How Often to Stain Cedar Fence?
How often to stain cedar fence isn’t a question that many homeowners want to have to ask, but it’s an important one for anyone who wants their fencing to look its best. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, but it’s still recommended that you stain your fence regularly to maintain its beauty.
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The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of stain you choose, the amount of sun exposure your fence gets, and the texture of the wood. For instance, a smooth-finished cedar fence will absorb more stain than a fence made from a textured finish. This will require you to reapply the stain more frequently.
You should also consider the color of your stain. A shade that doesn’t compliment any of the other landscaping elements in your yard will look out of place. If your fence is a focal point in your yard, you should choose a shade that’s bright enough to be noticeable but not so bright that it takes attention away from the rest of your landscape features.
Before you start staining, make sure your fence is clean of any dirt or debris that might cause it to stain or absorb the stain too quickly. You can clean it with a spray nozzle from a garden hose or by using a power washer. Set the pressure nozzle to as wide a range as possible so you can reach all areas of your fence.
Staining the wood helps protect it from rot and weathering, but it also gives it a new, fresh appearance that’s easy on the eyes. You can stain it with any color you like, and you can even apply more than one coat to achieve a deeper color.
There are many types of stains, including water-based and oil-based. A stain that’s oil-based will penetrate into the wood more deeply than water-based stains. This will give you a stronger, longer-lasting fence.
It is also a good idea to seal your fence before you stain it. A clear sealer will shield your fence from the damaging effects of UV rays and prevent mold and mildew from growing on it. You can apply a clear sealer by itself or after you’ve stained your fence, depending on how you want to use it.
To get your fence ready for staining, clean the wood with a hose and a high-pressure spray nozzle. Avoid using a power washer as it can damage your fence if the nozzle is too powerful.
After you’ve cleaned the fence, let it dry for a few days before applying the stain. You should use a natural-bristle brush to apply the stain to any horizontal slats on your fence, starting from the top of each slat and working your way down. Be careful not to drag the slats with the brush as this could create lap marks in your fence.
It’s also a good idea to re-seal your fence every one to five years. The length of time you’ll need to do this will depend on the type of stain, the wood’s natural coloring, and how much it is exposed to the sun. If your fence gets very little sun, you may not need to re-stain it at all. On the other hand, if it gets plenty of sunlight, you’ll need to re-stain it more frequently.
