Fences make good neighbours ... as long as they are well maintained! A wooden fence has many hedges and corners that can absorb moisture. Some of the precautions outlined below will allow you to keep your new wooden fence beautiful for years to come.
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FENCE
If you want to make sure your new wooden fence will be durable, it is important to choose the right finish to protect it from UV rays, bad weather and insects. Moreover, it might be a good idea to provide a suitable design to prevent untimely wear especially at the bottom and on top of the structure.
STEP 1: STARTING ON SOLID GROUND
Provide a concrete support for each of the posts to avoid direct contact with the ground. Alternatively, use treated wood or cedar posts that are more resistant to ground moisture. For the top of the boards, cover them with pieces of metal to prevent rain and dew from contributing to cracking and deterioration. You may want to round them off instead or cut them at an angle, which will allow water to flow more easily and prevent it from entering the wood, which would be extremely damaging.
STEP 2: PROVIDE IDEAL CONDITIONS
It is advisable to prepare the surface of its wooden fence boards and to treat them even before they are installed. You will then have much less corners and hard to reach spots to worry about. If you are using treated wood, wait one year to let the treatment dry before applying any finishing product. It is important to sand the surfaces with an electric sander or sandpaper (80-100 grit) to remove the planing glaze. Remove the dust with a brush.
STEP 3: TREAT THE WOOD OF YOUR FENCE
Treat your wood in an open or well-ventilated area. Vapours from different types of products can be both inconvenient and even dangerous if they are breathed for a long period of time. To remedy the situation, wear a mask or choose products that are health-friendly.
Always use a brush to apply your finish. If you decide to use a roller or a paint gun, make sure you get you stain in with a brush to soak in the wood of your fence. It is important to apply 2 or 3 coats of product and wait 6 to 24 hours between coats. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
Should you paint, stain or oiled before installing your wooden fence? In order to help you out in your choice of product, evaluate your options with our comparison guide.