How often should you re-stain a fence?

Plan on every three to five years for most fences in central Illinois with a professional-grade stain. The actual interval depends on sun exposure, the side of the property, and the type of finish you chose.

South and west exposures see more direct sun and weather faster than north and east. A fence that runs east-west may need attention sooner on the south-facing side. A fence in full shade may go five or six years between coats.

Transparent finishes generally need refreshing more often than solid finishes because the color carries less protection. Solid finishes can stretch the interval a year or two longer.

The simple test: water should bead on the fence boards. When it stops beading and starts soaking in, the protective film is gone and the wood is exposed. That is the right time to recoat.