So what should you do? There are so many differing opinions on the matter. Ultimately, it is up to the homeowner, based on their preferred aesthetic. In our opinion?
Stain it. (Of all the hard questions in life, isn’t it nice when there’s a simple answer?)
Wood absorbs stain much deeper than it does paint.
This means that paint, as it ages, starts to chip, peel, and appear worn, requiring immediate attention as it shows signs of wear and tear. By contrast, stain will simply fade over time, allowing you time and breathing space to restain when ready (mentally and financially).
We’ve heard horror stories of paint peeling off fencing in less than a year. Harsh winter weather, so common in WNC, can reduce the lifetime of paint on a wood fence even more. Of course, the quality and application of the paint used also greatly affects how long the paint will last.
Take special note that if you are working with cedar, paint can actually diminish the lifetime of your fence. Paint doesn’t allow cedar to breathe, a particular necessity for this type of softwood.
You can use transparent, semi-transparent, and solid base stains, providing different levels of coverage and looks.
Unsure of what you want? Give us a call and we can figure it out, together.
Nonetheless, we have put together a quick guide on each of the types of fence finishes, along with their pros and cons, to help you decide what to do next!
Pros and Cons of Painting and Staining
1. Paint
Once upon a time, just about every fence that you would see would be painted. The term white picket fence exists for a reason. Typically this method of finishing your fence is the easiest and most affordable. The exterior paint and an afternoon of brushing it on with your family or friends make for a great way to protect your fence.
However, the paint will eventually need to be touched up or fully repainted as paint tends to crack and peel. Repainting a fence is hard work and starts with having to completely remove all of the existing paint. Once clean, you must prep the surface and finally repaint it. This process has to be done every few years and can end up being a costly endeavor to maintain your painted fence.
Pros:
- A fresh coat of paint can improve the overall appearance of the fence and make it look more attractive.
- Painting the fence can protect it from damage caused by weather elements like rain, snow, and sun.
- Paint can help prevent the fence from rotting or developing mold, especially if it is made from wood.
- Painting the fence can increase its lifespan and save money on costly repairs or replacements in the future.
- A painted fence can add value to your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Cons:
- Painting a fence can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task, especially if the fence is large or has intricate details.
- If the fence is not properly prepared before painting, the paint may not adhere properly, resulting in a sloppy and unattractive finish.
- Over time, the paint may begin to crack or peel, requiring touch-ups or complete repainting.
- Some types of paint may release fumes or chemicals that can be harmful to the environment or human health.
- Painting the fence may require the use of specialized tools or equipment, which can add to the cost of the project.
2. Leaving It Natural
The easiest way to finish your fence is to simply leave it as is, with no paint, stain, or seal. In some cases, this looks great, as the rustic aesthetic is popular these days. If using cedar as your fence material, it will age to a silver gray.
The only problem with leaving your fence natural is that the elements can cause a lot of problems for your fence. Water can penetrate the unprotected wood causing it to mildew or even rot. Power washing your natural fence is imperative, as it is the only way to keep it looking fresh.
Pros
- Not painting or sealing a fence can save time and money on maintenance and upkeep.
- A natural, untreated fence can blend in with the surrounding environment and add a rustic or natural look to your property.
- Without the added layer of paint or sealant, the texture and grain of the wood can be more visible, adding character to the fence.
- Some people prefer the weathered, aged look of an untreated fence.
Cons:
- An untreated fence is more susceptible to damage from weather elements like rain, snow, and sun, which can cause it to rot, warp, or split over time.
- A fence that is not sealed or painted may be more prone to insect infestations or mold growth, especially if it is made from wood.
- When left alone, a fence may not last as long as a painted or sealed fence, resulting in costly repairs or replacements in the future.
- Your fence will require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking clean and presentable.
3. Stain (Our Suggestion)
While a painted or untreated fence can look great, our suggestion is to utilize a modern stain. Initially, it may cost much more, but a good quality stain will last a much longer time. In terms of options, there are tons, including:
- Solid Stains
- Transparent Stains
- Semi-Transparent stains
Stain acts as a waterproofing agent and can protect your fence from the elements. Eventually, it will begin to fade and need to be redone. However, due to the nature of how stain works, you will not have to worry about scraping off cracked or dirty paint. To learn more about whether or not you should DIY or hire a professional, check out our article.
Pros:
- Staining a fence can enhance the natural color and grain of the wood, giving it a rich, warm appearance.
- Your fence will be protected from damage caused by weather elements like rain, snow, and sun.
- Stain penetrates deeply into the wood, providing longer-lasting protection compared to paint or sealant.
- Your fence lifespan will increase, and you will save money on costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Cons:
- Staining a fence can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task, especially if the fence is large or has intricate details.
- If the fence is not properly prepared before staining, the stain may not adhere properly, resulting in a sloppy and unattractive finish.
- Over time, the stain may begin to fade or wear away, requiring touch-ups or complete restaining.
- Some types of stains may release fumes or chemicals that can be harmful to the environment or human health.
While we at Asheville Fence suggest staining your fence, it truly is up to you. The other options are viable and can look great depending on how you maintain your fence, as well as the desired look. Regardless of what you choose to do, Asheville Fence offers a variety of fencing options to fit just about any application.
From simple picket fences to complex access control, Asheville Fence has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our options or to get an estimate!