Want to protect your fence and enhance your curb appeal at the same time? Fence staining is designed to revitalize the look of your wood fence, all while sealing it from rain and UV rays. This quick guide will help you when selecting fence stain color that works well for your property.
Light Stain Color vs. Dark Stain Color
Light vs. dark fence stain is mostly a matter of personal choice. Many homeowners like the rich contrast of a dark stain, while others prefer a more natural look for their fencing. Keep in mind that most fence stains will fade with time, so a lighter stain may look better for longer. If your fencing receives consistent sun exposure, it may be best to go for a light or medium tone instead of something dark.
Look at Photos Online or Tour the Neighborhood for Inspiration
It’s difficult to visualize what a stain may look like on your property. The internet is an incredible resource for inspiration. Look on Pinterest, Google, or any other resource for homes with similar colored siding. See what the fences look like in those photos until you narrow down a look you like.
Alternatively, you could drive around your neighborhood to see what other homeowners have used in your area. This mainly works if most of the homes in your area look relatively the same. If there is a variety of siding materials and colors in the neighborhood, you may not get accurate inspiration for your property’s aesthetic.
Test Stain Colors on a Scrap Fence Picket (Or Inconspicuous Place)
Because there are many stain colors to choose from, you may want to test your stain on a scrap fence picket or piece of wood. The wood should be the same species as your fence, if you want an accurate test. Cedar is going to show stain different than pine.
If you do not have a scrap piece to test on, you could test stains in an inconspicuous part of the fence, such as the alleyway or a corner tucked away on the property. This won’t let you carry the board around like you could with a scrap piece, but it may narrow down what you like and don’t like.
Look at Your Test Fence Stains at Different Times of Day
Lighting changes throughout the day, which will impact how your stain appears. The direct sunlight at noon may bring out different tones than the soft glow at dusk. Before you officially settle on a fence stain color, verify how it looks in different lighting. It would be a shame to commit to a stain you saw at night and hate it the vast majority of the day.
Selecting Fence Stain Color That Complements Your Siding
Your home’s siding is one of the most critical factors in stain color selection. This is going to be within view when someone looks at your fence, so you want something that coordinates. If you have wood shutters or posts on your property, you may want a fence stain that matches those wood features. Otherwise, you want to choose a color that works well with the other shades on your façade.
Consider How Your Stain Color Will Impact Curb Appeal
You mostly interact with your fence in your backyard, but chances are it’s visible from the front as well. Think about how the color will look from both viewpoints – the front curb appeal and the backyard experience. If a stain looks great in the back but horrible with your front yard features, you may want to look for a different color.
Work with a Professional Fence Staining Company for Optimal Results
Any stain color has the potential to look bad if it is not installed correctly. Work with a professional fence company with experience staining and sealing wood fences. The experts here at All Around Fence have spent years perfecting the art of fence staining. We have the tools, talent and materials to get the job done right. Reach out to (443) 838-9374 to schedule your fence staining consultation.
