Wood Fence Staining Cost
- DIY cost: $1.50–$3 per linear foot (materials only)
- Hired cost: $3–$8 per linear foot (labor + materials)
- 100-ft fence: $150–$300 DIY or $300–$800 hired
Simple Cost Calculator
$150 – $300
$300 – $800
Cost by Fence Length
| Length | DIY Cost | Hired Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $75–$150 | $150–$400 |
| 100 ft | $150–$300 | $300–$800 |
| 150 ft typical backyard | $225–$450 | $450–$1,200 |
| 200 ft | $300–$600 | $600–$1,600 |
| 300 ft | $450–$900 | $900–$2,400 |
What's Included in the Cost?
- Stain/sealer: $30–$60/gallon (~100 lin ft per gallon for 6-ft fence)
- Brush or roller: $15–$25
- Wood cleaner/brightener: $20–$40 if needed
- Pressure washing
- Sanding & prep
- 2-coat stain application
- Cleanup
Stain vs. Sealer vs. Paint
| Product | Cost/gal | Coverage | Lifespan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-transparent stain | $30–$50 | 100–150 lin ft | 2–4 yrs | Natural look, most popular |
| Solid stain | $35–$55 | 100–150 lin ft | 4–6 yrs | Hides grain, longer life |
| Clear sealer | $25–$45 | 100–150 lin ft | 1–2 yrs | Water protection only |
| Exterior paint | $35–$60 | 100–150 lin ft | 5–10 yrs | Maximum durability |
How Often Should You Stain a Wood Fence?
- Semi-transparent stain: every 2–3 years
- Solid stain: every 3–5 years
- Signs it's time: wood is graying, peeling, or water soaks in rather than beading
DIY Staining Tips
- Clean first — pressure wash or use a wood brightener, then let dry 48 hours
- Sand rough spots with 80-grit sandpaper before applying stain
- Work in shade or on a cloudy day — direct sun dries stain too fast
- Use a pump sprayer for speed, then back-brush to work stain into the grain
- Apply 2 thin coats rather than 1 thick coat for better penetration
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to stain a wood fence?
$1.50–$3 per linear foot DIY (materials only) or $3–$8 per linear foot hired. A 100-ft fence costs $150–$300 to stain yourself or $300–$800 with a contractor.
How often should you stain a wood fence?
Semi-transparent stain needs reapplication every 2–3 years. Solid stain lasts 3–5 years. A quick test: sprinkle water on the wood. If it soaks in instead of beading up, it's time to restain.
Can I stain a fence myself?
Yes — DIY fence staining is straightforward. Allow a full weekend for a 100-ft fence: day 1 for cleaning and prep, day 2 for staining. The main tools are a pump sprayer and a brush for back-brushing.
What's the best stain for a wood fence?
Semi-transparent oil-based stain is the most popular choice. It penetrates the wood, enhances the natural grain, and lasts 2–4 years. Solid stain lasts longer but covers the wood's natural look completely.
Related Calculators & Guides
Reviewed by the FenceCalculate.com Editorial Team · Last reviewed: August 2026