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Your fence stops looking weathered and gray. Instead, you get rich wood tones that highlight the natural grain while creating a barrier against Michigan’s UV rays, moisture, and temperature swings.
The stain penetrates deep into the wood fibers, not just coating the surface. This means your fence stays protected from the inside out, reducing cracking, warping, and premature aging that untreated wood faces in Auburn Hills’ climate.
You’re looking at 3-5 years of protection instead of annual touch-ups. That’s fewer headaches, lower long-term costs, and a fence that maintains its appeal season after season.
We bring over a decade of painting and staining expertise to Auburn Hills properties. We’ve seen what Michigan weather does to unprotected wood, and we know exactly how to prevent it.
As a local Auburn Hills operation, we understand the specific challenges your fence faces. The freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat, and seasonal moisture that make this area unique also make proper staining absolutely critical.
We’re not the biggest crew in town, but we’re the team that shows up, does the work right, and makes sure you’re satisfied enough to call us again. That’s how we’ve built our reputation over the past two years as Legends Construction.
First, we inspect every inch of your fence. We’re looking for damage, checking the current condition, and determining exactly what prep work is needed. No shortcuts here because proper preparation determines how long your stain will last.
Next comes the cleaning phase. We remove dirt, mildew, and any failing previous coatings. This might involve pressure washing or hand scrubbing, depending on what your fence needs. The goal is a clean surface that lets the stain penetrate properly.
Then we apply the stain using professional techniques that ensure even coverage and deep penetration. We’re not just brushing it on and hoping for the best. Every board gets the attention it needs to achieve consistent protection and color throughout your Auburn Hills property.
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You get complete surface preparation, which means cleaning, repairs if needed, and proper prep work that most contractors skip. This foundation work is what separates a stain job that lasts from one that fails within a year.
The staining itself uses high-quality products specifically chosen for Michigan’s climate. We’re talking about stains that resist UV damage, repel moisture, and flex with temperature changes instead of cracking. Auburn Hills properties face unique weather patterns, and we select products accordingly.
After completion, you receive a walkthrough where we explain what we’ve done and what you can expect. No surprises, no hidden issues, just clear communication about your newly protected fence and how to maintain it going forward.
Most wooden fences in Auburn Hills need restaining every 3-5 years, depending on the quality of the previous stain job and your fence’s exposure to weather. Fences facing south or west typically need attention sooner because they take more UV damage.
If you see the wood starting to look gray or the water isn’t beading on the surface anymore, it’s time. Don’t wait until the wood looks weathered because at that point, you’re dealing with more extensive prep work and higher costs.
The key is catching it before the protection fails completely. A well-maintained staining schedule actually saves money over time because each application goes on easier and lasts longer when the wood is still in good condition.
Semi-transparent stains typically perform best in Michigan because they penetrate the wood while still allowing it to breathe through seasonal moisture changes. Solid stains can work too, but they’re more likely to peel if not applied perfectly.
The stain needs to handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, resist UV damage from summer sun, and repel moisture from rain and snow. We use products specifically formulated for climates like Auburn Hills that experience all four seasons intensely.
Oil-based stains generally penetrate deeper and last longer than water-based options, though they take longer to dry. The choice depends on your fence’s current condition, the look you want, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do long-term.
It depends entirely on what’s currently on your fence and what condition it’s in. If the existing stain is still adhering well and isn’t peeling, we can often apply a compatible stain over it after proper cleaning and light prep work.
Paint is trickier. You can stain over paint, but it requires thorough preparation including cleaning and potentially priming to ensure proper adhesion. The results won’t look the same as stain on bare wood because the paint blocks penetration.
The honest answer is we need to see your fence to give you accurate information. Every situation is different, and what works for one fence might not work for another. That’s why we do thorough inspections before quoting any job.
Most residential fence staining projects in Auburn Hills take 1-3 days, depending on the fence size, condition, and weather conditions. The prep work usually takes the most time because it determines the quality of the final result.
We need dry weather for at least 24-48 hours after application, so timing depends on Auburn Hills’ weather patterns. Spring and fall are typically ideal because temperatures are moderate and humidity is lower, allowing for proper curing.
If your fence needs extensive prep work or repairs, add extra time. We’d rather take an extra day to do it right than rush and deliver subpar results. You’re investing in protection that needs to last years, not months.
DIY materials for an average fence might cost $200-400, while professional staining typically runs $800-2000 depending on fence size and condition. The difference is in the prep work, application quality, and product selection that affects longevity.
Most homeowners underestimate the prep time and don’t have professional-grade equipment for cleaning and application. What looks like a weekend project often turns into weeks of work, and the results frequently don’t last as long as professional application.
Factor in your time, the cost of tools you’ll need to buy or rent, and the risk of having to redo the work if it fails prematurely. Professional staining often delivers better value when you consider the total cost over the fence’s lifetime.
We stand behind our workmanship and will address any issues that result from improper application or preparation. However, the longevity of staining depends heavily on weather exposure, fence condition, and maintenance, which are beyond our control.
What we can guarantee is that we’ll use quality materials, follow proper application procedures, and complete the prep work necessary for the stain to perform as intended. We’re not going to promise your fence will look perfect for a decade, but we will ensure it’s properly protected.
If you have concerns about the work within the first few months, we’ll come take a look and make it right if there’s an application issue. Our reputation depends on satisfied customers, so we have every incentive to deliver work that holds up over time.
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