Fence Staining To Enhance Your Landscape

Staining a fence is an excellent way to enhance your landscape or preserve wood. The steps in fence staining are simple and there are plenty of choices in stain color, from very light and natural, to dark and earthy. Consider the following tips for the best results and an attractive fence.

Weather is important

Warm, dry weather is necessary to stain a fence properly. The ideal temperature range is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But slightly cooler or warmer temperatures may be acceptable, if there is no rain in the forecast and little moisture in the air.

Make sure the fence is dry

The fence should be completely dry, including any posts. Stain will not penetrate as well if the surface is damp. Allow the fence to dry for at least 24 hours, after a light rain. Otherwise, it may take an additional 24 hours.

Choose the right brush or roller

If you're not using a sprayer with a compressor, using the right roller or brush can make the job easier. Choose a roller with a medium nap, to apply the first soaking coat of stain. This coat will penetrate the wood, so apply a generous amount of stain, but don't use so much that it takes days to dry.

Allow at least 24 hours for the first coat to dry. Then, apply the final coat, which will give the fence the desired color. Usually there is no need to apply a clear varnish. The stain will provide enough protection for several years. If desired, you can apply the stain again in a few years, for a fresh look.

Choose the right stain color

Choosing the right color for fence staining will depend on the landscape and the look you want. Darker stains tend to provide a more rustic look. Lighter stain colors tend to give the fence a more natural look. Light stains can provide a good contrast to landscape with plenty of trees, including evergreens and pines.

Determine how much stain you need

Buying enough stain for the project is simple, if you keep this simple tip in mind. One gallon of stain will typically cover about 200 square feet. You will need to know the fence height and length, to determine the amount to be covered. Double the amount of stain if you plan on staining both sides and allow some additional stain for fence posts and caps.

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Information And Tips On Fence Building

Fences, as the term goes, make for good neighbors; fences also mark a boundary, control access, prevent escape as well as define and accentuate an area. There are various structures of fences such as industrial solutions, commercial solutions and residential solutions. In addition, there are many types of fences available such as aluminum, wood, PVC, wrought iron, vinyl, chain link, electric, bamboo and farm. Fence building also adds value to your property.

Before purchasing and installing a fence, there are several tips that will make the process go better such as first deciding if you want privacy. If you want privacy, choose a fence that has little or no space between boards. Of course, the height of your fence will depend on the slope of your yard, your neighbor's yard and local building codes.

Then, decide if you need a gate. If you don't need a gate, install several offset fences. This will give you room for a path while blocking the street view. Another tip is to think about a "step" design. If a tall privacy fence seems too much, consider a stepped design. For example, you could install a section of fence that is several feet higher around your seating area and a lower fence beside the lawn. In addition, if you need to block strong wind but don't want to lose a beautiful view, consider glass.

Keep in mind; if you are seeking security from a fence, look for optimal height, fewer places to grab a hold of and a gate that locks. For optimal security, the gate should be at least eight feet high and be a gate that has no horizontal rails on the outside. This will deter potential intruders from trying to climb it.

Another consideration when choosing a fence is blocking a street view. Homes that are near streets are noisy and busy, with traffic and people constantly on the go. However, if you want some light to filter in, choose a fence that has small gaps between boards or try a frosted glass design. Most importantly, if you have pets you will want to keep them in. It is also important to know how high they can jump and if they dig. Ask yourself, will they try to get out of the yard or will they be happy to be in the back yard with you? If your dogs like to dig, one effective way to handle this is to bury the fence six inches underground or place hardscaping along the fence line.

Most importantly, before installing your fence, check with your local building codes and if necessary, apply for a permit. Also, find out where your property line is and be sure that there are no underground utility lines in the way.

To conclude, fence building makes for good neighbors; fences also mark a boundary, control access, prevent escape and also define and accentuate an area. With the many advantages of installing a fence such as privacy, security and beauty, it makes sense to check them out!

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