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Wood Fence Protection

Marc McCollough

By Marc McCollough
Updated March 25, 2025

Applying wood fence protection is a key part of fence maintenance and is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project. Learn why protecting a wood fence is necessary and see how to use the most common wood fence protection products to preserve outdoor wood surfaces.

Why Protect Wood Fences?

Wood fence protection helps ensure your fence provides security and privacy. Wood adds natural beauty to a landscape, but preserving outdoor wood structures like fences is necessary to prevent damage from insects and from the elements. Benefits of wood fence protection include:

  • Protection From Ultraviolet (UV) Damage: UV rays from sunlight dull the look of wood and damage a wood fence over time. 
  • Protection From Moisture: Excessive moisture causes a wood fence to warp or rot and encourages the growth of mold and algae. 
  • Protection From Mold and Algae: Mold and algae damage a wood fence in different ways. Mold can damage the wood itself and algae traps moisture, which can cause warping and rot. 
  • Protection From Insects: Some insects consume the wood fibers of a fence and others bore into the wood to create nests. 

Damage to an unprotected wood fence leads to additional damage. UV rays can crack the wood, allowing more moisture to enter the wood and create an environment that’s perfect for mold growth. Damage also exposes more of the wood to insects.

Caution

Wear safety gear suitable for the product you’re using, such as eye protection and cleaning gloves. Follow the application and safety instructions for any wood treatment product.

How to Protect a Wood Fence

A well-maintained, well-protected fence requires fewer repairs and can last as long as 20 years. Protecting a wood fence from the elements is a do-it-yourself project you can typically finish in a day or two with a paint sprayer or a paint brush and roller. Whichever wood fence protection you use:

  • Make sure the product is suitable for exterior use and for vertical surfaces. 
  • Pay attention to weather requirements, drying times and directions for applying multiple coats.

Protecting a Fence With Waterproofers and Sealers

Apply waterproofers and sealers to protect a wood fence from moisture. 

  • Consider a waterproofer or sealer if you don’t plan on staining or painting. 
  • Use transparent waterproofers and sealers to maintain the beauty of the wood grain or solid colors to create a more dramatic look. 
  • Clean up most waterproofers and sealers with soap and water. 
  • Waterproof or seal a fence every two to three years. 

Protecting a Fence With a Stain and Sealer in One

Apply an exterior wood stain-and-sealer-in-one product to get the benefits of moisture resistance and UV protection while enhancing the beauty of the wood. 

  • Apply stains with more transparency to show wood grain or use more opaque stains for better UV protection. 
  • Choose a water-based stain for easy cleanup or an oil-based stain for better penetration of the wood fibers. 
  • Use stain-and-sealer products with mold, mildew and algae resistance for added protection. 
  • Try wood tones or a gray for a natural appeal or use black, blue, green or red for bolder color. 
  • Plan on restaining a fence every two to three years. 

See our exterior stain guide to learn how stains and sealers work and to find the right look.

Protecting a Fence With Fence Paint

Paint a wood fence to give it better protection and a more durable finish than stain provides. 

  • Paint a wood fence if you want a wide variety of color options. 
  • Paint your fence brown or gray to let it blend with the natural landscape or use a bright color to create a dramatic look. 
  • Regularly paint a wood fence to make it less attractive to some insects. 
  • Apply a primer or a paint-and-primer-in-one product for the best protection. 
  • Repaint a fence every three to five years. 

Learn how to stain and seal a fence or paint a fence with our project guide.

Good to Know

While not a traditional type of wood fence protection, post caps protect the exposed ends of fence posts from moisture and add a stylish touch to your fence.

Lowe’s Can Help Protect Your Fence

Waterproofers, stain and paint offer different levels of protection and give a wood fence different looks. Browse Lowes.com to see options for each type of fence protection and find the one that works best for your fence. A Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s can help you choose the right products for your fence and make sure you have the tools and materials you need for a successful project and a great-looking fence. And, when it’s time to replace your fence, you can get professional fence installation or learn how to install a new wood fence yourself with Lowe’s.