Knowledge Library

Maintaining a Wood Fence

Wooden fences are a timeless choice for homeowners seeking to enhance their property with natural beauty and charm. While wood fences offer aesthetic appeal, they are susceptible to environmental damage caused by weather and moisture. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can protect your investment and ensure your wooden fence stands strong for years to come. Maintaining a wood fence can be difficult but we have the guide for you. In this blog post, we will explore essential maintenance practices to safeguard your wood fence, from staining and sealing to regular inspections.

Stain & Seal for Protection

Wooden fences are exposed to the elements throughout the year, including rain, sunlight, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. Over time, these environmental factors can take a toll on the wood, leading to issues such as warping, cracking, fading, and rot. Staining and sealing your wood fence are essential steps to maintaining it from these damaging effects and extend its lifespan significantly.

Moisture Protection

Wood is a porous material, which means it can absorb moisture from rain, snow, or even the ground. When wood absorbs water, it swells and contracts with changes in humidity, leading to warping and cracking over time. Additionally, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the wood to rot, weakening the fence’s structure and compromising its overall integrity.

Stains are designed to penetrate the wood fibers, creating a protective barrier that repels water. By preventing moisture from seeping into the wood, staining reduces the risk of warping, cracking, and rot. It also helps the fence maintain its structural stability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of various weather conditions.

UV Protection

Sunlight contains harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause the wood’s surface to fade and become discolored over time. This is particularly noticeable in sunny regions where the fence is exposed to intense sunlight for extended periods.

Wood stains typically include UV inhibitors, which act as a shield against these harmful rays. By applying a stain with UV protection, you can preserve the original color and appearance of your wooden fence for longer, maintaining a fresh and vibrant look.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Staining your wooden fence not only offers protection but also enhances its aesthetic appeal. Wood stains come in various shades and tones, allowing you to accentuate the natural beauty of the wood or change its color to complement your property’s overall design.

Whether you prefer a transparent stain that highlights the wood’s grain or a solid stain that imparts a rich, opaque color, staining gives you the opportunity to customize your fence’s appearance to match your style and preferences.

Increased Longevity

The combination of moisture protection and UV resistance provided by wood stains significantly extends the lifespan of your fence. Without proper protection, a wooden fence may require replacement much sooner due to decay, fading, and structural issues.

By regularly getting staining and sealing services for your wood fence, you can enjoy its beauty and functionality for many years beyond what an untreated fence would offer. This translates to long-term cost savings and ensures that your investment in a wooden fence pays off over time.

Maintaining Staining and Sealing

While staining and sealing are essential for maintaining your wood fence, knowing how often to perform these maintenance tasks is equally important. The frequency of staining and sealing largely depends on several factors, including the type of wood, and the climate. As a general guideline, consider the following points when determining your staining and sealing schedule:

Wood Type: Different wood species have varying levels of natural resistance to decay and moisture. For example, cedar and redwood are naturally more durable and can withstand the elements better than softer woods like pine. If your fence is made of hardwood or naturally resistant wood, it may require less frequent staining and sealing.

Climate: The climate in your region plays a significant role in how quickly your wood fence will be affected by weather conditions. Areas with high humidity, frequent rainfall, or extreme temperature fluctuations can accelerate wood deterioration. In such climates, you may need to stain and seal your fence more frequently to ensure optimal protection.

Inspection Results: Regularly inspect your wood fence to assess its condition. Look for signs of fading, discoloration, moisture absorption, or damage. If the protective coating appears worn or is no longer repelling water effectively, it’s time for a fresh application.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to stain and seal your wood fence every 2 to 3 years. However, keep in mind that this timeframe is a rough estimate and may vary based on the factors mentioned above.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Frequent inspections of your wooden fence are crucial for identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Regularly check for signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or rotting wood. Moreover, ensure the fence posts remain securely anchored in the ground to maintain the fence’s stability. If any damage or wear is detected during inspections, addressing the problem promptly will prevent further deterioration.

Maintaining a debris-free area around the fence is equally important. Leaves, branches, and other debris can trap moisture against the fence, leading to rot and other damage. Keep trees and shrubs from growing too close to the fence, as their roots can compromise the integrity of the fence posts, and branches may cause scratches or other harm.

Repair and Replacement

With proper maintenance, a well-constructed wooden fence can last between 15 and 20 years. However, depending on the type of wood and environmental factors, this lifespan may vary. If your wooden fence has experienced significant damage or wear and is beyond repair, it might be time to consider a replacement.

When selecting a new fence, prioritize high-quality materials designed to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection for your property. Although vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron fences offer their own benefits, a well-maintained wooden fence can offer unmatched natural beauty and charm.

Benefits of a Wood Fence Installation

While other fence materials like vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron have their advantages, wooden fences remain a top choice for many homeowners for a variety of reasons, including: aesthetics, custom options, a low carbon footprint, affordability, and ease of repairs.

Aesthetics

Wooden fences offer timeless charm and natural beauty that enhance the overall appearance of any property. The warm and inviting appeal of wood complements various architectural styles, making it a versatile choice for homeowners. Whether you have a rustic cottage, a traditional suburban home, or a contemporary residence, a wood fence adds a touch of elegance and blends seamlessly with the surroundings.

Wood also provides a sense of authenticity and connection to nature, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more organic and harmonious outdoor environment. The natural grain patterns and earthy tones of different wood species further contribute to the unique and appealing look of a wood fence.

Customization Options

One of the standout advantages of wood fencing is the ease with which it can be customized to suit individual preferences. Wood is a highly versatile material that can be cut, shaped, and painted in various ways, giving homeowners the freedom to create a fence that aligns perfectly with their desired aesthetic.

Whether you prefer a traditional picket fence, a modern horizontal design, or something entirely unique, wood allows for almost limitless design possibilities. Additionally, you can choose from a wide range of wood stains and paint colors to match your home’s exterior or express your personal style.

Eco-friendly Fence

Wood is a renewable and eco-friendly resource, making it an environmentally conscious fencing option. Many wood fence materials are sourced from sustainably managed forests, where trees are replanted to replace those harvested for use in fencing.

Compared to other fence materials that require energy-intensive manufacturing processes and contribute to pollution, wooden fences have a relatively lower carbon footprint. Choosing wood over non-renewable materials helps support responsible forestry practices and reduces the overall environmental impact.

Cost-effective

Wooden fences are often more cost-effective than alternative fencing materials like vinyl, aluminum, or wrought iron. Wood is readily available and generally less expensive to purchase and install, making it a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to add value and security to their property without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Wooden fences are an excellent addition to any property, maintaining a timeless elegance and natural appeal. By taking proactive measures like staining and sealing, routine inspections, and maintaining a debris-free environment, you can extend the life and beauty of your wooden fence. Should your fence experience significant damage or wear, consider replacing it with a high-quality product designed to withstand environmental elements and safeguard your property. With proper care and attention, your wooden fence will stand strong and enhance your home’s charm for years to come.

Decorative Details

Our team is committed to going the extra mile in every detail of your fence project.

Customize your fence project by asking about our add-ons we offer: decorative post caps, trim, and custom railings.

Premium Rails

Much like our fence pickets, our company takes care to only build with rails with minor defects. Taking the time to use premium fence materials helps ensure your family can enjoy the security and privacy of your new fence for years to come.

Better Fence Pickets

We build with only the best fence pickets. These are not the typical fence pickets anyone can buy from the local big-box stores. We have partnered with suppliers to provide the highest quality wood fencing materials.

Stronger Posts

We understand that your fence is only as strong as your posts. This is why we take great care to use the strongest posts, free of defect.

All high-quality posts are built to ensure that your fence stands strong for years to come.

Hidden Posts

PostMaster+ is the only steel fence post on the market designed to be hidden from view.

Both sides of your fence will showcase beautiful cedar posts while the steel on the inside creates a durable, long-lasting fence.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

You can feel confident in your investment as it comes with a Lifetime Limited warranty.

No other wood fence post even comes close to the performance and longevity of this innovative fencing system.

Withstands Up to 112 MpH Winds

Your PostMaster+ fence system can be configured to withstand up to 112 MpH winds.

Steel posts protect your investment from damaging wind while cedar offers protection from bugs, rot, and warping.

Never Shrink, Warp, or Rot

PostMaster+ fences are designed for more than just presenting a seamless fence, it is an investment in peace of mind.

PostMaster+ is designed to not shrink, warp or rot like wood posts.

Enhances Curb Appeal

Masonry fences are not only a durable way to protect your property, they are also beautiful. Adding a masonry fence is a great way to quickly add curb appeal to your property that will last for years. Unlike wood fences which can be susceptible to termites, mold and fungus, masonry fencing is naturally pest-proof, fire-proof, and low-maintenance.

High Security Fencing

Security fences keep your property safe from trespassers and provide safety and protection to the area the fence encloses. A masonry fence creates a solid, protective barrier to ensure the security of your yard and your family.

Noise Reduction

A noise reduction fence is an excellent way to create a relaxing, quieter environment for your yard. A masonry fence built between a noise source and your home provides an effective sound barrier and will reflect noise away from your yard – leaving you with a quiet oasis. 

Modern, Sleek Design

FenceTrac’s revolutionary, innovative fence system features one of the most modern, sleek designs on the market. Not only are these fences long-lasting, but they are also highly customizable as well as fashionable.

Stronger Trac Channels

FenceTrac U-channels are manufactured from 18-ga. roll-formed galvanized steel for superior strength and durability. This system is built to be long-lasting and customizable to match any yard.

Durable Metal Frame

FenceTrac comes in with a durable textured matte black powder coat finish consisting of a multi-stage process of industrial, weather-resistant finish. The sturdy metal frame creates a stronger, longer-lasting fence. FenceTrac’s metal frame is also compatible for fencing sloped grades with precision. 

Versatile Infill Options

Want to create a super durable fence that’s as unique as you? With a FenceTrac system you can pair their patented, durable U-channels with the infill that best fits your style. FenceTrac is designed to be used with nearly any type of rigid infill, so you can create the exact look you want.

25 Year Limited Lifetime Warranty

The power of the outdoors has met its match. Composite is engineered to endure decades of foul weather and foot traffic…with the warranty coverage to prove it. 

With our 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty, you can rest assured that your backyard investment is well protected.

Good Neighbor Fence

Unlike most fence types that have a “good side” and a “bad side,” with your composite fence, you will get the same beautiful finish on either side. No unsightly picket defects or exposed support railings. A composite fence is beautiful no matter what side of the fence you are on. 

Low-Maintenance

Composite fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose . If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Composite fences are very easy to clean and typically only require it semi-annually,  making them a great option for low-maintenance fencing.

Eco-Friendly Fencing

Composite eco-friendly composite fencing is made from an innovative blend of 96% recycled wood and plastic—that’s almost the whole thing. Composite fencing led the way green fencing more than 20 years, well before green was a buzzword. Because in the end, all of us want to look out on our fences and know that we’ve done our part. As one of the largest plastic recyclers in the U.S., composite saves 400 million pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year.

Stronger Fencing

Compared to wood, vinyl fencing is much stronger. Vinyl fencing is flexible and durable, which helps vinyl out-perform wood fencing in windy conditions and with environmental exposure to UV rays and weather.

More Options Available

Vinyl fencing is available in a wide variety of configurations to match any property, home, or purpose. Iconic, white vinyl picket fences give a feel of classic Americana with that white-picket-fence-style. Darker vinyl fences can be installed to make a space look more elegant or modern. From short picket to tall privacy, vinyl fencing can be designed to enhance your backyard or business.

Easy to Clean

Vinyl fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose. If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Vinyl fences are very easy to clean, making them a great option for low-maintenance fencing.

Beautiful Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are a bright, bold fence choice. Available in a variety of colors, vinyl fencing can be installed in a many configurations to help you enhance the beauty of your property. And, because vinyl isn’t as porous as wood, vinyl fences retain their color and finish much longer than wood fencing so you can enjoy your fence for years to come.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our metal fences come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that protects against cracking, peeling, chipping, blistering and corrosion resulting in structural failure, without cause and workmanship and material defects through the manufacturer.

High Security Fencing

Maintaining a secure perimeter is your first line of defense against potential threats. A securely installed metal fence serves as a visual deterrent backed with heavy metal components that give a higher level of protection compared to traditional alternatives.

Coated Galvanized Steel

All of our metal fences are coated inside and out. Our metal framework is subjected to a multi-stage pre-treatment/wash, followed by a duplex cathodic electrocoat system consisting of an epoxy primer, which significantly increases corrosion protection, and an acrylic topcoat, which provides the protection necessary to withstand adverse weathering effects.

Seamless Design

Our metal fence panels are fabricated through a welding technique that combines laser and fusion technology to create a virtually invisible structural connection at every picket to rail intersection. 

Our team’s expertly crafted construction is unmatched in strength and durability.

Stronger Posts & Hardware

A benefit of choosing our team to install your chain link fence is that we use only the most durable posts and hardware.

Chain-link fences are known for being the last fences standing during hurricanes, tornados, and other severe weather events.

Top Quality Rails
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure your investment is built to last. Adding a top rail to your chain link fence project creates an extra level of durability and security.
Premium Chain Link Mesh

Our chain link mesh offers a high level of security for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Manufactured with you in mind to provide you with security and beauty at the same time.

Nice Finishing Caps

Our team prides themselves on putting in the little details that make your fence unique to you. Ask your representative about adding premium finishing caps to your Chain Link fence project.