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You get years added to your fence life instead of watching it turn gray and rot. Your wood stays protected from Michigan’s brutal sun, soaking rains, and winter salt damage that destroys untreated fences.
The right stain creates a barrier that keeps moisture out while letting wood breathe. You avoid the expensive headache of fence replacement and the frustration of watching your property value drop because your fence looks neglected.
Most importantly, you get the peace of mind that comes with professional work. No guessing about products, no weekend projects that drag on for weeks, no wondering if you did it right.
Legends Construction LLC brings over 10 years of painting experience to Oxford and Oakland County. We’ve been operating for two years, built on the foundation of quality work at competitive pricing.
What sets us apart is our understanding of Michigan’s weather challenges. We’ve seen what happens to fences that aren’t properly protected – the graying, the rot, the expensive replacements that could have been avoided.
Our approach is straightforward: do the job right the first time so you’ll call us again. Every project gets the same attention whether it’s a small residential fence or a larger commercial job.
First, we thoroughly clean your fence to remove dirt, grime, and any loose existing stain. This step matters because stain won’t adhere properly to a dirty surface, and most contractors skip it to save time.
Next comes surface preparation – sanding rough spots and ensuring the wood is ready to absorb the stain properly. We check moisture levels because staining wet wood leads to bubbling and premature failure.
Then we apply high-quality stain using the right tools for your specific fence type. Whether it’s brushing for detailed work or spraying for larger areas, we match the application method to get even coverage and proper penetration.
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You get complete surface preparation, not just a quick spray-and-pray approach. This includes cleaning, sanding, and proper moisture testing before any stain touches your fence.
The stain selection matters for Oxford’s climate. We use products specifically chosen for Michigan weather – formulations that handle temperature swings, moisture exposure, and UV protection that’s critical in Oakland County’s sun exposure patterns.
Coverage includes both sides when possible because Michigan weather attacks from all directions. Single-sided staining might look good from your yard, but the unprotected side becomes a weak point where rot and damage start.
You also get cleanup and site restoration. No stain splatters on your driveway, no brushes left behind, no wondering what happened to your garden hose.
Professional fence staining typically lasts 3-5 years in Michigan’s climate, depending on the stain quality and fence exposure. High-quality stains with proper application can extend this to 5-7 years.
Michigan’s weather is particularly hard on wood – the UV exposure during summer, moisture from rain and snow, and temperature swings all affect stain longevity. Professional-grade stains are formulated to handle these conditions better than retail products.
The key factor is proper surface preparation and application technique. When done correctly, you’ll see gradual fading rather than peeling or flaking, which means easier maintenance when it’s time to re-stain.
Yes, staining both sides provides complete protection and significantly extends your fence life. Michigan weather attacks wood from all directions – sun, rain, snow, and wind don’t respect property lines.
When only one side is stained, moisture and UV damage start on the unprotected side and work their way through the wood. This creates weak spots that lead to rot, warping, and structural problems that affect the entire fence.
If your fence borders a neighbor’s property, communication about splitting costs often works well. Many neighbors appreciate the improved appearance and are willing to share the investment in proper maintenance.
Early fall is ideal for fence staining in Oxford – typically September through early October. Temperatures are moderate (50-80°F), humidity is lower, and you avoid the extreme heat of summer and unpredictable spring weather.
You need at least 24-48 hours of dry weather after staining, which can be challenging during Michigan’s wet spring season. Summer heat can cause stain to dry too quickly, leading to lap marks and uneven coverage.
Winter staining is possible with the right products and conditions, but it requires more careful planning and weather monitoring. The key is avoiding application when temperatures will drop below the stain manufacturer’s minimum requirements within 24 hours.
Professional fence staining in Oxford typically costs $1.50-$3.00 per square foot, depending on fence condition, stain type, and preparation required. A typical 6-foot privacy fence runs $3-$8 per linear foot.
Factors affecting cost include fence height, condition (new vs. weathered), stain type (transparent vs. solid color), and whether both sides need staining. Preparation work like cleaning, sanding, or minor repairs adds to the total.
Getting multiple quotes helps, but be cautious of extremely low bids – they often indicate shortcuts in preparation or low-quality materials that lead to premature failure and higher long-term costs.
While DIY fence staining is possible, professional results require specific knowledge about Michigan weather conditions, proper surface preparation, and stain selection that most homeowners don’t have.
The biggest DIY mistakes include inadequate surface preparation, wrong stain choice for the climate, poor weather timing, and uneven application. These errors lead to premature failure, meaning you’ll need to redo the work sooner and spend more money long-term.
Professional contractors have access to commercial-grade equipment like pressure washers and spray systems that create more consistent results. We also understand how different wood types and fence conditions affect stain absorption and longevity.
Semi-transparent oil-based stains typically perform best in Michigan’s climate because they penetrate deeply while providing UV protection and moisture resistance. They handle temperature fluctuations better than solid stains.
Oil-based stains last longer than water-based options in Michigan weather, though they take longer to dry and have stronger odors during application. Water-based stains dry faster and have less odor but may require more frequent reapplication.
The specific stain choice depends on your fence wood type, age, and desired appearance. Cedar and redwood accept stain differently than pressure-treated pine, and weathered wood requires different preparation than new lumber.
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