Why settle for surface-level protection when you can have complete coverage? Our pre-staining process gives your cedar fence the best possible start in life.
We purchase premium cedar materials well in advance of your project. This isn't just about inventory – it's about giving the wood time to properly acclimate and reach optimal moisture content for stain absorption.
Fresh cedar contains natural moisture that can prevent proper stain penetration. We carefully dry each piece in our controlled environment until it reaches the perfect moisture content (12-15%) for optimal stain absorption.
Here's where the magic happens. Every single piece – boards, rails, posts, caps – gets completely stained in its entirety. We stain all six sides of each uncut component, ensuring complete protection including areas that will be hidden after installation. If any boards need cutting during production, those cuts represent minimal loss of pre-stained coverage.
Each stained component undergoes a controlled curing process to ensure the stain fully penetrates and bonds. We inspect every piece for uniform coverage and quality before it's approved for installation.
Now comes the careful installation of your pre-stained components. Our experienced crew handles each piece with care to preserve the beautiful finish while creating a fence that's protected from day one.
Traditional on-site staining leaves critical areas unprotected – areas where moisture loves to hide and cause damage.
The back side of fence boards faces your neighbor's yard but is completely exposed to rain, moisture, and UV damage.
Where boards meet rails and posts, tiny gaps collect moisture. These joints are impossible to reach with a brush or sprayer after assembly.
We stain every board completely in its entirety before installation. If boards need cutting during production, those cuts represent minimal loss of pre-stained coverage.
Unprotected areas become the weak link in your fence's defense system. Moisture enters through these gaps, causing rot from the inside out. By the time you see the damage on the surface, it's often too late and costly repairs are needed.
With every surface protected, moisture has nowhere to enter. This is especially crucial in Seattle's climate where rain can come from any direction and moisture can linger for days.
Pre-stained fences typically last 25-30% longer than traditionally stained ones because there are no weak, unprotected areas where decay can start.
Shop-controlled application means perfect coverage and uniform color. No drips, missed spots, or weather-related application issues that can mar the appearance.
While pre-staining adds to the initial cost, the superior protection means longer intervals between maintenance and fewer repairs over the fence's lifetime.
| Aspect | Traditional Staining | Pre-Staining |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Visible surfaces only | Complete 360° coverage |
| Hidden Area Protection | ❌ Unprotected | ✅ Fully Protected |
| Application Quality | Weather dependent | Controlled environment |
| Moisture Content | Variable (10-25%) | Optimal (12-15%) |
| Uncut Surface Protection | ❌ Limited | ✅ Complete |
| Expected Lifespan | 15-20 years | 20-25+ years |
| First Re-stain Needed | 3-4 years | 4-6 years |
Pre-staining typically adds 15-25% to the material cost, but this investment pays for itself through extended fence life and reduced maintenance needs. When you factor in the superior protection and longer intervals between re-staining, it's actually more economical long-term.
We plan for pre-staining by purchasing and processing materials well in advance. While the staining and curing process takes additional time, we coordinate this with your project schedule so there's minimal impact on your installation timeline.
Absolutely! We work with premium stain manufacturers and can accommodate virtually any color preference. We'll provide color samples and recommendations based on your home's style and the local climate conditions.
Our experienced crew takes extra care with pre-stained materials. In the rare case of damage, we keep touch-up stain on hand and can address minor scratches immediately. For major damage, we have backup pre-stained pieces ready.
Pre-staining works excellent with all our fence styles. It's particularly beneficial for styles with tight joints like horizontal fences, lattice work, or picture frame designs where traditional staining can't reach many surfaces.
Don't compromise on protection. Pre-staining ensures your fence investment is protected from day one, with complete coverage that traditional staining simply can't match.
Ask about adding pre-staining to any of our cedar fence styles during your consultation.
