If your deck and fence stain is starting to fade, you might be tempted to tackle one project now and the other later.
But did you know that combining your deck staining and fence staining at the same time can actually save you time, money, and hassle while also giving your entire outdoor space a more polished, cohesive look?
Whether you’re wanting to maintain your home’s curb appeal or prepare for the next backyard season, planning both projects together is one of the simplest ways to protect and enhance your outdoor wood surfaces.
In This Post
Can You Use Deck Stains for Fences?
Yes! In most cases, you can use the same product for both. A deck and fence stain is designed to penetrate wood, enhance its appearance, and protect it from moisture, UV rays, and everyday wear and tear.
Just make sure to select a high-quality stain suited for your specific wood type, condition, and climate. For homes in the Raleigh area specifically, you’ll want to look for something that holds up well to the humidity, moisture, and intense UV rays.
There are a few different types of deck and fence stain products to consider:
- Transparent/Clear: Offers minimal color and lets the natural wood grain shine. Ideal for new decks, but provides the least UV protection. Needs reapplied every 1-2 years.
- Semi-Transparent: Adds color while still showcasing the wood grain. A popular choice for homeowners looking for balance in the color and grain visibility. Needs reapplied every 2-4 years.
- Solid/Opaque: Hides imperfections and provides maximum coverage. Great for older, weathered decks. Needs reapplied every 3-5 years.
If you’re unsure which to choose, our guide to the best deck stain for Raleigh homes can help you find the right product for your project.
Benefits of Staining Your Deck and Fence Together
If you’re planning to stain your deck soon, consider doing your fence at the same time. Completing deck staining and fence staining projects together offers several benefits, especially if you’re hiring a professional paint company for the job.
Cost Savings
Hiring a professional crew for both projects at once means you’ll only pay one setup, application, cleanup, and travel fee. You might also save on materials, as many suppliers offer discounts when you buy larger quantities of stain.
Efficiency
Combining staining projects allows your contractor to work within one optimal weather window (which is crucial during North Carolina’s rainy seasons). You’ll also streamline your maintenance schedule by refreshing both your deck and fence stain at once. No more losing track of when each one needs restained!
Easy Record Keeping
If you live in an HOA where you’ll need to get approval for your deck and fence staining, you’ll only have to fill out one form and pay one fee if you do them at the same time. Plus, having both projects on the same estimate and invoice from your paint company makes for easy record keeping.
Consistency
Using the same deck and fence stain creates a cohesive, polished look across your entire outdoor space. Whether you prefer a rich cedar tone or a soft gray, matching your deck and fence color brings harmony to your yard.
Should Fence and Deck Be the Same Color?
This totally depends on your style and design goals! Matching stain colors can make your home’s outdoor space feel uniform and well-designed, especially if your home features natural wood accents. However, some homeowners prefer a subtle contrast, such as a darker fence and a lighter deck (or vice versa) for an added visual interest.
If you’re not sure which direction to go when choosing stain colors, check out our blog post on the best deck stain colors.
Is Decking Stain the Same as Fence Stain?
Deck and fence stains are similar, but decks see heavier foot traffic, sun exposure, and hold moisture more than a fence does, so the product you use needs to be durable enough for those conditions. A professional-grade stain formulated for decks can also work great on fences, offering long-lasting protection for both surfaces.
If you’re considering one stain product for both a deck and fence, we recommend always going with the more durable option.
Simplify Your Maintenance Schedule
Most homeowners need to restain their decks and fences every two to three years. As mentioned above, by combining the projects, you’ll keep both on the same maintenance schedule, making it easier to plan future stain refreshes and protect your investment year after year.
Learn more about how to maintain a deck after staining in this blog post.
Ready to Refresh Your Deck and Fence?
At Oak City Coatings, our experienced team of painters can help you choose the perfect stain color and product, prep your surfaces properly, and complete your deck and fence staining project efficiently and beautifully.
Whether you’re aiming for a natural wood tone or a bold, modern finish, we’ll help you achieve a durable, cohesive look that enhances your outdoor space and appeals to your unique style.
Contact Oak City Coatings today to schedule your free estimate or learn more about our deck and fence staining services in the Raleigh area.
