Is Staining a Redwood Fence Worth It? Here's the Truth

Benefits of Staining Redwood Fences

Flimsier wood options fall apart without proper staining. Redwood isn't one of them. It can hold up to the elements well on its own, so you may wonder if the process is worth it.

The many benefits of staining redwood come from the enhancement of its innate properties. It makes it even more durable and beautiful than it already is.

Enhanced Appearance

Staining a redwood fence enhances the natural beauty of the wood. It brings out the grain and makes it look fresh and polished.

There are also a variety of stain options. They let you customize your redwood fence to fit your design scheme. They range from rich red tones to subtle honey hues.

Increased Lifespan

One of the many advantages of redwood fencing is its longevity. It's one of the most durable materials around. You can go up to 25 years before you have to start replacing boards.

Staining extends the lifespan of your redwood fence by years or even decades. It protects against:

• UV rays
• Humidity
• Rain
• Snow
• Pests
• Mold and mildew

Paint only protects the surface of the fence. It only gets into the layers at the top.

A quality stain penetrates deeper. It goes into all the layers of the wood and reaches into the grain. This keeps the color from fading. It also keeps the boards from warping, splitting, or cracking.

Cost-Effectiveness

The cost of fence staining depends on factors such as:

• Size
• Design
• Condition

Redwood fence maintenance isn't as extensive as other materials, but it can become costly if ignored. The bill runs highest if repairs are required.

Staining a redwood fence is a cost-effective investment. Expanding its lifespan reduces the money you'll have to spend on maintenance and repairs.

Increased Property Value

Staining your fence increases the curb appeal of your property. That alone increases home value by up to 10%.

Potential buyers will notice the beauty of your stained fence from afar. It may be the one aspect that brings their eye away from all other houses on the market.

Putting in the required effort to stain and maintain a redwood fence also bodes well for your reputation as a property owner. It hints to potential buyers that you've taken care of the rest of the property. These factors all help to increase the property value, netting you higher offers.

Choosing a Stain

One of the first important choices to learn about how to stain a redwood fence is the importance of choosing the right stain.

Look for quality, high-performance products. Try to find ones with positive reviews and a history of looking great on redwood fences. They may be more expensive, but they'll give you better protection and longer-lasting results the first time.

Color is more than an aesthetic choice. Darker shades like brown or black resist fading better than lighter shades. They have a higher pigment concentration and can penetrate deeper.

You'll also have to choose between transparent, semi-transparent, and solid options. Semi-transparent is an effective choice because it's durable and easy to retouch without sanding or scraping.

Prep Work

The best time to stain redwood is when the weather is dry and mild. Don't do it in direct sunlight. Consider waiting until another time if there's rain in the forecast.

The Bay Area's pleasant climate gives you several choices. 7.4 months of the year are considered "comfortable weather. The average temperatures are also within the acceptable range for wood staining most of the time.

Always use the proper safety gear when staining a redwood fence. This includes:

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Dust mask
• Canvas drops

How to Stain a Redwood Fence

Begin by cleaning off the fence, even if it's brand new.

Use a gentle cleaning solution or a pressure washer to remove:

• Dirt
• Mildew
• Old stain

You may want to sand the wood lightly before applying the stain. It's especially important if the fence isn't new. Sanding opens up the pores in the wood so it can absorb the stain evenly.

There are several methods for applying stain to a redwood fence, including:

• Brush
• Roller
• Sprayer



Apply it over small sections as evenly as you can. The number of coats depends on your preferences and the product you use. One to two coats is usually enough.

Give the fence time to dry before you start, between coats, and before you start using it. How long this takes depends on the weather conditions in your area.

Redwood Fence Maintenance

Staining doesn't eliminate the need for redwood fence maintenance. It just changes up the schedule a bit.

One of the best redwood fence care tips is to be proactive. Inspect your fence regularly for any signs of damage, such as:

• Gaps
• Cracks
• Splits
• Loose boards
• Mold and mildew
• Rust

The earlier you spot these issues, the less likely they are to ruin your beautifully stained fence.

Staining also isn't a one-and-done process. Occasional touchups may be necessary. You'll need to reapply the stain every two to five years.

Where to Get the Best Redwood Fencing

Staining a redwood fence enhances the natural beauty and grain of the material. It also makes it even more durable and weather-resistant than it already is. It's a cost-effective investment in your property's long-term value.

C & J Fencing has decades of experience in the construction industry. We specialize in providing custom redwood fences, arbors, decks, and gates.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality service at a reasonable price. Get a free estimate today.