Fence Staining and Sealing
Stain does not stop a cedar fence from ever rotting, but it slows everything that wears one out: the graying, the checking and cupping of boards, and the moss and mildew that keep the wood wet through a Northwest winter.
We stain new fences once the wood is ready, and clean and re-stain existing wood fences. For a fence that is past saving, staining is money wasted — we will say so and point you to repair or replacement instead.
Schedule your no-obligation on-site consultation today.
When to Stain
A new cedar fence
New cedar is often still damp from the mill. It should dry before it is stained — typically a few weeks to a few months, depending on the season. A drop of water that soaks in rather than beading is the usual sign the wood will take stain.
An existing fence
Re-stain when water stops beading and the color has faded — often every three to five years on a sunny run, longer in shade. South- and west-facing sides wear first.
The weather window
Stain needs dry wood and a dry forecast — in the Seattle area that usually means late spring through early fall, with no rain expected for a day or two afterward.
How We Do It
Inspect
Loose boards, popped nails and soft posts are fixed first. Stain on a failing fence only hides the problem for a season.
Clean
Moss, mildew and gray weathered fibers are removed with a wood cleaner and a low-pressure rinse. High pressure tears up cedar.
Dry
The wood is left to dry fully before any stain goes on.
Stain
A penetrating oil-based or water-based stain applied to both faces, the tops of boards and the end grain, with plants and hardscape covered.
Choosing a Finish
Semi-transparent stain
Shows the grain and keeps cedar looking like cedar. The usual choice. It wears away gradually rather than peeling, so the next coat goes straight on after cleaning.
Solid-color stain
Covers like paint while still letting wood breathe. Good for older, blotchy fences or matching a house color, but it has to be re-coated in the same color.
Clear sealers and paint
Clear water repellents protect against water but not sun, so the wood still grays quickly. Film-forming paint on a fence tends to trap moisture and peel; we generally recommend stain instead.
Staining Cost
On a new fence
About $7 a foot when added to a new fence, both sides included. It is an option in the cost calculator.
On an existing fence
Quoted after we see it, because cleaning, repairs and the condition of the wood vary far more than on a new fence. Photos of both sides are a good start.
Is it worth it?
For a sound cedar fence, yes: re-staining every few years costs far less than replacing boards that have cupped and split. For a fence with rotten posts, no.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does staining make a cedar fence last longer?
It helps the boards and rails, which stay drier and move less. It does little for posts rotting below ground, which is where most wood fences fail. See how long a cedar fence lasts in Seattle.
Can you stain a vinyl or composite fence?
Do you stain the neighbor’s side too?
Only with the neighbor’s permission, since it means working on or from their property.
Further Reading
- Outdoor finishing choices Western Red Cedar Lumber Association Semi-transparent, solid-color and clear finishes compared.
- Cedar outdoor care and maintenance Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
Links and figures last checked against these sources: .