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Sealed Vs. Stained Fences

Many homeowners struggle with the decision of whether to use sealants or stains on their wooden fences for the best protection. Each has its pros and cons, but in the end, which one is better? The professionals at American Wholesale Fenceworks Orlando will help you lay out the details so you can make an informed choice that you’re more likely to be satisfied with!

The Limitations of Wood Sealers

To some, sealants seem like the clearly better option. It consists of a simple clear coat that goes over the top of your planks for an easy application, and it typically comes at a cheaper upfront cost. Sealers can be effective at repelling moisture, thus preventing cases of mold and fungus, but it doesn’t do much against direct sunlight which can cause warping. And since it’s applied to the top of the grain, it wears off more frequently and requires a replacement coat. Depending on how fast your sealant wears off, you could be paying more over time with each reapplication.

Get Better Results With PT Pine

The process of pressure-treating pine is done at the manufacturer and achieves similar results to a sealant but with added benefits. PT pine is also effective at repelling moisture, but since the coating is pressed into the wood fibers, it lasts much longer than a sealer that lays on the surface. Other benefits of PT wood include enhanced strength and fire-retardant properties.

The Benefits of Staining Your Fence

Staining your fence is always recommended for plenty of great reasons. While sealants only guard against moisture, stains can shield your fence from moisture and UV rays. Stains typically soak into the fibers of the wood for long-lasting effects while strengthening the composition. Another reason why homeowners love stains (and for some, the only reason for using stains) is the vast selection of colors and tones for creative flexibility. A handful of popular stain colors include:

  • Redwood
  • Walnut
  • Natural
  • Classic Cedar
Did You Know? You can eliminate the hassle of staining wood panels yourself by purchasing pre-stained fencing materials. Not only does this save you time, but this also ensures an even coating since it’s done with efficient machinery.

The Final Verdict

At first glance, wood sealers may seem cheaper while still getting the job done. But when you consider the fact that you need to reapply it somewhat often and it doesn’t offer full protection, it’s not as cost-effective as you might think. Pressure-treated wood offers greater protection, and the addition of stain only improves the quality and appearance of your fence. So, for the best possible experience with low maintenance and longer-lasting results, we recommend that you get a stained PT fence for your property.

We Have Pressure-Treated, Pre-Stained Fence Materials!

For a high-quality fence with minimal effort, American Wholesale Fenceworks Orlando offers pressure-treated pine fencing materials with your choice of getting them pre-stained. Call our friendly staff today at (407) 961-6073 to hear all of our options and to receive a material estimate! We’ll make sure your desired fencing materials arrive at your doorstep exactly how you imagined because we prioritize platinum service.