FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A FENCE STAIN
Have you considered using a fence stain to improve the appearance of your home and outdoor space? The right fence stain can enhance the exterior of your property, but choosing the right color can be a challenge. Unlike paint, stain soaks into the wood, making it a one-time decision. If you’re unhappy with the color you’ve chosen, you’ll have to wait until it fades with time and sunlight before you can re-stain it. BUT, that can take years especially when you use high-quality products for staining.
When selecting a fence stain color, take your time to consider your options. Fence stains come in all brand names and labels, but there are major types to choose from. Read on for tips and advice on selecting the perfect fence stain shade.
Benefits of Fence Stains
Fence stains offer many benefits for your wood fencing, including preventing fading and splintering. Additionally, a good stain can make the wood more resilient to weather conditions.
Some of the benefits of fence stains include:
❖ Protection Against Rot – A good stain will act as an additional barrier to water, preventing rotting of the wood.
❖ Improves the Wood Grain – In terms of applying the right wood stain, you can improve the grain of certain types of wood.
❖ Reduces UV Damage – Due to the possibility of sunlight reflecting off your fence rather than directly hitting it, a good stain can potentially reduce the UV damage.
❖ Prolongs the Lifespan of your Fence – The lifespan of your wood can be prolonged with the use of the right fence stain.
When choosing a fence stain, keep the following factors in mind.
Match the Color to Your Yard
You should make an effort to match your fence stain’s color to the structures that are already present in your yard. Given that your yard already has some permanent fixtures and you don’t have any plans to completely renovate it, there probably is a dominant color in use. Choose a color that is different but complementary to existing structures like decks, garden beds, patio furniture, and playground equipment. Pick a color that enhances these existing features. Also, keep in mind that stains can fade over time. Therefore, you should think about whether a less intense variation of the stain you’re considering would blend in well with the other structures in your yard. This is particularly true for many of the bolder, brighter stain colors, which exhibit more fading.
Test the Color on the Wood
The actual stain color may look different from the image on the label or even in different types of wood. The type of wood itself also has an impact on how the stain will appear. Test multiple colors by applying a small sample of each on the same kind of wood your fence is made of. If you don’t want to invest in multiple stain colors, you can test them out by simply bringing in the same kind of wood that your fence is made of and apply a small sample of each color on the wood.
To ensure that the wood perfectly matches the color of your current fence, check its color. As opposed to making your choice in the paint store, you should also make sure you see how it looks in your own home. Check the color in your own home under daylight to ensure it matches your current fence.
Consider the Lighting
The color of your fence stain may change depending on the lighting, so keep this in mind. A color that looks fantastic under fluorescent lighting may appear up to three shades lighter in direct sunlight so prior to choosing, consider how your fence will appear throughout the day. Make sure to assess the samples before you come to a decision. If the fence you’re going to apply stain is wrapped around and receives varying amounts of sunlight depending on where it is, you should choose a color that isn’t overly sensitive to lighting so it retains its color. Your stained wood samples should ideally be seen in the same space that you’ll be staining.
Consider the Community
Look around your neighborhood for inspiration when choosing a fence color and design. Homeowners choose from a wide variety of design alternatives, which results in a variety of fence styles and colors in Victoria, Melbourne. Various fencing designs might enhance the appearance of your property more effectively than others depending on your particular property. Discuss your alternatives with fencing professionals to find the best option for your property.
Know Your Color Types
Fence stains may look similar, but the available color types differ significantly. Some fence stain shade options include:
❖ Wood stain with clear sealant
You might choose to emphasize the wood’s natural color rather than choosing a specific stain color. In this situation, clear sealant wood stains are the great option.
❖ Wood stain colors that are semi-transparent
For those who want coverage but don’t want to completely change the color of their wood, semi-transparent wood stains are an option.
❖ Wood stain with toner color
Stains with toner shade add a tiny bit color than wood stain with clear sealant shade. Although it won’t be very noticeable to the naked eye, the slight color will help draw attention to the wood’s characteristics.
❖ Wood stain with solid color
Solid stain colors make a bold appearance while bringing out warmth in your outdoor living space.
Enhance Your Contrast
When choosing a stain color for your fence, it’s crucial to create enough contrast with the color of your house. Although you want it to blend in with the other colors in your yard, your house serves as the backdrop for the fence, especially if it’s in your front yard. Ensure that the color adds to, not detracts from, your home’s appearance.
Plan for the Future
Before remodeling your outdoor area, consider the possibility of future changes. Spending time and money staining your fence only to discover that the color doesn’t fit with your new design concept is not something you want to do. It’s best to add your stain shade as one of the final finishing touches once your outdoor space is exactly how you want it to look.
Consider Brand Comparisons
Not all brands of fence stains are equal when it comes to color options. Aesthetically pleasing options may not be as durable as other brands. Research the stain before purchasing and seek feedback from other homeowners.
An excellent place to start is with reviews. You might also want to consider asking an expert which brand they suggest for the task. In that case, the Deck Rejuvenation Pty Ltd Team can surely help you.
Embrace Your Style
It is significant to find a style you really love for everything from the fence stain color to the interior paint colors. Take your time deciding what will work best for you and your family. The atmosphere of your home matters, and the right paint or stain color can transform a dull fence into a beautiful complement to your property’s aesthetic. Consult professionals to determine the type of paint you need for your fence before concentrating on selecting the perfect color.
If you need assistance getting started, feel free to visit and read our blogs on designing the ideal look for your home.
Until next time!
Deck Rejuvenation Pty Ltd Team!