Fence Staining

A wood fence has more exposed surface than most decks and none of the shelter, so it weathers fast — greying, cupping, and splitting if it's never protected. Staining it isn't cosmetic; it's what keeps the wood from drinking in water, freezing, and coming apart. Cleaned and coated on a schedule, a fence lasts; left bare, it becomes a replacement project.

West Michigan is hard on fence wood specifically. Full-day sun bleaches the south and west sides, humidity grows mildew on the shaded faces, and freeze-thaw opens the grain every winter. That's why staining is recurring maintenance here, and why timing matters — the wood needs a genuine dry stretch to take the coating, which the region doesn't hand out often.

Describe the fence: rough length, the wood, how long since it was last treated, and its current state (grey, green with mildew, sound, or already splitting). A deck often shares the visit and the same products. If any boards or posts are failing, note them — staining over a rotting board just postpones the real fix.

Timing is the quiet cost driver. A fence caught early and re-coated on schedule is a modest maintenance visit; one left until it greys and splits becomes repair-then-stain. The cheapest plan is the recurring one that never lets the wood reach failure — and bundling the fence with a deck on the same visit prices better than two trips. And color is worth a thought — a solid stain hides age and evens out mismatched boards, while a semi-transparent finish lets the wood grain show and weathers more gracefully. Which suits your fence depends on its age and condition, and the estimate will say which makes sense for the wood you have.

Do you clean the fence before staining?

Always — washing and prep are the mandatory first step, and skipping them is why stain peels. It's built into the scope.

How often should a fence be re-stained?

Every few years here, depending on exposure — sun-facing sides go first. Catching it before the wood greys keeps it a maintenance job, not a repair.

Can you do the deck at the same time?

Yes — fence and deck share products and a visit, which prices better than separate trips. List both in your request.