Fence Staining Services Austin
A new cedar fence looks beautiful—rich color, clean lines, that fresh wood smell. But Austin’s sun, rain, and humidity don’t care about your investment. Without protection, that fence will fade to gray, crack, warp, and start rotting within a few years. Fence staining stops that clock.
At Austin Fence & Deck Builders, we’ve been staining fences across Central Texas since 2007. We use quality penetrating stains designed for Texas conditions, apply them properly, and help your fence look great and last longer—years longer than an untreated fence.
Ready to protect your fence? Call us at (512) 799-7574 or request your free staining estimate.
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(512) 799-7574
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Why Fence Staining Matters in Austin
Austin’s climate is hard on wood fencing. Here’s what you’re up against:
- Intense UV exposure. Texas sun breaks down wood fibers and bleaches color. An unstained cedar fence will turn silver-gray within 6–12 months. The damage isn’t just cosmetic—UV degradation weakens the wood surface.
- Rain and humidity. Wood absorbs moisture, then dries out, then absorbs again. This constant cycle causes swelling, shrinking, cracking, and warping. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions.
- Temperature swings. Hot days and cool nights stress wood. Repeated expansion and contraction open cracks and loosen fasteners.
- Insects. Carpenter ants, termites, and wood-boring beetles see untreated wood as an invitation. Stain alone won’t stop them, but it’s part of a complete protection strategy.
- A quality stain creates a barrier against all of these—blocking UV rays, repelling water, and protecting your fence so it lasts.
Building a new fence? We install cedar privacy fences and can include staining as part of the project—or schedule it after the wood has dried.
When to Stain Your Fence
New fences: Wait 3–6 months before staining new cedar. Fresh lumber contains moisture that must evaporate before the stain can penetrate properly. Staining too early traps moisture, leading to peeling, bubbling, and premature failure.
Existing fences: If your fence has never been stained, or if the previous stain has faded and worn away, it’s time to stain it. Signs you need to rest:
- Wood has turned gray or silver
- Water no longer beads on the surface (it soaks in instead)
- Visible cracking, splitting, or checking
- Mold or mildew growth
- The previous stain is peeling or flaking
Restaining schedule: Plan to restain every 2–4 years, depending on sun exposure and stain quality. South-facing fences and sections with full sun exposure need more frequent attention.
Types of Fence Stain
Not all stains are equal. We use and recommend:
Penetrating Oil-Based Stains (Our Recommendation)
Oil-based stains soak into the wood rather than sitting on top. They:
- Penetrate deep for better protection
- Won’t peel, chip, or flake
- Allow the wood to breathe
- Enhance natural wood grain
- Last longer between applications
We typically use products like Ready Seal, TWP, or Cabot Australian Timber Oil—proven performers in Texas conditions.
Water-Based Stains
Water-based stains have improved significantly and offer some advantages:
- Lower VOCs (better for air quality)
- Faster drying time
- Easier cleanup
- Good UV protection
The trade-off: water-based stains may not penetrate as deeply and can require more frequent reapplication.
Semi-Transparent vs. Solid Stains
Semi-transparent stains let the wood grain show through while adding color and protection. This is what most people want for cedar fencing—you see the wood, just enhanced and protected.
Solid stains (also called opaque stains) completely hide the grain, like paint. They offer maximum UV protection but obscure the wood’s natural beauty. Solid stains can also peel and require more prep work when restaining.
Our recommendation: Semi-transparent, oil-based, penetrating stain for most cedar fence applications.
Stain Colors
Stain colors range from nearly clear to dark brown. Popular choices for Austin cedar fences:
- Natural/Clear — Minimal color change; lets cedar’s natural tone show
- Cedar Tone — Enhances and maintains fresh cedar color
- Honey/Golden — Warm, light brown tone
- Redwood — Richer reddish-brown
- Dark Walnut — Deep brown for a more dramatic look
We can show you samples and help you choose a color that complements your home and landscape. Keep in mind that stain absorbs differently depending on the wood age and condition—we often recommend testing on an inconspicuous section first.
Our Fence Staining Process
Inspection We assess your fence’s condition—checking for rot, damage, loose boards, and mold. Minor repairs are included; significant damage may need to be addressed separately through our fence repair services.
Cleaning Dirt, mold, mildew, and old stain residue must come off before the new stain goes on. We use a combination of:
- Low-pressure washing (high-pressure damages wood fibers)
- Wood cleaner/brightener to remove gray oxidation
- Mildewcide treatment if needed
The fence needs to dry completely after cleaning—usually 24–48 hours, depending on the weather.
Prep Work We protect plants, siding, concrete, and anything else that shouldn’t get stained. Damaged boards are repaired or replaced. Loose nails and screws are tightened.
Stain Application We apply stain using professional sprayers for even coverage, then back-brush to work the stain into the wood grain. This combination ensures penetration and a consistent finish.
For the best results, we stain both sides of the fence when accessible. Many companies skip the back side—we don’t, because unprotected wood on either side leads to problems.
Cleanup and Walkthrough We clean up overspray, remove masking, and inspect the finished fence with you. You’ll receive care instructions and restaining timeline recommendations.
Fence Staining vs. Painting
People sometimes ask whether they should paint their fence instead of staining. Here’s the difference:
Factor | Staining | Painting |
|---|---|---|
Penetration | Soaks into wood | Sits on the surface |
Appearance | Shows wood grain | Hides wood grain |
Peeling | Won’t peel | Will peel eventually |
Maintenance | Restain over existing | Must scrape/sand before repainting |
Wood breathing | Allows moisture to escape | Traps moisture |
Longevity | 2–4 years between coats | 5–7 years, but more prep work |
Our recommendation: Stain for fences. Paint traps moisture, peels, and creates more maintenance headaches over time. If your fence is currently painted, we can work with that—but for bare wood, stain is the better choice.
Why Choose Austin Fence & Deck Builders
- Owner-operated since 2007. We’ve stained thousands of fences across Austin and know what products and techniques work in this climate.
- Quality products only. We use commercial-grade penetrating stains—not the watered-down consumer products from big box stores.
- Proper preparation. Cleaning and prep work determine how well the stain performs. We don’t cut corners.
- 92+ Google reviews. Customers mention thorough work, clean job sites, and fences that still look great years later.
- Fully insured. Full liability coverage protects your property throughout the project.
- 1-year workmanship warranty. If the stain fails due to our application, we’ll make it right.
- Complete fence services. Need repairs before staining? A full fence replacement? We handle it all—one contractor, one plan.
Fence Staining Cost Factors
Staining costs vary based on:
- Linear footage — More fence = more material and labor
- Fence height — 6-foot fences cost more than 4-foot fences
- Fence condition — Heavy cleaning, mold treatment, or repairs add cost
- Stain quality — Premium stains cost more but last longer
- Access — Fences with landscaping, structures, or obstacles nearby take longer
- Both sides vs. one side — Staining both sides costs more but provides better protection
We provide detailed written estimates after assessing your specific fence. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Deck Staining Too
We don’t just stain fences. If you have a wood deck that needs attention, we can stain both at the same time—using the same quality products and the same thorough process. Coordinating fence and deck staining often saves money compared to doing them separately.
Check out our deck staining services for more details.
Service Areas
We provide fence staining services throughout Austin, TX, and surrounding communities—including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Buda, Manor, Bee Cave, and Kyle. From downtown backyards to Hill Country acreage, we’ve stained fences across every part of the metro.
Ready to Protect Your Fence?
Don’t let Austin’s sun and weather destroy your cedar fence. A quality stain job now saves you from expensive repairs or replacement later—and keeps your fence looking great in the meantime.
Get your free staining estimate or call (512) 799-7574 to schedule your consultation.
CALL NOW
(512) 799-7574
FAQ — Fence Staining (Austin)
Fence staining typically runs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot, depending on fence height, condition, stain quality, and whether you’re staining one or both sides. A typical 150-linear-foot, 6-foot-tall fence runs $1,500–$3,000. We provide detailed quotes after inspecting your fence.
Expect 2–4 years between applications, depending on sun exposure and stain quality. South-facing fences and full-sun areas need more frequent restaining. Premium penetrating stains last longer than cheaper products.
No—wait 3–6 months for the wood to dry out. Fresh lumber contains moisture that prevents stain from penetrating properly. Staining too soon causes peeling and premature failure.
Yes. We clean and brighten the wood to remove gray oxidation before staining. The fence won’t look brand new, but it will look dramatically better and be better protected against further damage.
We do both—spray for even coverage, then back-brush to work the stain into the grain. This combination provides better penetration than either method alone.
Ideally, yes. Staining only one side leaves the other exposed to moisture and UV damage, which can cause warping and reduce the fence’s lifespan. We stain both sides when accessible.
We recommend semi-transparent, oil-based penetrating stains with UV blockers—products like Ready Seal, TWP, or Cabot Australian Timber Oil. These handle Texas heat and humidity better than water-based or film-forming stains.
Most residential fences take 1–2 days—one day for cleaning (plus drying time) and one day for staining. Larger properties or fences requiring significant prep take longer.
It’s complicated. Paint creates a film that stain can’t penetrate. We’d need to remove the paint first, which is labor-intensive. In many cases, repainting or replacing the fence makes more sense than trying to convert from paint to stain.
Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the fence and water (for cleaning), we can complete most projects without you present. We’ll coordinate scheduling and communicate progress.
