A well-finished fence frame ties the whole garden together. Here's how to choose the right finish and keep it looking fresh.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
A good fence finish does more than look nice — it protects the timber from the weather and makes the whole garden feel considered. The choice between paint and stain comes down to look, prep and how much upkeep you're happy to do.
Fence paint gives a clean, uniform, solid colour that covers the grain of the timber completely. It's the best choice if you want a strong colour that makes a statement, or if the panels are already looking tired and patchy.
The trade-off is that paint forms a film, which can peel and flake over time — and when it does, the fence needs sanding and recoating to look right again.
Wood stain soaks into the timber rather than sitting on top, so it rarely peels. It lets the natural grain and character of the wood show through, and recoating an existing stained fence is usually just a matter of a freshen-up coat.
The downside is that stain is translucent, so it won't fully hide an old, faded or patchy panel the way paint can.
The single biggest factor in a long-lasting finish is the prep. A clean, dry, bare timber surface absorbs and holds its finish far better than one coated over dust, algae or an old flaking layer.
Before you start, brush or wash the fence down, let it dry properly, and give new timber a chance to weather in or use a base coat as the manufacturer suggests.
No matter what you choose, it will eventually need a refresh. Budget for a top-up coat every few years and touch up any scratches or worn patches as they appear, before the weather gets in and does more damage.
From landscaping to a full landscaping-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
