Hear from Our Customers
Your fence stops looking weathered and starts looking like an investment again. The wood stays protected from Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles that crack and split untreated surfaces.
You get years more life out of your fence instead of replacing boards every couple seasons. The stain penetrates deep and holds up to rain, snow, and UV rays without peeling or fading.
Your property value stays strong. Neighbors notice the difference, and you stop worrying about that eyesore becoming a bigger problem down the road.
We’ve been serving Orchard Lake Village and surrounding areas for over two years, with more than 10 years of combined painting and staining experience. We’re a family business – just me and my brother right now, working directly on every project.
We know Michigan weather. We know what products hold up and which ones fail after one winter. We price fairly because we want you calling us back for your next project.
The fancy marketing budgets go to other companies. Our reputation comes from work that actually lasts and customers who trust us with their next job.
First, we clean your fence properly. Power washing removes dirt, mildew, and old failing stain. Most contractors skip this step or rush through it.
Next comes the prep work that matters. We sand rough spots, replace damaged boards if needed, and let everything dry completely. Wet wood doesn’t take stain properly.
Then we apply professional-grade stain in thin, even coats. We use products designed for Michigan’s climate – not the cheap stuff from big box stores. The stain penetrates deep into the wood grain for maximum protection.
We clean up completely and walk the fence line with you to make sure you’re satisfied with every section.
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Every fence staining project includes thorough cleaning, proper surface preparation, and application of high-quality stain designed for Michigan weather. We handle minor repairs like loose boards or protruding nails as part of the prep work.
In Orchard Lake Village, we see a lot of cedar and pressure-treated pine fencing. Both need different approaches. Cedar requires oil-based stains that enhance the natural grain, while pressure-treated lumber does better with semi-transparent stains that provide UV protection without hiding the wood texture.
We use professional sprayers and brushes to ensure even coverage, especially on vertical surfaces where drips and runs show up easily. The final result protects your investment and looks professionally done.
A properly applied fence stain should last 3-4 years in Michigan’s climate, sometimes longer depending on sun exposure and fence orientation. South-facing fences get more UV damage and may need restaining sooner.
The key is using the right product and proper application. Cheap stains from home improvement stores often fail within 18 months. We use professional-grade stains formulated to handle freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure.
Signs it’s time to restain include fading color, water absorption instead of beading, or visible wood grain showing through the stain.
Stain penetrates into the wood and allows it to breathe, while paint sits on the surface and creates a barrier. For most wood fences, stain is the better choice because it moves with the wood as it expands and contracts.
Paint can look great initially but tends to crack and peel as the wood moves with temperature changes. Once paint starts failing, it’s much harder to remove and redo than stain.
Stain also enhances the natural wood grain instead of hiding it. In Orchard Lake Village, most homeowners prefer the natural look that stain provides over solid paint coverage.
Not always, but it depends on the condition of the existing stain. If the old stain is still adhering well and just faded, we can clean it thoroughly and apply a compatible new stain over it.
However, if the old stain is peeling, flaking, or was a different type of product, it needs to be removed first. Putting new stain over failing old stain just causes both layers to fail faster.
We assess each fence individually during the estimate. Sometimes a good cleaning and light sanding is enough. Other times, chemical stripping or extensive sanding is necessary for a lasting result.
Most residential fences take 1-3 days depending on size, condition, and weather. The cleaning and prep work usually takes a full day, then the fence needs to dry completely before staining.
Weather plays a big role in timing. We won’t stain if rain is expected within 24 hours or if temperatures are below 50 degrees. Michigan’s unpredictable spring weather sometimes extends project timelines.
We give you a realistic timeframe during the estimate and keep you updated if weather delays the schedule. Rushing the process to meet an artificial deadline just leads to poor results.
Late spring through early fall works best in Michigan – typically May through September. You need consistent temperatures above 50 degrees and no rain for 24 hours after application.
Early summer is ideal because the wood has had time to dry out from winter moisture, but you’re not dealing with the intense heat of mid-summer that can cause stain to dry too quickly.
Avoid staining in late fall or winter. Cold temperatures prevent proper curing, and Michigan’s unpredictable weather makes it hard to get the dry window you need for quality results.
Fence staining typically costs $3-7 per linear foot depending on fence height, condition, and stain type. A 100-foot privacy fence usually runs $300-700 for professional staining including materials and labor.
Factors that affect price include fence condition (more prep work costs more), stain quality (premium stains cost more but last longer), and accessibility. Fences with landscaping or obstacles that make access difficult take more time.
We provide detailed written estimates that break down materials and labor costs. No surprises or hidden fees. The investment pays for itself by extending your fence life and maintaining property value.
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