.png "Refresh Your Fence: Re-Stain, Replace, or Rebuild?")
After a long Midwest winter, spring is the perfect time to give your wood fence a close inspection. Is it showing signs of wear and tear? Maybe it just needs a refresh—or maybe it’s time to start over. Knowing the difference can save you money and help extend the life of your outdoor investment.
Here's how to tell what your fence needs—and how to tackle the job step by step using quality supplies from Niehaus Lumber.
Inspect Your Fence
Before you grab a hammer or a can of stain, do a full walk-around:
-
Look for rot at the base of posts and pickets.
-
Check if the fence leans or wobbles.
-
Test hardware for rust or looseness.
-
Spot-check for splitting wood, insect damage, or mold.
Tip: Press a screwdriver into suspect wood. If it sinks in easily, you may have rot.
OPTION 1: Re-Stain & Seal
Best for: Structurally sound fences with fading color, surface mildew, or minor wear.
Steps:
-
Clean the surface – Use a fence cleaner or wood-safe pressure washer to remove dirt, mildew, and old residue.
-
Let it dry – Allow at least 24–48 hours of dry weather before staining.
-
Sand rough spots – Lightly sand areas with splinters or peeling stain.
-
Apply stain or sealant – Use a brush, roller, or sprayer for even coverage. Apply 1–2 coats depending on the product instructions.
-
Let it cure – Avoid heavy rain or touching the fence for at least 24 hours after application.
Find at Niehaus: Exterior-grade wood stains, sealants, sprayers, brushes, and sanding tools.
OPTION 2: Replace Pickets or Hardware
Best for: Isolated damage, loose boards, or aging gate hardware.
Steps:
-
Remove damaged parts – Unscrew or pry out any broken pickets or hardware.
-
Check the frame and posts – Ensure the underlying structure is solid before reattaching anything.
-
Install new pickets – Use exterior-rated screws or nails for better holding power and weather resistance.
-
Replace hinges or latches – Swap out corroded or broken parts for stainless or coated alternatives.
-
Seal the new sections – Stain or seal the new boards to match your existing fence.
Find at Niehaus: Replacement wood pickets, galvanized or coated hardware, exterior screws, and gate kits.
OPTION 3: Rebuild Entire Sections
Best for: Leaning fences, rotted posts, or widespread damage.
Steps:
-
Plan your layout – Mark fence lines, measure spacing, and check local regulations or HOA rules.
-
Remove the old fence – Pull out old posts, pickets, and rails. Use a post puller for stubborn concrete-set posts.
-
Set new posts – Dig holes 2–3 feet deep. Set posts in concrete and allow 24 hours to cure.
-
Attach rails and pickets – Secure rails between posts, then fasten pickets evenly with a level.
-
Finish with stain or sealant – Protect your new fence from the elements with a quality exterior finish.
Find at Niehaus: Treated wood posts, pickets, concrete mix, post-hole diggers, rails, and fencing fasteners.
Choose Quality. Choose Niehaus Lumber.
Whether you're touching up your fence or building a brand new one, Niehaus Lumber has what you need to do the job right:
-
Durable Wood Fence Pickets & Posts
-
Weather-Resistant Stains & Sealants
-
Fence Hardware & Gate Kits
-
Tools for Digging, Cutting, & Fastening
Our team is here to help DIYers and pros with product advice and material take-offs.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts.
Stop by Niehaus Lumber today or give us a call to get started on your fence refresh or rebuild. We’ll help you choose the right materials and offer tips for a long-lasting finish.
Refresh Your Fence Today!
After a long Midwest winter, spring is the perfect time to give your wood fence a close inspection. Is it showing signs of wear and tear? Maybe it just needs a refresh—or maybe it’s time to start over. Knowing the difference can save you money and help extend the life of your outdoor investment.
Here's how to tell what your fence needs—and how to tackle the job step by step using quality supplies from Niehaus Lumber.
Inspect Your Fence
Before you grab a hammer or a can of stain, do a full walk-around:
-
Look for rot at the base of posts and pickets.
-
Check if the fence leans or wobbles.
-
Test hardware for rust or looseness.
-
Spot-check for splitting wood, insect damage, or mold.
Tip: Press a screwdriver into suspect wood. If it sinks in easily, you may have rot.
OPTION 1: Re-Stain & Seal
Best for: Structurally sound fences with fading color, surface mildew, or minor wear.
Steps:
-
Clean the surface – Use a fence cleaner or wood-safe pressure washer to remove dirt, mildew, and old residue.
-
Let it dry – Allow at least 24–48 hours of dry weather before staining.
-
Sand rough spots – Lightly sand areas with splinters or peeling stain.
-
Apply stain or sealant – Use a brush, roller, or sprayer for even coverage. Apply 1–2 coats depending on the product instructions.
-
Let it cure – Avoid heavy rain or touching the fence for at least 24 hours after application.
Find at Niehaus: Exterior-grade wood stains, sealants, sprayers, brushes, and sanding tools.
OPTION 2: Replace Pickets or Hardware
Best for: Isolated damage, loose boards, or aging gate hardware.
Steps:
-
Remove damaged parts – Unscrew or pry out any broken pickets or hardware.
-
Check the frame and posts – Ensure the underlying structure is solid before reattaching anything.
-
Install new pickets – Use exterior-rated screws or nails for better holding power and weather resistance.
-
Replace hinges or latches – Swap out corroded or broken parts for stainless or coated alternatives.
-
Seal the new sections – Stain or seal the new boards to match your existing fence.
Find at Niehaus: Replacement wood pickets, galvanized or coated hardware, exterior screws, and gate kits.
OPTION 3: Rebuild Entire Sections
Best for: Leaning fences, rotted posts, or widespread damage.
Steps:
-
Plan your layout – Mark fence lines, measure spacing, and check local regulations or HOA rules.
-
Remove the old fence – Pull out old posts, pickets, and rails. Use a post puller for stubborn concrete-set posts.
-
Set new posts – Dig holes 2–3 feet deep. Set posts in concrete and allow 24 hours to cure.
-
Attach rails and pickets – Secure rails between posts, then fasten pickets evenly with a level.
-
Finish with stain or sealant – Protect your new fence from the elements with a quality exterior finish.
Find at Niehaus: Treated wood posts, pickets, concrete mix, post-hole diggers, rails, and fencing fasteners.
Choose Quality. Choose Niehaus Lumber.
Whether you're touching up your fence or building a brand new one, Niehaus Lumber has what you need to do the job right:
-
Durable Wood Fence Pickets & Posts
-
Weather-Resistant Stains & Sealants
-
Fence Hardware & Gate Kits
-
Tools for Digging, Cutting, & Fastening
Our team is here to help DIYers and pros with product advice and material take-offs.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts.
Stop by Niehaus Lumber today or give us a call to get started on your fence refresh or rebuild. We’ll help you choose the right materials and offer tips for a long-lasting finish.
Refresh Your Fence Today!