Top 5 Best Fence Stains (2023 Reviews)

So, if you want to make sure you can stain a fence easily and get amazing coverage, keep reading our guide to learn everything you need to know before you start staining!

Our Top 5 Best Fence Stains

If you're truly looking for the best stain finish to use on your fence, you're in the right place!

Below is a list of our top 5 stains, keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each one:

What Types of Stain Should You Use For Staining A Fence?

While there are tons of different staining solutions out there for fences, there are a few key things you should consider about your fence before you start diving into stain!

Wood Types

One of the first things to think about when staining your fence is what type of wood you're working with.

Is it pressure treated? A hardwood? A softwood? 

Different types of wood require different treatments in order to keep them protected and looking their best.

Staining Soft Woods

If you're working with a softwood like cedar or pine, you might want to consider using a pre-stain conditioning treatment.

That's because soft wood grains can absorb stain unevenly, leaving your end result looking blotchy.

I recently built myself a wood desk using pine wood and I'm so glad I tested the stain on scrap wood first to see if it was worth using a pre-stain conditioner.

I ended up seeing how blotchy the stain looked without the pre-treatment and decided to go for the conditioner and the end-result turned out beautifully!

So, if you're staining a fence that's made of soft wood, I highly recommend using some sort of pre-stain treatment because blotchiness can be very obvious on a larger surface area like a fence.

That said, you can probably use either an oil-based or water-based stain when working with softwoods since the wood grain is easier to penetrate.

Read More >> How Much Does It Cost To Paint/Stain A Fence?

Staining Hardwoods

If you're working with hardwood, it's important to know that hardwood can be harder to penetrate with stain.

You'll often need to go with an oil-based stain in order for the wood fibers to fully absorb and take the stain properly so the pigment is saturated. 

Not only for aesthetic purposes but also for protecting the wood surface.

Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Stains

For most applications, you'll be okay using an oil-based or water-based stain.

That said, there are a few key differences to consider.

For one, oil-based stains tend to be more durable and deeper penetrating for certain wood grains.

There used to be a massive difference in durability between water-based and oil-based stains, but that's no longer truly the case.

Today, water-based products have improved in quality so much that it (almost) comes down to a preference.

The benefit of water-based products is that they're much easier to dispose of and are often less hazardous to your health because they have a much lower concentration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are the chemicals that give stains and paints that toxic smell.

So, ultimately what stain you choose depends on your preference and the specific fence you're working with.

Make sure you do deeper research on the specific stain you're looking at and whether or not it's right for your needs.

Check out the video below to learn more about the differences between using an oil or water-based stain for staining a fence.

What Do You Need To Know Before You Start Staining Your Fence?

There are a few things you need to prepare before you're ready to start staining your fence, even if you have the right stain for the job!

Prep Work

Prep work is especially important when staining a fence because it's going to prepare the surface to accept the stain properly.

If you're staining an existing fence, I'd highly recommend taking a pressure washer to the surface first.

Even if the fence doesn't look dirty to the naked eye, I promise you there's plenty of grime to remove before you dive into staining. You want to make sure you're working with bare wood, not wood covered in hard water stains from rain, grime, and other dust or debris.

Luckily, you can rent a pressure washer from your local Home Depot or Lowe's if you don't have one handy.

Getting the boards completely clean before applying stain is essential when you're staining your fence.

If, however, you're working with previously painted or stained wood, make sure you do a great job sanding that existing paint off first so you can get down to the wood's natural color so the stain can do its job right.

Our Reviews Of The Top 5 Stains For Your Fence

Other Things To Note Before You Start Staining Your Fence

Now that you've gotten the lay of the land when it comes to choosing the right stain for your fence, it's important to note a few other things before you dive into your DIY project.

Safety First

When working with stains - especially if you're using a paint sprayer - it's important to remember to take proper health safety precautions.

Stains have a lot of toxic components to them which is why we always recommend using a paint respirator of some kind to protect your lungs.

We also recommend using safety goggles and gloves to keep the components from reaching your eyes and penetrating your skin.

Read More >> What Are The Best Respirators To Use With Paint Sprayers?

Ask For Help!

If you're new to the DIY game and you've never taken on a project like this, make sure you consult an expert about your particular project before you dive in.

Often times you can find a knowledgeable person at your local hardware store or big box home improvement store who will be able to answer any specific questions about your project.

Taking the time to do this can not only save you some headaches but potentially prevent you from making costly mistakes.