Hi, my name is Andrea from Fence-All. A question we often get from our wood fence customers is, “When should I stain my newly installed wood fence?” It’s a great question and a highly debated one, as the answer really depends on who you ask—opinions vary widely on the topic.
After speaking with our team here at Fence-All, the overall consensus is as follows:
- For Pressure-Treated Wood Fences:
We recommend staining your fence right away if you’re planning on doing so. It’s best to apply the stain before the wood starts to crack or develop imperfections. When purchasing the stain (available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or any similar department store), be sure to read the instructions on the stain can. Each stain manufacturer may have slightly different recommendations for preparing the wood. But overall, if you’ve chosen pressure-treated lumber, staining it immediately is a good idea. - For Cedar Fences:
We suggest letting the fence dry out for a couple of weeks to allow the moisture to drain from the wood before staining. Again, be sure to follow the preparation instructions on the stain can before starting. This will ensure the best result.
Keep in mind that if you research online, you may come across a variety of opinions on the timing of staining. However, our general view is: for pressure-treated wood, stain it right away, and for cedar, it’s okay to wait a little longer to allow it to dry out first.
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