Cost to Stain a Fence

Need your fences stained and want to find out the costs?

This ultimate price guide covers all types of fence stains, including fence oil and fence spray. We also discuss fence stain colours and fence painter fees.

To give you a quick idea, the average cost to stain a fence will usually be around the £400 mark.

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How Much Does Staining a Fence Cost?

To keep a wooden fence looking its best and to protect it from the elements, you need to either paint or stain it every 2 to 3 years as a way to replace the previous layer of stain.

Where fences are concerned, moisture is the main enemy and staining or painting the fence will create a barrier that will prevent moisture from damaging the wood.

How often you should paint or stain your fence will mostly depend on the weather, as wet regions will need staining more frequently. Most experts recommend staining fences once every 2 to 3 years, but you can check for beading yourself, as this gives a good indication of when the stain or paint needs to be re-applied.

On a stained and sealed fence, water should bead up on the surface, but if the water soaks in instead, it may be time for staining. The average cost to stain a fence is around £400 for material and labour costs for a contractor to do the work.

There is some debate amongst experts in terms of whether painting or staining is best. But either will provide protection and extend the life of your fence, so this is mostly a personal choice, however, painting a fence is usually less expensive.

Still, it may require doing more often, plus more preparation is generally needed before re-painting. Whereas staining is typically more expensive initially but lasts longer, and there is less ongoing work involved.

Staining is not a difficult job, but it is time-consuming, so many will hire a local contractor to do the job for them.

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Fence Staining Prices

Below is a table with the average cost and timeframe for a contractor to stain a fence:

Supply Costs Only

If you're taking this on as a DIY project, then you'll need to check out the various supply costs of materials and equipment for the job. This can differ depending on the size, quality and type of fence you're after.

Below is a table with the average cost of all the supplies needed for staining a fence and their individual costs:

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Additional Costs

When having a professional out to stain your fence, it's worth completing other jobs within your garden/home that may be needed or make sense to get done, whether that's to fit, install, lay, or fix.

It might be that you're completely starting from scratch and need a fence installed in the first place before staining. New fence installation costs around £1,000 depending on size and length.

As your contractor has all the equipment out and is within reach, it may also be worth having your shed stained to kill two birds with one stone. The cost of having your shed stained will add an extra £150 to your budget.

Other jobs to enhance your garden can include installing artificial grass. Artificial grass costs around £9 to £11 per m², and can be a good alternative if you want a low-maintenance lawn. If you don't want to do the work yourself, general garden maintenance costs around £200, or £14 to £25 per hour depending on the gardener's experience level.

You can also add in the cost of a new garden shed to your project's budget, at around £700.

Labour Costs and Timescales

The cost of labour for staining fences usually costs between £60 and £120 depending on location, size of fence type of stain, and how long it takes to complete, with a large fence averaging around £120 to £160.

One tradesman will usually work on this job, taking around a day to complete, possibly two if the fence and garden are larger than most. However, if you have large property grounds which require more staining, then it may take two tradespeople up to two days to complete, adding up labour costs.

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Cost Factors of Staining a Fence

The first thing to consider is whether to paint or stain your fence. Both will protect the fence against moisture and mould, but both have advantages and disadvantages. With painting, you get a wider selection of paint colours and a thicker barrier against the elements.

However, the downsides are that paint finishes can start to fade out and lose colour reasonably quickly due to chipping, plus there is more work involved when it is time to paint again as the old paint has to be removed and a smooth surface prepared before the new coat can be applied.

The popular view is that painting a fence will last a lot longer and may even look better, but it may not be worth all the extra effort (initially and when re-painting). So, staining is much more popular unless you are looking for a particular colour.

Location

As with most labour and contractor work, your location within the UK can alter the price of jobs on a household/garden. With the average price usually being hiked up an extra £20 to £50 for those living in London and the surrounding areas.

Size of Fence

The larger the size of the fence means more fence panels to stain, taking longer to complete and adding up labour costs. Smaller fences typically cost between £150 and £250, whilst large fences can cost between £300 and £400.

Type of Stain

There are several different types of staining options to choose from. Oil stains are the most common option and can be cheaper at around £15 for a litre bucket, whereas gel stains are also pretty standard at approximately £20.

Dye-based stain finishes typically cost around £25 per litre.

What's Involved in Fence Staining?

A well-maintained wooden fence will last many years if maintained properly, but if not painted or stained every few years, it will quickly rot, look awful and will eventually fall over in heavy winds.

The job itself is a simple process which the majority of trained decorates, and contractors can complete with ease. Below is a step-by-step guide on what is involved when staining a fence:

Cleaning

Cleaning beforehand is needed when you're staining an old fence, but if your fence has recently been installed, then this won't be necessary as it should already be fresh and clean.

This can be done quickly by mixing together a multi-use cleaning solution with water and applying it to the fence with a hard wire brush, scrubbing off all the dirt, mould, cobwebs and debris with care, leaving it to dry thoroughly before staining.

Fill in Gaps for Watertight Fence

This is important to make sure that your fence is protected from water and to avoid having to re-stain your exterior even sooner than expected.

Make sure to fill up any open holes, gaps or wide cracks with wood filler to protect your fence from rain and bad weather conditions. Again, make sure to dry thoroughly before moving on.

Smoothing Surface

Once again, this will probably need doing when staining a fence which you've had for a while, but if you've bought a new fence, then the surface should be smooth.

This can be done by sanding down the wood with sandpaper to get rid of chips and shavings for a simple staining process.

Staining

Staining can be done simply with your materials and a paintbrush. Make sure to evenly apply your chosen stain to each fence panel, allowing it to dry before re-applying or touching the fence.

It's also best to leave the job until a warm and dry day to avoid weather conditions messing up your staining.

Can I Apply Fence Stain Myself?

If doing the job as a DIY project, then make sure you wear old clothing and gloves, as it's nearly impossible to stain or paint a fence without getting some on you! Decide on how you prefer to apply the stain or paint, whether that's with a roller, pump, brush, or power sprayer.

But even if you decide to use a roller or sprayer, always use a brush for the tops and edges, plus any hard-to-reach areas, such as the small spaces between fence panels and posts.

Traditional paintbrushes work well with stains, and smaller 2-inch brushes work well for small hard-to-reach areas. Garden pump sprayers are a quick way to stain, but you need goggles, gloves and a breathing filter or mask.

Rolling is not a recommended method for staining because it tends to leave the fence finished with uneven marks which need fixing afterwards.

Remember, when applying coats, you should complete an entire fence section at a time to avoid lap marks. Make sure your fence is clean before applying the paint stain, and brush down to remove any dust, mould or mildew.

Then check the weather before you begin, as you don't want to stain in extreme heat or cold, plus the fence needs to be dry, so avoid rainy days and wait a few days after the last rainfall before starting.

In terms of how many coats need to be applied, always follow the stain/paint manufacturer's instructions on how many coats will be required. When it comes to choosing the right stain, just ensure that the product is for exterior use and also make sure you buy enough to treat the fence with the requisite number of coats.

Finally, there is no point applying paint or stain to an old, rotten fence. Once rot sets in, the fence will need replacing, not staining or painting.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Fence Staining

Before you paint or stain your fence, you may want to make sure that it's your fence to treat. Many are not entirely sure which fence is their responsibility and which is their neighbour's.

So, when it comes to repairs and maintenance, you need to find out who is responsible for what.

There is no law about who owns the boundaries around your property and which side of the fence you are responsible for, but you could check the deeds to your home to find out if there are any boundary agreements in place.

Choosing a Fence Stain

When deciding on the right wood stain for you, it's essential to research each different type and how they can benefit your fencing. Each stain holds various chemicals to differentiate between types, offering separate results depending on what you need/prefer.

Below is a list of different types of fence stains.

Oil Stain Cost

This is the most common type of fence stains because they are a reasonable price, clean up easily and offer durable protection throughout all weather types. The typical cost of an oil stain is around £10 to £15 per litre.

Pros

• ✔ Cost-effective
• ✔ Easy to clean
• ✔ Good UV protection

Cons

• ✖ Susceptible for mould and mildew
• ✖ High maintenance

Gel Stain Cost

Gel stains are applied similarly to oil stains but with a thicker texture, which can make the method slightly harder but end with a more refined finish. It's essential to make sure these are applied with as much precision as possible as they dry fast and don't give you a lot of time to alter anything.

The typical price of a gel stain is around £16 to £20 per litre.

Pros

• ✔ Smooth finish
• ✔ Easy to use

Cons

• ✖ Harder to apply
• ✖ Quick-drying

Dye Stain Cost

Dye stains are very different from typical staining as they're produced in powder form which has to be manually added to water before using by yourself. The regular price of a dye stain is around £20 to £25.

Pros

• ✔ Vibrant colour finish
• ✔ Penetrates deeper into wood
• ✔ Easy to clean

Cons

• ✖ Prone to fading
• ✖ High maintenance

Benefits of Using Fence Stain

Painting a fence isn't difficult, but doing the job properly can be time-consuming and repetitive. The work is definitely worth it, as a proper paint job won't just give your fence a facelift, it will actually extend the life of the fence by protecting it from the elements.

Below is a list of reasons why it's a good idea to stain your fences regularly:

Protection from Elements

Staining your fence is one of the best ways to protect your exterior from the unpredictable nature of outdoor elements and unpredictable weather conditions.

It's not uncommon for rain, frost and even sun to cause damage to wooden fences due to mould, drying up rotting or dampness. Regularly staining is one of the best and easiest ways you can make sure your fence stays long-lasting and protected through waterproofing features.

Durable

Your fencing will last a lot longer if you routinely stain it, ensuring that the wood stays dry and well-put. TThis is ideal, especially if the wood is high-quality and you want a longer investment.

Limit UV Damage

Staining can help to safeguard fences from direct sunlight because UV damage can damage the fence's colour over time. If you live in a warmer climate or sunny area, then you'll need to stain your wood regularly every few years to ensure lasting protection.

Kerb Appeal

Some people choose to stain their fences due to the aesthetically pleasing finish that it offers, leaving your wood looking glossy and attractive. A regular stained fence can match various decor and colours throughout your garden and appear neat and attractive.

Cost of Removing Fence Stain

Removing fence stains may be needed if your fence has changed colour due to bad weather conditions, resulting in mould, damp, mildew and dirt buildup.

Once this happens, you may need to pressure wash the fence to get rid of dirt; however, this can cause deterioration on the surface, affecting the staining that has already been applied.

The removal process begins like most by cleaning off dirt and mildew with warm, soapy water and a cloth, being left to dry before applying wood stain remover with a paintbrush.

A typical wood stain remover cost around £20 per bottle/tub. The same as applying, this should be spread evenly and in small parts among each fence panel before being left to sit for around 20 minutes.

Once the surface begins to bubble, grab a scraper or putty knife to take away the layer of stain from the exterior, scrubbing away any leftover bits with a wool pad. After successfully scraping off as much stain as possible, prepare a damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces of excess debris, leaving the fence to dry for a day.

After this, the job should be done! Just keep checking for any leftover staining, which can be sanded off with sandpaper or a block.

Hiring Contractors to Stain a Fence Checklist

Hiring a contractor to work in your home is something that should be considered thoroughly, so you don't miss out on any options and pick the right person for you.

Below is a general checklist of what to look out for when hiring someone to stain your fence.

• Ask for samples of staining options to ensure you've picked the right one for your home and environment, as well as checking for the quality and pricing.
• Make sure that your contractor has all the essential training and has completed similar previous jobs like this before.
• Compare prices and quotes between various contractors so you can see if anyone's price sticks out as odd.
• Ask to speak to previous clients and look at references, reviews and pictures of their previous work to ensure your contractor is trusted.
• Check to see if they're part of a trade association and are insured.
• Compile a price list and receipt together before settling on payment so you can visualise what will be included in their services and for what price.

Sources

https://www.olympic.com/advice/how-to-stain-a-fence