Asked by: Addaia Guntermann
home and garden home appliances

How often should you stain your fence?

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A fence should be stained every two to three years to preserve the look and function of the fence. However, the maintenance interval will depend on several factors. Learn the best wood fence maintenance routine for your fence below from the experts at Five Star Painting.


Similarly, you may ask, how often do you stain wood fence?

As a rule of thumb you should stain a fence every 5 to 7 years depending on the type of wood. We always recommend a Cedar fence. Cedar has natural oils and acids in the wood that make it undesirable to most insects.

One may also ask, how many coats of stain do I need for a fence? In most cases, solid-color stains are like traditional paint and need just one coat to protect your fence. Semi-transparent penetrating stains often need two coats, with the second coat applied approximately an hour after the first coat.

Similarly, how long does stain last on a fence?

But while semitransparent stains can last anywhere between two to five years, extreme temperatures and precipitation can prematurely age the finish. Don't rest on your laurels too long and risk the weather damage: Aim to stain your fence every two to three years to preserve its sheen and weather protective qualities.

Is it better to stain or paint a fence?

Painting or staining a wood fence can help your fence last longer and look better. However, of the two we always recommend that you stain a fence rather than painting it. Wood absorbs stain much deeper than it does paint.

Related Question Answers

Abderazak Sabado

Professional

Should I pressure wash my fence before staining?

You would preferably begin the staining process a couple of days after power washing the fence in order for it to be somewhat dry (although it doesn't need to be completely bone dry as you can use a water-based stain). So, should you pressure wash your wood fence before staining/varnishing? Generally, yes you should!

Gautama Seiffermann

Professional

How long should a fence dry before staining?

A test sample is the best way to ensure a satisfactory result. Before applying the fence stain, be sure the fence is dry. Allow at least 24 hours. If it's cool and humid, allow another 24 hours.

Cliff Corton

Explainer

What is the best stain for a fence?

One of the best semi-transparent deck and fence stains is Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weatherproofing Wood Stain, which you can find at Home Depot. Clear deck and fence stains typically contain little or no pigment, along with water repellents.

Faina Bacalhau

Explainer

Should you stain your fence?

Wood Fence Staining Tips
New fences should not be stained right away. The type of wood used in your new fence will influence when, approximately, you should stain it. Wet wood won't allow the stain to properly penetrate the wood grain and protect the wood. If the water soaks into the wood, it's ready for stain.

Adita Toenis

Explainer

When should you stain a new cedar fence?

So, how long to wait? A good rule of thumb is to wait a month or two if the fence is made with dry materials. This will allow it to weather enough but not too much. If the fence is made with pressure treated materials it may be 3-4 months for the posts to dry enough and can be checked with a moisture meter.

Courage Andronchik

Pundit

How often should you stain your house?

High-quality paint or stain, properly applied, should last five to seven years, and as many as 10, depending on weather conditions and if you maintain the siding. However, you may need to reapply a clear-coat stain every two years.

Elbert Puigdellivol

Pundit

When can you stain a new pine fence?

Ideally, it should be between 60-80 degrees and no rain for at least 12 hours after staining is complete. To avoid applying fence stain in direct sunlight, choose a time of day when the fence is mostly shaded. It is best to apply pine fence stain using a brush, roller, or sprayer.

Celtia Bakhchivandzhi

Pundit

What is the fastest way to stain a fence?

Apply the stain using a brush, roller, or a hand-pumped fence stain sprayer. No matter the method you use, make sure to apply an even coat of wood stain to the fence. Cover the entire surface. If you see areas that are blotchy or where the stain puddles, quickly use a brush or roller to smooth these areas out.

Mayumi Santa Engracia

Pundit

How do you stain a wood fence with a sprayer?

Start at the top at one end of your fence. Hold the tip of the sprayer about 10 inches from the fence, squeeze the trigger and with slow and steady strokes, spray the stain down and up onto each board. If the spray is too narrow or wide, twist the nozzle at the end of the wand until you have the desired spray pattern.

Ernestina Jaramago

Pundit

How do I choose a fence stain color?

How to Choose a Stain Color for a Fence: Pick a Fence Stain Shade You Won't Regret
  1. Look at the Stain Color on Other Structures in Your Yard.
  2. Test the Stain Color on the Wood You're Using.
  3. Consider the Lighting When Picking Stain.
  4. Color Looks Different When Applied to Large Structures.

Weifang Do Campo

Teacher

How do you stain a fence with a roller?

The Process
  1. Wash the fence with a power washer to remove dirt and grit, and give the fence time to dry.
  2. Lay down a tarp in the area where you'll be staining the fence.
  3. Shake the can of stain, then open the can and stir it thoroughly.
  4. Pour the stain into the paint tray and dip the larger roller into the stain.

Anayara Jungermann

Teacher

Which fence stain lasts the longest?

Solid stains last the longest. Most last at least three years. One by Behr was by far the longest-lasting. It's the Solid Color Deck, Fence & Siding Wood Stain from Home Depot.

Midori Tarda

Teacher

Should I stain both sides of my fence?

It will last longer if you coat both sides! PT helps wood to resist weather, rot and decay but if left uncoated it won't last as long as a similiar fence that is well maintained with stain/paint. Don't forget the top edge.

Araitz Altzuaran

Teacher

Should deck and fence be the same color?

If your going to use colored types of stain it won't matter. The fence is a fence and the deck is a deck. Unless the two are joined together; makes no difference. I would paint the deck to trim out the house, The fence can be whatever color you like unless your HOA (IYHO) objects.

Solano Keetelaar

Reviewer

How do you Restain a fence?

Clean the fence prior to applying the fresh stain over the existing stain to ensure the wood is protected for many years to come.
  1. Slip on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles.
  2. Allow the fence to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.
  3. Allow the first coat to penetrate the wood for one hour.

Serafina Groshikov

Reviewer

What is the best way to apply stain?

The basic rule for getting good results with any wood stain is to apply a wet coat and wipe off the excess before it dries. You can use any tool – rag, brush, paint pad, roller or spray gun – to apply the stain. You can even dip the object into stain or pour the stain onto the wood and spread it around.

Johnie Raitsin

Reviewer

Can you stain over stain?

Already Stained and Finished Wood
If the object you're hoping to stain has been sealed with a topcoat, you won't be able to restain it, but you can go over it with a coating or a colored stain blend. There are a number of polyurethane stain blends available in a variety of wood tones.

Akmal Landau

Supporter

Can you stain an old fence?

Let fence fully dry before staining
Many types of wood tend to gray over time, and stain or sealer will help it look good longer. Sealing a fence is a good DIY job, and if you choose a toned sealer there's no need to add a coat of paint or stain.

Zihan Gehlen

Supporter

Is water or oil based stain better?

Oil-based stains are not easily penetrated by the elements. Oil-based stains dry more slowly than water-based stains and thus maintain a more even finish. Oil-based stains are far more durable than water-based stains and thus require far less maintenance.