants are sold at home-improvement and hardware stores.

How many coats of stain do I need for a fence?

Two coats are best, and it's best to avoid applying the stain in direct sunlight. Woodscapes can be second coated within two hours, depending on the humidity and air temperature. Most products can be re-coated the same day. You should stain your fence every three to four years when the coating starts to fade and wear.

How much should it cost to stain a fence?

The price of having a professional paint or stain your fence averages $2,000. Homeowners could pay anywhere between $750 to $4,250 depending on the condition, height and length of the fence. Costs average $3 to $17 per linear foot or $1 to $2.50 per square foot.

What does staining a fence do?

Proper staining or painting creates a barrier that prevents moisture from doing damage to the wood. How often to paint or stain your fence is largely determined by the weather in your region. In particularly rainy regions you may need to do it more frequently, while arid regions may require less frequent maintenance.

Why do fences turn GREY?

One of the biggest reasons for your fence turning gray is the sun. The sun's UV rays erode the outer layer of the wood, which gives it its lovely color. Once the outer layer of the wood has started to decay, it makes it difficult for the wood to produce its natural oils, so it will begin to dry out and lose color.

How do I keep my fence from fading?

Much like your car, a wood fence can benefit from a good ol' wax-on, wax-off job. Aside from repelling water, dirt, dust, and grime, a well-applied layer of wax will keep the wood from fading.

Should you pressure wash wood fence?

You need at least 1800 PSI to effectively clean a wood fence. Can you pressure wash a wooden fence? Yes, you can pressure wash wooden fences but should use a lower PSI to not damage the wood.

What is the life expectancy of a wooden fence?

When properly maintained — which includes replacing individual planks and boards as needed — a well-built wooden fence can last in good condition up to 20 years or more. There is that tradeoff we mentioned, though: A wood fence needs regular care; otherwise, if it's left to rot, then it's gonna, well, rot!

How long will a pressure-treated fence last?

But how long do pressure-treated wooden fences actually last? From what we've seen during our last 12 years of business, a typical pressure-treated wooden fence lifespan is about 15-20 years. Around the 15-year mark is when most homeowners report seeing noticeable aesthetic declines, like rotting and splitting.

Can I stain my side of the fence?

The answer

A fence on the property line is really in joint ownership. So you can paint your side whatever colour you want.

How soon after power washing Can I stain?

The short answer is 48 hours. You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.

Can you stain a fence after it rains?

It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast.