Staining a fence is a big project and can be daunting to undertake. After all, there are many things that you need to keep in mind. You may even find yourself asking, “should I stain the whole thing?” Or, “will it last longer if I use more than one coat?”
Before you know it a task that should just be “staining the fence” turns into an undertaking of overthink and false starts. Luckily, or unluckily, I’ve stained my fair share of fences and picked up some tips along the way.
Here’s what I’ve learned, either from experts or from doing it wrong then having to re-do it…hopefully it’ll help you avoid some mistakes.
Do You Stain Both Sides Of A Fence?
While it’s not necessary to stain both sides of a fence, it’s a good idea to for a couple of reasons. It adds a protective layer on both sides to help each board last longer and it keeps a uniform look whether you’re looking from the inside or the outside.
Unless you are using wood that has already been treated, you’re going to be better off staining both sides of your fence. Leaving one side non-stained or untreated opens it up for damage from the elements and insects.
For example, sun exposure can fade your fence boards at a faster rate or cause some of them to warp more easily on one side than another. Not being treated or stained also means that rain water can soak into the wood. This will eventually lead to rot and other weather-related problems that could shorten your fence’s lifespan.
Since staining both sides of a fence is not too difficult, it makes sense to do so if you are going through all of this effort in the first place.
Can You Stain Your Side Of Your Neighbors Fence?
If your neighbors fence is entirely in their yard then you have no right to paint it without their permission. If it crosses on to your property then you still shouldn’t augment it in any way, but you can demand that they move it back across the property line.
Chances are, you could still get into legal trouble if you do anything to your neighbors fence without their permission…even if it encroaches on your property. If this is the case, then it’s better to discuss issues with your neighbor and then escalate from their, if needed.
It seems more common place for each neighbor to put up their own fence…creating a dual layer at most property lines. This allows each household to keep an aesthetic that matches their home.
If you are worried that your neighbor will paint or stain their fence in a gaudy or tacky looking color, check with your Home Owners Association…chances are there are restrictions put in place to prevent this.
What Side Of The Fence Do You Stain First?
Typically, it doesn’t matter which side of the fence you stain first. It is, however, a good idea to stain both sides…even the side that faces away. Any mistakes made can be corrected with the second coat.
The problem with staining a fence from one side and flipping it over is that there may be some drip marks on the back of your boards. This is especially prevalent when you are using a sprayer or roller…the more pressure, the greater chance for this to happen.
In most cases though, if you stain both sides then any drip marks that get on the back should be covered up by your second coat.
One of the first things to consider is where do you apply stain on a fence. Should it be applied horizontally or vertically…or both?
When staining my fence, I prefer to start at one side and work across just in case there’s a drip or run that would lead me into another area of stain on an adjacent board.
Bottom line, there isn’t a right way or wrong way. There may be an easier way, but that will really depend on your fence, how accessible it is, and what tools you use.
Can You Stain A Fence A Different Color On Each Side?
In general, there is no reason that you can’t stain your fence a different color on each side, but it’s likely more effort than it’s worth. Unless you’re going for a specific look, then it’s cheaper and easier to just stick with one color.
I suppose if you were going for a particular look from the street side of your fence but that same look wouldn’t work from the opposite direction then you could give it a try.
I think the tricky part would be getting an even edge where you change the color. having any bleeding or drip could ruin the look you’re going for…especially if the two colors are drastically contrasting.
The easiest way to do this, in my opinion…and again, I’ve never tried…would be to use a roller or sprayer that has an adjustable tip. You could then turn the nozzle one direction for color A and then another for color B.
Is Staining A Fence Worth It?
Staining a fence is regarded as a way to protect the wood from the elements and insects as well as giving your fence an aesthetic to match your house. Exceptions would be if you used pre-treated wood or synthetic boards.
I suppose if you are using reclaimed wood…old barn wood for instance…then you might want to keep that rustic , untreated look. I’ve seen fences that were left untreated and they looked great…just the way you’d imagine old barn wood would look.
It really does depend on how important it is to you and what features a stained fence has over an unstained one. For some people, the answer might be “no” because they don’t have time or money for staining at all.
I think the downside would be having to replace some of the boards more often than you would if they were treated or stained.
How Many Coats Of Stain Should You Apply To A Fence?
On average, a fence that is being stained with solid color stains can get by with a single coat and fences being stained with semi-transparent stains should get at least two coats.
If you’re unsure about how many coats of stain to apply, then go with the “more is better” approach and apply two coats…just in case!
Many people do decide to stain their fences because of how great they look; however if color isn’t important then you don’t need it at all. The decision should always come down to the value of the end product vs. the time and money it will take you in order to achieve that result.
Should You Pressure Wash A Fence Before You Stain It?
Typically, you do not want to pressure wash a fence before staining or painting it because the force of the water can cause damage to the wood or force mold deeper into the wood. Sanding a fence is usually the way to go before reapplying a fresh coat of stain.
One exception would be if your fence has been previously stained and now there is mold or mildew starting to grow on the boards since most stains have at least some water resistance. In this case, using only low pressure from an oscillating sprayer can easily remove any mold or mildew.
Your best option to removing an old layer of paint or stain…and any mold or rotted spots…is by sanding it off. But, if you do choose to pressure wash your fence, then it’s best if you have sand paper or wire brush handy so that any splinters can be sanded down prior to staining.
While pressure washing a fence before you stain may not be recommended, you may want to if you plan to use older fence boards as house siding or for other projects around the house. I go in to more detail on that over here in this article!
When Should I Stain My Fence?
In general, summer is the best time of year to stain your fence and you’ll want to wait at least a month after staining your fence before applying any extra coats. If the stain has absorbed into the wood or any moldy spots are showing, then you may want to lightly sand before applying a second coat.
The best time of day to stain your fence is in the morning when the sun isn’t beating down on it because that can cause streaking and uneven coloring. Avoid any windy days too because that will just inhibit even distribution of the product.
You can always do things in any order that makes sense for your project…but I’d recommend doing the prep work first! It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommended steps as closely as possible when working with wood.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to protect your wood from the elements and give it an aesthetic that matches your house, then staining is likely worth it.
The decision of whether or not to stain should come down to how important color is vs. time/money involved with achieving the end result; however if color isn’t essential, then you can keep your fence natural…just know that you’ll be more susceptible to weather damage and insects.
Some people do prefer the more rustic look of wood that has taken on that gray, natural patina. One of the best ways to achieve this look is by using landscaping timbers…here’s an article going in to that, check it out!