Preserving the Life of a Wooden Fence

Wood fences provide a natural and definitive look to any home. They look great but over time you can see those looks begin to diminish. It is very important to take good care of your wood fence in order to guarantee that it lives its longest life possible. If a wood fence goes without upkeep, it could be ready for replacement in as early as 5 years. However, if a wood fence is properly maintained, it can keep its strength and beauty for 25-30 years. Once a new fence is installed, it is best to leave it untouched and let it naturally settle for about 2 weeks. After the fence has been installed it is now time to “treat” the fence. If you don’t paint your wooden fence panels, they must be sealed from the elements. Staining gives panels a hint of color while maintaining a natural wood look. Because the climate varies from region to region, exactly how often you must reseal and stain will depend upon the weather. In rainy areas you will probably need to do it more often than in if you live in an arid region. Rather than rely on a particular time frame, base your decision on the wood itself. As a rule, when water no longer beads up on the wooden fence but soaks in, it is time to reseal. Again, how long sealant will last will depend upon the weather, In a moist climate, resealing should be done about every 2 years. Staining will have some of the properties of a sealant, but you should always seal before staining.