Redwood and cedar fences line most back yards in Modesto. Sun greys the boards within a couple of summers, and sprinklers rot them at the bottom. Stain slows the damage and evens out the color.
Wood fences are everywhere in Modesto. Tract neighborhoods have long runs of redwood or cedar boards along the back and sides of each lot. Left bare, the boards turn grey within a couple of summers and then dry out, cup and crack. A coat of stain slows that down, evens out the color and makes a fence look cared for. It will not rebuild wood that is already rotten. Those boards need replacing first.
Two local things damage fence finishes. The first is sun on the south and west faces, which fades stain quickly. The second is lawn sprinklers. Many fences here are soaked along the bottom every morning in summer, and hard water leaves white marks and rots the lower boards. We look at both when we quote. If posts are loose or boards are soft at the base, repair comes before stain.
We wash the fence, let it dry and then stain or paint it, by brush, roller or sprayer depending on the site. Plants, concrete, cars and the neighbor's side are protected from overspray, and we do not spray in wind. Most fences here are shared, so talk with your neighbor first about color and about access to the other side. Ask us for a written quote. It lists the length, the sides and the product.
Fence painting & staining in Modesto: common questions
Should I stain or paint my fence?
Stain suits most wood fences. It soaks in, shows the grain and fades over time instead of peeling. Paint gives a solid color but needs more prep and can peel where sprinklers hit it. We advise once we see the wood.
Is my old fence worth staining?
If the posts are firm and the boards are solid, yes. If posts rock or boards are soft and crumbling at the bottom, stain is money spent on a fence that needs repair. We check the posts and the lower boards first.
How soon can a new fence be stained?
New wood needs to dry first. In a Modesto summer that can be a matter of weeks. Sprinkle water on a board: if it soaks in, the wood is ready. If it beads up, wait longer.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.