Paint or Stain

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Features and Benefits

  • Semi-private or private fencing
  • Simple or decorative fence top
  • Great for pets, children, pools and patios
  • Commercial or residential applications

Invest in your fence – protect it from the elements

 

A wood fence of any style will add value to your home. Whether decorative or privacy, split rail or stockade, your fence is an investment that is worth the time to research and plan. So, after it is installed, take the time to protect it from the elements.

Most new fence owners question whether paint or stain is the better choice for protection against rot, mold, insects, heat from the sun and freezing temperatures. The cost is pretty similar—a gallon of stain is cheaper than a gallon of paint, but you need more stain to cover the same area.

 

Invest in your fence – protect it from the elements

 

A wood fence of any style will add value to your home. Whether decorative or privacy, split rail or stockade, your fence is an investment that is worth the time to research and plan. So, after it is installed, take the time to protect it from the elements.

Most new fence owners question whether paint or stain is the better choice for protection against rot, mold, insects, heat from the sun and freezing temperatures. The cost is pretty similar—a gallon of stain is cheaper than a gallon of paint, but you need more stain to cover the same area.

 

Paint or stain

 

Either paint or stain for your wood fence is better than leaving the wood bare and unprotected, but there are a few things to consider before making your decision as to which is better for you.

 

  • If your fence is cedar, you should use stain. Cedar needs to breathe, and paint does not allow this, causing the cedar to rot more quickly.
  • A stained fence will require regular maintenance, but it requires only power washing before restaining.
  • Paint will last 5-6 years on a vertical fence with little maintenance, but it will require scraping and sanding before you can repaint.
  • Most fence builders recommend stain because it absorbs deep into the wood, protecting it better and longer.
  • In climates that experience rain, snow and freezing temperatures, stain wears better than paint.
  • Stain is now available in a variety of solid colors, providing the look of paint with the protection of stain.

Your decision should be based on the look you want, the amount of time you have for maintenance and the type of wood used for your fence. Even pressure treated wood should be protected. Check with your fencing expert for guidance on how long to wait before staining or painting your new fence. For any fence, you should wait at least a month to let the wood dry. For pressure treated wood it is often recommended waiting 3 to 4 months before painting or staining.

Thomas Fence uses cedar for all its wood fencing. Contact us today for a free estimate on a new wood fence for your yard.

Message us today with any questions!