The frequency of timber fence treatment depends on the products used, the level of exposure in your garden and the type of timber itself. As a general rule, most timber fences benefit from re-treatment every 2 to 3 years. However, higher-quality stains or oil-based preservatives can sometimes last longer.

If your fence was pressure-treated, it already has preservative deep within the timber, but it still needs a surface treatment to protect against UV damage and moisture penetration. Dip-treated timber requires more frequent maintenance because its preservative coating is only surface deep.

Fences in gardens exposed to heavy wind, rain or low shade (from nearby trees or structures) may need treatment more often because moisture and algae accumulate faster. South-facing gardens with strong sunlight may also cause colour fading, so UV-protective stains are recommended.

Before treating your fence, it is essential to clean it to remove algae, dirt and old flaking coatings. Applying treatment to a dirty or damp surface reduces effectiveness. We can advise on suitable products and maintenance routines to help keep your fence looking its best year-round.