Fence Staining

We apply penetrating semi-transparent and semi-solid stains by brush and spray, working product into the grain rather than building up a surface film that eventually peels. Our fence staining jobs begin with a proper pressure wash and wood brightener treatment — no stain goes on dirty, oxidized, or wet wood on a Master Decker job. We serve homeowners throughout London, Woodstock, Brantford, St. Thomas, Strathroy, and surrounding communities, and we back every fence staining job with a written workmanship guarantee and free written estimate before any work begins.

The most common question we get from fence owners is whether to go with a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain. Semi-transparent finishes let the natural grain and texture of the wood show through clearly — they add colour and UV protection while keeping the fence looking like wood. They work best on newer boards, sound cedar, or any fence where the grain is attractive and even. Semi-solid stains provide heavier pigment coverage, which means better UV protection and more consistent colour, but the grain visibility is reduced to a subtle texture rather than a clear grain pattern.

For older fences with significant weathering, uneven grain, or board-to-board colour variation, semi-solid stains are usually the better choice because the heavier pigment evens out the inconsistencies and gives the fence a uniform, fresh appearance. For newer cedar privacy fences in good condition, most homeowners prefer the natural look of a semi-transparent tone in a cedar or amber range. We bring samples to the property and show you both options against your actual fence boards before you commit — there's no guesswork involved when you can see it in context.

Amateur fence staining focuses on the faces of the boards — the parts you can see from the yard. Professional fence staining focuses on the spots where moisture actually enters the wood: cut ends at the tops of pickets, lap joints and dado cuts in rail-and-picket construction, and post bases at or near ground level. These are the areas that rot first, and they're the areas most likely to be under-stained or missed entirely on a DIY job or a rushed contractor visit. At Master Decker, we brush-apply extra product to every cut end and joint before moving to the face coats.

Post bases deserve particular attention in Ontario. Fence posts are almost always pressure-treated, but even PT lumber benefits from sealer on the above-grade section where the post transitions from soil to air — this is where moisture cycles most aggressively through wet seasons and dry spells. We apply a penetrating sealer to this zone on every fence post as part of our standard staining package. It's a small extra step that adds years to the post and prevents the chronic wobbling and leaning that come from post-base decay working its way up the buried section.

A properly prepped and stained fence in Southwestern Ontario should hold its protection and colour for three to five years under normal conditions. Fences in heavy sun exposure on south or west faces may need attention on those sides at the three-year mark while shaded sections are still fine. Annual visual maintenance — clearing vegetation away from fence bases, washing off algae before it takes hold, and spot-sealing any areas where the finish is looking thin — significantly extends the time between full restaining jobs and prevents small issues from becoming large repair bills.

When the finish is approaching the end of its life, the signs are clear: the wood begins to gray again as UV breaks down the stain's pigment and binders, water no longer beads on the surface, and mildew starts returning to shaded sections. At this stage a solid clean and re-stain restores full protection without requiring the heavy strip-and-sand work that failed paint or solid stain demands. Penetrating stains are far easier to maintain over time than film-forming products, which is one of the core reasons we recommend them for every wood and cedar fence we work on across London and the surrounding region.