Wood Fence Maintenance: Keeping It Looking New

A little seasonal care keeps a wood fence beautiful for years in the High Country. Here is a simple maintenance routine and how to know when to reseal.

Why wood fences need care

A wood fence is warm, classic, and lower cost than most alternatives, and with a little upkeep it lasts for many years. Left completely alone, though, wood in our climate faces sun, rain, and freeze thaw that dry it out, gray it, and slowly wear it down. The good news is that maintaining a wood fence is straightforward and seasonal.

Staying ahead of it is far easier and cheaper than trying to rescue a fence that has already been neglected for years.

The simple routine

Two things keep a wood fence healthy: keeping it clean and keeping it sealed. A rinse or gentle wash once or twice a year clears dirt and mildew, and reapplying a quality stain or sealer every couple of years protects the wood from moisture and UV. While you are at it, walk the line and check for loose fasteners or any board that needs attention.

Catching a small issue early, a popped nail or a cracked picket, keeps it from becoming a bigger repair.

How to know it is time to reseal

The easiest test is water. Splash a little on the fence: if it beads up, the seal is still working, and if it soaks in and darkens the wood, it is time to reseal. Graying, a dried out feel, and fading color are other signs. In our climate, most wood fences want fresh sealer every two to three years.

If you would rather not think about it at all, that is exactly where a vinyl or aluminum fence earns its higher upfront cost.

Frequently Asked Questions