Thompson's Station TN Wood Protection & Restoration Company

If your fence or deck has recently been built, there is usually a waiting period before staining it. Although there are differing opinions about when a fence or deck should be stained, there is a general rule of thumb. If the wood has a moisture level below 13%, the fence or deck can be stained. However, delays might occur in the event of rain, so it is best to stain when there are a few clear weather days in a row. The professionals at Stain & Seal Experts can help you with a recommendation on the right timing for your project.

Our oil-based penetrating stains do not have temperature or sunlight restrictions. However, the wood must be dry, with a moisture level under 13%. As a result, in some parts of the country, it is generally safe to stain year-round.

We always recommend that you pick the stain you like! Some stain colors tend to be a bit more popular than others due to differing maintenance requirements or simply how well they blend with the most common colors seen in homes and neighborhoods. Darker colors generally require less maintenance than lighter or natural tones. Dark stains and black stains have become popular for creating a bold look and often produce a great contrast against homes or other structures, with the added benefit of requiring less maintenance. However, if you need a bit more guidance, there are a few things that you can take into consideration when choosing a stain color.

In the case of existing wooden structures on your property, choosing a stain that complements those existing colors might be a good idea. Another consideration you might need to take into account is any HOA regulations since some require particular colors of stain or need advanced approval for stains. Additionally, keep in mind that colors appear slightly different in different lights. Just like how a paint color inside a house can look different at various times during the day, your fence or deck stain can appear slightly different in various lighting situations as well. It is always a good idea to stain a sample of the type of wood you are using so you can see it throughout the day to be sure it is the stain color you want.

When you stain your fence or deck, you are protecting the investment you made to build that structure. The cost of staining can vary slightly, but this is a general guide to the investment:

To have a fence stained, the price generally ranges from $0.70 - $1.25 per square foot on most projects. Because decks tend to have more details than fences, they are priced a bit differently. The floors range from $3.00 - $5.00 per square foot, steps range from $25.00 - $40.00 each, deck railings range from $10.00 - $20.00 per linear foot. Posts, beams, and undersides of the deck can be done for an additional cost.

Included in the service is a 3-year warranty on the stain and 1-year warranty on the workmanship. Some charges might be applicable for additional services, such as trimming the grass around the fence or deck, moving furniture, or removing lighting or decor from fences or decks. There are several other factors that can affect the cost, including obstacles, pools, large landscaping, and ease of access.

One overall recommendation is to ensure your contractor is able to access the wooden structure with ease. Trimming back large landscaping from fence or deck lines will help your contractor be able to get to all parts of your fence or deck. Make an effort to remove all furniture from decks, along with ornamental items or decor, such as hanging or potted plants, patio lighting (if it is against the fence or in the way of a deck structure), and outdoor rugs. Mowing the grass around the base of all structures is beneficial, along with weed-eating along fence lines. Also, your contractor would appreciate if you turn off any scheduled sprinkler use.

At Stain & Seal Experts we believe maintaining your outdoor space is just as important as maintaining your indoor space! It is best to clean stained decks and fences with a broom or leaf blower several times a year. This will keep dirt particles and debris off the wood. A soft wash with gentle cleaning chemicals is recommended once a year to "sanitize" your wooden structures. This will also kill any organic growth that your fence or deck might accumulate. Other than general cleaning, applying a maintenance coat of stain to your fence every three years will keep it looking perfect. For decking, the same maintenance routine is best done every two years on horizontal surfaces and high-traffic areas, and every four years on vertical surfaces such as railings or spindles. This maintenance suggestion also depends on the color of stain you have chosen for your structure. Maintenance could be needed sooner for lightly pigmented colors or natural tones, while more heavily pigmented and darker stains tend to last longer between applications.

Don't worry! It is not too late to stain your fence or deck! Even older structures can be cleaned and restored. If your fence or deck is not very old, a basic wash is usually needed prior to staining and sealing. If your fence or deck is a bit older, a full restoration might be necessary before staining. Full fence restoration includes a cleaning and a wood brightener application. For decks, the wood usually needs to be sanded smooth after the cleaning process has been completed and before the staining begins.