The short answer? Absolutely yes! Especially if you're living in Seattle's soggy paradise. Let's dive into why your cedar fence is basically begging for some TLC every 3-5 years.
Yes, you should stain your cedar fence every 3-5 years. In Seattle's wet climate, we recommend leaning toward the 3-4 year mark. Think of it as sunscreen for your fence – skip it, and you'll be dealing with some serious "sunburn" (or in our case, rain-burn).
Trust us, your wallet will thank you later when you're not replacing rotted boards!
Living in the Pacific Northwest means your fence faces unique challenges. Here's why staining isn't optional – it's essential.
We average 37 inches of rain per year (yes, we counted). That's a lot of moisture trying to penetrate your cedar. Unstained wood is like a sponge at a water balloon fight – it's going to get soaked.
Even on our (admittedly rare) sunny days, UV rays are working overtime to turn your beautiful cedar into weathered gray driftwood. Stain acts like SPF 50 for your fence.
Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, but it's not invincible. Think of stain as your fence's personal bodyguard, keeping insects, moisture, and decay at bay.
Let's be honest – a well-maintained, stained fence looks amazing and adds serious curb appeal. Your neighbors will be asking for your secret (spoiler: it's regular maintenance).
Living in Seattle means your fence is basically in a long-term relationship with moisture. We're talking 150+ rainy days per year, high humidity, and enough mildew to make a biology teacher weep with joy.
Here's what makes our climate particularly challenging for cedar fences:
The good news? A properly stained and sealed fence can laugh in the face of all this moisture madness. We've seen stained cedar fences that look nearly new after 5 years, while unstained ones start showing their age after just 18 months.
Let's talk money because we know that's what really matters. A $300-500 staining job every 3-4 years beats a $3,000-8,000 fence replacement any day of the week. Do the math – regular staining can extend your fence's life from 10-15 years to 20-25 years.
Pro tip: Think of staining as insurance for your fence investment.
Quality stain and sealer create a barrier that repels water like a duck's back. This prevents:
Cedar is gorgeous when it's fresh – that rich, warm tone that makes your backyard feel like a luxury retreat. Without stain, that beautiful color fades to silver-gray within 6-12 months. With proper staining, you can maintain that "just-installed" look for years.
Bonus: You can even enhance the natural color or go for a completely different look!
Seattle Pro Tip: The best time to stain is during our brief "dry season" (July-September). You need at least 24-48 hours of no rain for proper curing. Yes, we know – finding that window can be like spotting a unicorn, but it's worth the wait!
No Staining:
Replace fence twice: $6,000-16,000
Regular Staining:
5 staining sessions: $1,500-2,500
Potential savings: $4,500-13,500!
Absolutely! It's a great weekend project. You'll need a pump sprayer or brush, quality stain, and about 2-3 days for prep, application, and drying. Just make sure you have that rare Seattle phenomenon called "consecutive sunny days."
Semi-transparent or solid color stains with built-in water repellent work best here. Look for products specifically designed for wet climates. Oil-based stains typically last longer, but water-based stains dry faster (crucial in our climate!).
Quality stain should last 3-4 years in our wet climate, compared to 4-6 years in drier regions. The constant moisture and UV exposure (yes, even on cloudy days) gradually breaks down the protective barrier.
Yes, but be gentle! Use low pressure (1200-1500 PSI) and keep the nozzle moving. Let the fence dry completely for 24-48 hours before staining. This is where Seattle's weather becomes... challenging.
Don't let Seattle's weather win the battle against your beautiful cedar fence. Whether you need a new fence that's ready for staining or want to discuss maintenance for your current one, we're here to help.
Family-owned and Seattle-focused since day one. We know fences, and we definitely know rain!
