Clean, Stain and Seal that Wood Fence

Proper cleanings are an essential component of fence maintenance, discussed in Part 1 of our blog. But, there are additional treatments that can both reduce the number of necessary cleanings you will have to perform and increase the lifespan of your fence.

“The fence is clean. I’m done now, right?”

Well, not so fast. Now that your fence is clean, it must be properly stained and sealed. While your fence can survive without a stain or sealant, keep in mind that skipping this step leaves the wood unprotected, which will result in the need for more frequent cleanings and a shorter lifespan for your fence.

Stains or sealants need to be reapplied every two to five years, depending on the location and climate. In general, when water soaks into the wood rather than beading up, it’s time to restain or reseal your fence.

Stains and seals are essentially the same kinds of treatments, except that stains, which color the wood, generally offer more UV protection. Make sure that your fence is totally clean and dry before applying any stain or sealant; the treatment won’t adhere to wet wood.

Wood fences can last upwards of 20 years, depending on what kind of wood you use and the climate you live in. Regular cleaning and treating with stain or sealant can help preserve the look and prolong the life of your fence.

You can make cleaning your fence a weekend DIY project, or you can let a pro handle it. Either way, you’ll be surprised at how good, and like-new your wood fence will look once the grime and dirt have been washed away.

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