Why Should I Stain Or Paint My Fence?
So you got a new fence, and now you have a few questions. “Won’t my fence age over time?” “Do I have to seal it somehow?” There are three basic options for “finishing” a fence: painting, staining, or leaving it natural. There are benefits and drawbacks to each option. And Wee can help you decide which route is the best for you!
Paint
Painting fences was more popular before there were so many options for stains. We would least recommend painting, because it does require a lot of maintenance. If you do decide to go ahead and paint your fence, you can expect to have to repaint it every 1-3 years, as paint does tend to crack and peel.
Also keep in mind that once you do need to repaint, you will need to scrape off all of the existing paint, prep the surface for new paint, and then finally repaint. It is a lot of work and a lot of time, and over time the painting and repainting will end up costing you more.
Stain
Stain wins over paint most of the time, and that’s because it requires much less maintenance than paint. It may be a higher cost initially, but you will not need to re-stain over and over again.
Eventually the stain will fade and need to be redone, but not nearly as frequently as paint. Stain does not peel or crack, so it requires way less preparation than repainting. A good power wash or washing with a deck cleaner will give you a clean slate to work with before re-staining, without all the scraping and peeling.
There are a lot of options when it comes to staining your fence. One option is a solid stain, which, as mentioned above, will give you that traditional “white picket” look without all the maintenance of paint. Or, if you really love the look of natural wood and just want to protect your fence, there are plenty of semi-transparent options to choose from, too. There are even clear options that simply serve to waterproof and protect your fence.
Natural
The third option for finishing a fence is simply leaving it natural and allowing it to weather over time. This option, of course, requires the least amount of effort, but it does leave room for the elements to take a toll on your fence over time. However, the rustic, weathered look is popular these days, and quality wood will last a while even if it is left to the elements.
Simply power washing or pressure washing your natural fence can bring it back to life, too, if you choose not to paint or stain but would like to try and keep the “new” look.
Which will you choose?
Definitely be sure to consider the time, cost, and which option best complements the style of your home and property. Here at Harwell Fencing & Gates Inc, we are finish work experts and keep your fence looking new for years! Give us a call to schedule a free consultation or fill out an online form and we will reach out to you for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thoughtful answers to real questions homeowners ask before investing in a fence or gate
1. Why should I stain or paint my fence?
Staining or painting helps protect your fence from weather damage and improves its appearance.
2. What are the main options for finishing a fence?
The three options are painting, staining, or leaving the fence natural.
3. Is painting a fence a good option?
Painting can look nice but requires frequent maintenance and repainting.
4. How often does a painted fence need maintenance?
A painted fence usually needs repainting every 1–3 years.
5. What are the disadvantages of painting a fence?
Paint can crack and peel, requiring scraping, preparation, and repainting.
6. Is staining better than painting a fence?
Yes, staining is generally better because it requires less maintenance and lasts longer.
7. How often should I stain my fence?
Stain needs to be reapplied less frequently than paint, depending on exposure and wear.
8. Does stain peel or crack like paint?
No, stain does not peel or crack, making it easier to maintain.
9. What preparation is needed before staining a fence?
Usually, a simple power wash or cleaning is enough before re-staining.
10. What types of stain are available for fences?
Options include solid stain, semi-transparent stain, and clear protective coatings.
11. What is a solid stain?
A solid stain gives a painted look while requiring less maintenance than paint.
12. What is a semi-transparent stain?
It enhances the natural wood grain while adding protection.
13. What does a clear stain do?
It provides waterproofing and protection without changing the wood’s natural appearance.
14. Can I leave my fence natural?
Yes, leaving it natural allows it to weather and develop a rustic look.
15. What are the benefits of leaving a fence natural?
It requires the least maintenance and offers a trendy, weathered appearance.
16. Does a natural fence require any care?
Occasional power washing can help maintain its appearance.
17. Will a natural fence last as long as a stained one?
It may not last as long since it is more exposed to weather elements.
18. Which option requires the least maintenance?
Leaving the fence natural requires the least effort.
19. Which option offers the best protection?
Staining offers strong protection with less maintenance compared to paint.
20. How do I choose between paint, stain, and natural?
Consider your budget, maintenance preference, and desired look for your property.