You’ve invested a lot of time and money in your striking new wood fence, so now you want to make sure it keeps its beauty and value. With the proper care and maintenance, including staining, your wood fence should last for decades.
Wood fences offer warmth and natural beauty, but because it is a natural element, constantly being exposed to weather and the elements is your wood fence’s biggest enemy. The most important thing you can do to protect your new wood fence is to stain your wood fence immediately after it’s built. No matter what type of wood your fence is made of, it needs to be stained and protected. Without staining, the wood can turn gray, crack, warp, and deteriorate.
So why is staining a necessary part of wood fence maintenance? Wood’s natural protective skin is its bark and fencing is stripped of this natural protection during the lumbering process, leaving soft fibers inside the wood exposed to the elements. Staining gives your wood a protective skin against the elements. A good linseed oil-based solid or semi-transparent stain will supplement and replace the wood’s natural protective oils. Staining once a year after the initial staining is an essential part of protecting and caring for your wood fence.
Before you stain, prepare the wood first by reading and following the stain manufacturer’s directions. You will need to keep your wood fence clean and dry and use painter’s tape to protect any hardware, such as hinges and latches.
For more information on protecting your wood fence through staining, contact Hal Co Fence Company. Established in 1981, Hal Co Fence has installed thousands of quality fences, decks, and screened porches throughout Northern Virginia, including Stafford, Manassas, Dale City, and Woodbridge.