What this covers
A wood fence takes sun and rain on both sides and grays quickly without protection. Fence staining cleans and brightens the wood, replaces broken or rotted pickets and rails, protects nearby plants, lawn and hardscape with plastic, and applies a penetrating stain by sprayer with back-brushing so it reaches into the grain. Both sides are done where the neighbor agrees.
When to call
- A gray, dry fence that absorbs water instead of shedding it.
- Loose, split or rotting pickets.
- A new fence that has weathered enough to take a stain.
What to expect
- Clean and repairThe fence is cleaned and brightened, and damaged pickets, rails or posts replaced.
- ProtectPlants, lawn, siding and hardscape next to the fence are covered.
- StainStain is sprayed and back-brushed in dry weather, in the product's temperature range.
- Cure and checkCoverings come off after curing and you walk the fence with the company.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Can the neighbor's side be done?
With the neighbor's agreement, yes, and the fence lasts longer when both sides are protected.
Transparent, semi-transparent or solid?
Transparent shows the most grain and needs the most frequent recoating. Semi-transparent balances the two. Solid stain hides the grain and lasts longest but can peel.
Will the stain get on the lawn?
The crew masks and uses shields when spraying. Any overspray on hardscape is cleaned the same day.
Related: Deck staining · Pressure washing · Exterior painting · All painting and wall finishes
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.