Hear from Our Customers
Your fence takes a beating every single day. Michigan’s sun bleaches the wood gray, rain soaks deep into the grain, and winter salt eats away at the finish you paid for last time.
When you get your fence properly stained, you’re looking at 5-7 years of real protection. No more watching boards crack and split. No more seeing your property value drop because your fence looks like it’s been through a war.
The difference is night and day. A professionally stained fence keeps moisture out, prevents rot from starting, and maintains that rich wood color that makes your property stand out in the neighborhood.
We’ve been handling painting projects for over 10 years, with two years serving Milford homeowners specifically. We’ve seen what Michigan weather does to unprotected wood, and we know exactly how to stop it.
Our approach is straightforward: use quality materials that can handle the climate here, apply them correctly the first time, and price the work fairly. We’re not the cheapest option in town, but we’re the one that’ll still look good when others are peeling and fading.
Most of our work comes from customers calling us back or referring their neighbors. That happens when you do the job right and stand behind your work.
First, we clean your fence thoroughly. This isn’t a quick rinse—we remove dirt, mildew, and any old failing stain that’s not doing its job anymore. If there are loose boards or minor repairs needed, we handle those too.
Next comes surface preparation. We sand rough spots and make sure the wood is ready to accept the stain properly. This step determines whether your stain job lasts two years or seven years.
Then we apply professional-grade stain designed for Michigan’s climate extremes. We use brush application for even coverage and proper penetration. No shortcuts, no spray-and-pray methods that leave thin spots where moisture can get in.
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Every fence staining project includes complete surface preparation, minor repair work, and application of quality exterior wood stain. We use materials specifically chosen to handle Michigan’s temperature swings, from summer heat that can hit 90+ degrees to winter cold that drops below freezing.
Milford homeowners deal with unique challenges. The area gets significant rainfall, especially in spring and fall, and the clay soil here holds moisture that can affect fence posts. We factor in these local conditions when selecting stain types and application timing.
You’ll get a clear timeline upfront, and we work around the weather to make sure conditions are right for proper curing. No rushing the job because rain is coming—we reschedule if needed to do it right.
A professionally applied fence stain typically lasts 5-7 years in Michigan’s climate, depending on the quality of materials used and application method. The key factors that affect longevity are proper surface preparation, using stain designed for extreme weather conditions, and applying it during optimal weather windows.
Michigan’s weather is particularly hard on wood fences. Hot summers cause expansion, cold winters cause contraction, and the frequent freeze-thaw cycles can crack poorly applied finishes. Quality oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood grain and flex with these temperature changes, while cheaper water-based options often fail within 2-3 years.
Signs it’s time to restain include visible fading, water absorption (you can test this by sprinkling water on the fence—if it soaks in quickly, the stain is failing), and any areas where the wood looks gray or weathered.
Late spring (May) and early fall (September-October) are ideal for fence staining in Milford, MI. You need temperatures between 50-85°F with low humidity and no rain expected for 24-48 hours after application.
Summer can be challenging because high temperatures cause stain to dry too quickly, preventing proper penetration. Direct sunlight creates “flash drying” that leaves an uneven, blotchy finish. Winter is impossible—cold temperatures prevent proper curing and adhesion.
Spring timing works well because the wood has dried out from winter moisture, but you need to wait for consistently warm, dry weather. Fall is often the sweet spot because humidity is lower and you get more stable weather patterns. We always check the 3-day forecast before starting any staining project.
Professional fence staining in Milford, MI typically runs $2-10 per linear foot, depending on fence height, condition, and the amount of prep work required. For an average 150-foot privacy fence, expect to invest $800-2,200 for professional application.
The wide price range reflects the difference between basic staining and comprehensive fence restoration. A fence in good condition that just needs cleaning and fresh stain will be on the lower end. Fences requiring extensive prep work, repairs, or stripping of old failed coatings will cost more.
DIY materials alone cost $200-650, but most homeowners underestimate the time, skill, and equipment needed. Professional application includes proper surface prep, quality materials, and warranty coverage. When you factor in the cost of your time and the risk of having to redo failed DIY work, professional application often provides better value.
Yes, but it requires additional preparation work that affects the timeline and cost. Paint creates a barrier that prevents stain from penetrating the wood properly, so we need to remove the existing paint first.
The removal process depends on the paint type and condition. Peeling or chalky paint can often be pressure washed and scraped off. Solid, well-adhered paint typically requires chemical strippers or sanding to remove completely. This prep work can double the project timeline and increase costs by 50-100%.
After paint removal, we clean the wood with brightening agents to restore the natural color and open the grain for proper stain penetration. Some previously painted wood may have permanent discoloration that affects the final appearance, which we’ll discuss during the estimate so there are no surprises.
We stand behind our workmanship with a one-year warranty on application quality. This covers issues like peeling, uneven coverage, or premature failure due to application problems—not normal wear and fading from weather exposure.
The warranty specifically covers defects in our work: missed spots, inadequate surface prep, or application during improper weather conditions. It doesn’t cover damage from sprinkler systems, lawn equipment, pets, or natural weathering over time.
Most staining failures happen within the first year if there were application issues. After that, any problems are typically related to normal wear or extreme weather events. We use quality materials and proper application techniques specifically to minimize warranty claims and ensure your investment lasts the expected 5-7 years.
For Michigan’s climate, we typically recommend semi-transparent oil-based stains for wooden fence staining in Milford, MI. They provide the best balance of protection and appearance for wood fences dealing with extreme temperature swings and moisture variations.
Oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood grain and flex with seasonal expansion and contraction. They’re more durable than water-based options in harsh climates, though they take longer to dry and have stronger odor during application. Semi-transparent opacity allows the wood grain to show through while providing substantial UV and moisture protection.
Solid stains offer maximum protection but completely hide the wood grain. Transparent stains show the most wood character but provide minimal protection against Michigan’s intense UV and moisture. We select the specific product based on your fence’s current condition, wood type, and your preferences for appearance versus maximum protection.
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