Staining your fence can be a great way to add curb appeal to your home. Not only does it spruce up the appearance, but it can also offer your fence protection as well. Even better, you can choose from many different stain styles and colors. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best fence stain for your project.
Stain Versus Paint
What is stain, and how does it differ from just paint? Here’s the breakdown:
Stain:
- More transparent than exterior colored paint
- Moisture protection
- Limited UV protection
- Penetrates wood surface and highlights the grains, rather than cover the wood
Paint:
- Moisture and UV protection
- Covers surface and is not transparent
- Will not show wood grain
Stain Transparency
There are a few types of stains for fences: transparent, semi-transparent, and solid wood stains.
Transparent stain is ideal when you want to highlight the grain of the wood as well as add subtle pops of color. This is also typically the most cost-effective option for staining projects. Transparent stains are often used on new fences and create a more natural appearance.
Semi-transparent stains add more coverage while still showing a bit of the wood grain still. You will likely need at least two coats to be effective. One thing to note: this stain is pricier than a transparent stain and is comparable in price to solid wood stain. Semi-transparent stains work on both new and old fences as they hide some of the imperfections in the wood.
Solid wood stain completely hides the original appearance of your fence. Colors such as dark walnut, light oak, or chestnut and other colors. Some solid stains have built-in UV protection which is beneficial for sunny regions. Solid stains are a great choice for fences that are damaged as they hide the wood underneath.
Something to note: Before committing to a stain color or formula, consider testing your choice on the wood. This can not only save you money, but time as well. No one wants to spend money on a stain only to find out it isn’t the right color for your needs.
Oil-Based Stain Versus Water-Based Stain
Beyond the stain color and transparency, the stain base should be considered when selecting a stain. Oil-based stains are easiest to apply and infiltrate wood better than water-based stains. However, oil-based stains come with the hazard of noxious fumes and flammable solvents. They often attract mold and mildew more than a water-based stain. Water-based stains dry quickly and often last longer than oil-based stains. For the best results, the wood needs special preparation. If preparation isn’t done properly, you could risk having visible laps in coverage as well as early stain failure.
Type of Wood
Did you know the type of wood impacts the number of coats needed, color of the stain, and the amount of preparation needed? For example, cherry, mahogany, and walnut have smaller pores which make the stain harder to absorb and work best with an oil-based sealant. Cedar and pine absorb oil-based stains well due to their large pore size. These types of wood should not use water-based stains. Ash and oak can tolerate oil-based or water-based stains.
Choosing a Fencing Stain Color
Beyond the type of stain, another consideration is the color. However, choosing the color goes beyond just personal preference in some cases. Factors such as the type of fence, the neighborhood, colors around your property, and color availability all play into the fencing stain color chosen.
Type of Fence
One of the factors considered when choosing a color is the fencing type. When staining a privacy fence, many people opt to stick with frequently used colors such as dark brown, redwood, or warm cedar. For rail fences, darker colors such as a black or dark brown stain are often used. For modern fencing, colors such as gray or even a staggered fence color pattern are great options.
Color Availability
When choosing a stain color, it is important to ensure that your color pick is available in the formula that works best for your project. Choosing a cheap fence stain could result in premature fading in just a year or two. Consider choosing a reputable stain brand with high solids and then pick from the color options within that product family.
Match Your Home’s Architecture
Your fence is an extension of your home. If it matches the style and feel of your home, it creates a more cohesive appearance. One way to do this is to match a stain used on another part of your home.
Color of Other Yard Features & Style Preferences
Your other yard features and the colors should be considered when making the final selection for your fence stain. Ideally, the fence stain complements the other features in your yard such as a shed, pergola, garden stones, etc. The chosen color should fit the design scheme you’ve created for the rest of your space. Your fence should enhance the best parts of your property rather than drawing attention away from them.
Additionally, the color chosen should reflect your own style. Certain stain colors fit a specific style. For example:
- Warm tones and red undertones are considered rustic.
- Dark tones such as chocolate browns or blacks are sophisticated.
- Grays, some blues, and greens are contemporary (and not often seen in fence stains).
HOA/Neighborhood Considerations
While bold colors can be fun, it is important to consider any HOA rules or regulations that are applicable to your neighborhood before going with that bright blue. Many neighborhood covenants limit color choices, so be sure to check on any restrictions before starting your project.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes if you find yourself unsure, it helps to talk to someone who does staining, painting, and fencing for a living. If you are in the Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, or Greensboro areas, give Capital Exteriors & Renovations a call. We offer custom color consultation, and comprehensive surface preparation to ensure a smooth finish to your painting projects as well as fence installation and repair.
