A wood fence in Pittsburgh takes rain, snow and freezing on both sides, and the bottoms of the boards stay wet longest. Stain or paint slows the greying and cracking. We check the posts first, because a coating is only worth it on a fence that stands firm. Then we clean the wood, let it dry and coat it.
Wood fences in the Pittsburgh area are mostly pine or cedar privacy fences around back yards, with some older picket fences in front of houses in the city. Many yards are small and sloped, so fences step down the hill and sit close to the neighbor's side. All of that wood stands in the weather on two faces. Rain soaks the tops and the bottoms of the pickets, snow piles against the lower rails, and winter freezing opens small cracks a little wider each year.
A coating only makes sense on a fence that is solid, so we check it first. We push on the posts, look for rot at ground level and note broken or missing pickets. Small repairs can be done before the finish. Then the fence is cleaned to take off mildew, dirt and grey weathered wood, and given time to dry. Stain or paint goes on by brush, roller or sprayer depending on the fence, with plants, walks and nearby walls covered.
Stain suits most privacy fences because it sinks into the wood and does not peel. Paint is the usual choice for a picket fence that was painted before. We coat both sides when we can reach them. If the far side faces a neighbor's yard, please ask them about access before the job. New pressure treated boards need to dry out before they will take a finish. Fence work depends on dry days, so we schedule it for the warmer months and confirm the day before.
Fence painting & staining in Pittsburgh: common questions
Do you stain both sides of a fence?
Yes, when both sides can be reached. Coating one face only leaves the other open to water. If the back of the fence is in a neighbor's yard, we need their permission to step in, so it helps if you speak to them first.
Can a grey, weathered fence still be stained?
Usually. Grey is a thin layer of sun damaged wood on the surface. Cleaning removes it and brings back a fresher face that takes stain. If the boards are cracked through or the posts are rotten, repair comes first.
Will overspray reach my neighbor's house or car in a tight city yard?
We plan for that. In close quarters we brush and roll, or spray with shields and cover what is nearby. We also watch the wind. Tell us at the estimate what sits on the other side of the fence.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.