Choosing the Right Finish for Your Timber Fence

Glovers Fencing
Aug 18
2 min read

Newly installed timber fence ready for finishing with oil, stain, or paint to enhance protection and longevity.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Timber Fence

After installation, it’s important to let your timber fence settle for 4–6 weeks before applying any finish. Fresh timber often contains natural moisture or water from treatment, and waiting allows trapped moisture to escape. Applying oil, stain, or paint too soon can lead to uneven absorption, peeling, or cracking.

Once your fence has settled, it’s time to protect it. There are three main options: oil, stain, and paint. Each has its benefits:

1. Timber Oil

Protection: Penetrates the wood to nourish and prevent drying or cracking.
Appearance: Enhances the natural grain and warmth of the timber.
Maintenance: Reapply every 1–2 years.
Best for: A natural, low-maintenance look.

2. Timber Stain

Protection: Adds colour while showing the timber grain, and helps shield against UV damage.
Appearance: Available in a wide range of shades, from natural tones to deeper hues.
Maintenance: Reapply every 2–3 years.
Best for: Adding colour without hiding the timber’s character.

3. Paint

Protection: Provides a solid, opaque layer that fully covers the timber.
Appearance: Smooth and uniform colour, ideal for a modern finish.
Maintenance: May need touch-ups or repainting every few years.
Best for: Bold statements or matching the fence to your home’s exterior.

Our Recommendation

For most homeowners, timber oil or stain is the preferred choice. They allow the timber to breathe naturally, highlight its beauty, and are easier to refresh than paint. Paint offers strong protection but can peel over time and often requires more preparation for reapplication.

Ongoing Timber Fence Care

Even the best-protected fences need occasional maintenance. Check your timber fence annually, clean it, and reapply your chosen oil, stain, or paint every few years. This simple routine will extend your fence’s life, keep it looking fresh, and protect your investment.