A wood fence takes a beating. Sun bleaches it, snow sits against it, and sprinklers soak the same boards all summer. With a little regular care, it can stay straight, solid and good looking for many years.
Here is what we tell homeowners across Salt Lake City who want to get the most out of their fence.
1. Start with solid posts
Posts carry the whole fence. When one leans, the rails and boards around it follow. Good posts are set deep enough for the soil, checked with a level and held in place with concrete that sheds water away from the wood.
2. Keep water away from the boards
Moisture is the main reason wood breaks down early. Most of the damage starts near the ground, where boards stay damp the longest. A few small changes help:
- Aim sprinkler heads away from the fence.
- Keep soil, mulch and rock from piling up against the boards.
- Clear drifted snow and wet leaves from the base of the fence.
- Trim back shrubs and vines so the wood can dry out.
3. Stain or seal on a regular schedule
Stain protects wood from sun and water, and it keeps the color even. Timing depends on the product and how much sun the fence gets, so go by what you see.
Sprinkle a little water on the boards. If it soaks in right away instead of beading up, it is time for a fresh coat.
Gray, faded boards are a sign the finish has worn off. Clean the fence and let it dry completely before staining.
4. Walk the fence once or twice a year
Small problems are easy to fix when you catch them early. Spring and fall are good times for a quick look.
What to look for
- Posts that lean or move when you push on them.
- Loose boards, popped nails and rusted screws.
- Soft or dark spots near the ground.
- Gates that sag, stick or no longer latch cleanly.
5. Repair it or replace it?
If the damage is limited to a few boards, a rail or a single post, a repair is usually the right call. If many posts are failing or rot has spread through most of the fence, replacing it often makes more sense than patching it section by section.
Not sure where yours stands? Request an estimate and we will take a look and walk you through your options.
