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myCost to Stain a Fence
At a Glance
- The average cost to paint or stain a fence is around £400.
- The job will usually take 1 to 2 days.
- A full breakdown of fence painting and staining prices, including labour and materials.
- The differences between paint and stain, plus the factors that affect your quote.
- How to compare local fence painters on MyJobQuote.
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£400
Table of Contents
- How Much Does Staining a Fence Cost?
- Supply Costs Only
- Labour Costs and Timescales
- Factors Affecting Fence Staining Costs
- Additional Costs to Consider
- What's Involved in Fence Staining?
- Building Regulations and Planning Permission for Fence Staining
- Choosing Fence Stain
- Benefits of Painting or Staining a Fence
- Cost of Removing Fence Stain
- Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Stain a Fence
- FAQs
How Much Does Staining a Fence Cost?
The average fence painting cost is around £400 for materials and labour, with most jobs taking 1 to 2 days. The final quote depends on the number and height of the panels, their condition, access, the product used, and whether one or both sides need treating.
Would you prefer to treat your fence by spraying, rolling, or brushing?
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Paint forms an opaque layer on the surface and gives you a wider choice of colours. Stain soaks into the timber, leaves more of the grain visible, and is usually easier to maintain because it fades rather than peeling. Both protect a wooden fence from moisture when the surface is prepared correctly.
In this guide, we break down fence painting costs, including the average hourly rate for fence painting, how much fence paint or stain you'll need, and the price of hiring garden fence painters for different types of fences.
How regularly you will need to re-stain your fence will depend on the product you use and the weather the fence is exposed to. Follow the advice on the tin. Some treatments can offer protection for 5 to 6 years before needing to be reapplied, but you can check for beading yourself.
On a stained and sealed fence, water should bead on the surface. If it soaks in instead, it may be time for another coat.
Should a cedar fence be painted or stained?
"In order to resist longer, a good coat of wood stain would be highly recommended."
Painting is usually less expensive at first, but it needs more preparation when the finish starts to flake. Stain can cost more initially, although there is often less work involved when it is time to recoat the fence.
Fence Staining Prices
The tables below show typical durations and costs for staining different fence sizes with oil, gel and dye stains, plus the cost per panel.
Oil Stain
| Fence Size | Duration | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8 panels, 1m high | 3 to 5 hours | £115–£165 |
| 8 panels, 2m high | 4 to 6 hours | £140–£190 |
| 12 panels, 1m high | 4 to 6 hours | £165–£220 |
| 12 panels, 2m high | 1 day | £190–£270 |
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Gel and Dye Stains
| Fence and Stain | Duration | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8 panels, 2m high, gel | 4 to 6 hours | £145–£200 |
| 12 panels, 2m high, gel | 1 to 2 days | £220–£300 |
| 8 panels, 2m high, dye | 5 to 6 hours | £160–£215 |
| 12 panels, 2m high, dye | 1 to 2 days | £225–£320 |
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Cost per Panel
| Fence Size | Stain Type | Cost per Panel |
|---|---|---|
| 8 panels, 1m high | Oil | £15–£21 |
| 8 panels, 2m high | Oil | £18–£25 |
| 12 panels, 1m high | Oil | £14–£19 |
| 12 panels, 2m high | Oil | £16–£23 |
| 8 panels, 2m high | Gel | £20–£27 |
| 12 panels, 2m high | Gel | £18–£25 |
| 8 panels, 2m high | Dye | £20–£28 |
| 12 panels, 2m high | Dye | £19–£27 |
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Supply Costs Only
If you're taking this on as a DIY project, then you'll need to check out the various supply costs of materials and equipment for the job. This can differ depending on the size and type of fence you're staining, and the type of fence stain and other painting equipment you use.
Below is a table with the average costs for the most common supplies needed for staining a typical wooden garden fence:
| Supply | Typical Price | Coverage (Panels) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-based stain (5L) | £10–£20 | 6 to 10 panels |
| Oil-based stain (10L) | £18–£35 | 12 to 20 panels |
| Gel stain (5L) | £15–£25 | 4 to 7 panels |
| Gel stain (10L) | £25–£45 | 8 to 14 panels |
| Dye stain (5L) | £20–£35 | 5 to 8 panels |
| Dye stain (10L) | £35–£60 | 10 to 16 panels |
| Paintbrush set | £3–£10 | - |
| Fence sprayer (optional) | £20–£60 | - |
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Labour Costs and Timescales
If you have sourced your fence-staining supplies yourself but want to hire someone to stain the fence for you, the labour costs will typically depend on the size of your fence and your location.
The average UK handyman will charge between £180 and £220 a day, but tradespeople in London and the South East can charge around £80 to £100 more per day.
Our table below gives you an idea of the typical labour costs for staining a fence, based on the fence size and your location.
| Fence Size | Location | Duration | Total Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (6 to 8 panels) | UK average | Half day | £90–£110 |
| Small (6 to 8 panels) | London and South East | Half day | £130–£160 |
| Medium (8 to 12 panels) | UK average | 1 day | £180–£220 |
| Medium (8 to 12 panels) | London and South East | 1 day | £260–£320 |
| Large (12+ panels) | UK average | 1 to 2 days | £180–£440 |
| Large (12+ panels) | London and South East | 1 to 2 days | £260–£640 |
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It's worth mentioning that, as well as the size of the fence and your location, there are a number of other factors that could increase your fence staining costs, which we cover in more detail below.
To make sure you're getting the best price for your fence staining project, it's always a good idea to get a number of quotes.
Get free quotes from fence painters near you on MyJobQuote. It's quick, easy, and there's no obligation to go ahead.
Factors Affecting Fence Staining Costs
Size of Fence
A larger fence size means more fence panels to stain, taking longer to complete and adding up labour costs. Smaller fences typically cost between £140 and £200, whilst large fences can cost between £200 and £350.
Type of Stain
There are several different types of staining options to choose from. Oil stains can be cheaper at around £10 to £20 for a 5L bucket, whereas gel stains cost approximately £15 to £25.
Dye-based stain finishes typically cost around £20 to £35 per 5L.
Application Method
The application method also affects the cost. Spraying is faster for large runs but can use more product and needs masking to avoid overspray. Rolling and brushing are slower and more labour-intensive, but give better control and coverage on rough or weathered wood.
Fence Condition
The condition of your fence could impact how much it costs to get it stained. There may be labour needed to clean and prepare the fence before staining, repair work to fill in any gaps and fix loose boards, or multiple coats required for old or bare wood fences, all of which will increase the costs.
Access, Layout and Timing
If panels are hard to reach, overgrown, or on both sides of a narrow path, expect a higher labour time. Weather and season also matter, with painters often preferring dry, calm days, and some may charge slightly more in peak months.
Location
As with most labour and contractor work, your location within the UK can alter the price of jobs around the home or garden, with the average price usually being hiked up an extra £80 to £100 for those living in London and the surrounding areas.
Additional Costs to Consider
Repairing Damaged Fence Panels
Before staining your fence, you should check the condition of the panels and posts. Any broken, warped, or rotting boards need to be repaired or replaced first to ensure the stain adheres properly and lasts longer.
If only a few panels are damaged, a fence panel replacement usually costs around £40 to £60 per panel, including materials and labour. Replacing damaged posts or re-securing loose panels may add £80 to £150 depending on access and the number of repairs needed.
Cleaning and Preparing the Fence
To get the best possible finish, you need to make sure that your fence is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, moss, or flaky old stain, so the new stain can be absorbed properly.
This can be done using a brush or a jet wash, and your painter is likely to charge around £2 to £5 a linear metre to do this.
Garden Clearance
If it's been a while since your fence was last stained, or your garden has got a little out of control, your contractor may need to clear away weeds, brambles, or anything else that's blocking access to your fence.
While this isn't a big job in most cases, getting basic garden waste removed and properly disposed of could add £40 to £80.
Number of Coats and Sides
Depending on the product, some fences may be fine with one coat, others may need two or three. However, older timber, bare wood, and colour changes could need a couple of coats, and possibly more, increasing costs by 20% to 50%.
Typical fence staining costs are also only for staining one side of the fence, which is the case for most projects, but labour and material costs could increase 50% to 100% if you need both sides of the fence staining.
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What's Involved in Fence Staining?
A tradesperson will first inspect the fence, confirm which sides are being treated, and check whether the existing coating is compatible with the new paint or stain. They will then follow the correct preparation and application process for the chosen finish.
- Clean the Fence — They remove dirt, mould, cobwebs, and loose coating, then allow the timber to dry fully.
- Repair and Prepare — Gaps and wide cracks are filled to help keep out water. Rough areas, chips, and flaking finishes are sanded smooth.
- Protect Nearby Areas — Plants, paving, metalwork, and neighbouring property are covered or masked, especially if the finish will be sprayed.
- Apply the Finish — Paint or stain is spread evenly with a brush, roller, or sprayer. Each coat is left to dry before another is applied.
Warm, dry, and calm weather helps the coating cure evenly and reduces the risk of rain or overspray affecting the finish.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission for Fence Staining
Before you paint or stain your fence, you may want to make sure that it's your fence to treat. Many are not entirely sure which fence is their responsibility and which is their neighbour's.
So, when it comes to repairs and maintenance, you need to find out who is responsible for what.
There is no law about who owns the boundaries around your property and which side of the fence you are responsible for, but you could check the deeds to your home to find out if there are any boundary agreements in place.
Choosing Fence Stain
When deciding on the right wood stain for you, it's essential to research each different type and how they can benefit your fencing. Each stain holds various chemicals to differentiate between types, offering separate results depending on what you need/prefer.
Below is a list of different types of fence paints and stains.
Fence Paint Types
Water-based acrylic fence paint dries quickly, is easy to clean up, and comes in a wide range of opaque colours. Oil-based exterior paint usually takes longer to dry but can give a tougher finish. Whichever type is chosen, it needs to be suitable for exterior timber and compatible with the previous coating.
Painting Metal Fences
Wood stain is not suitable for a metal fence. A contractor will remove loose paint and rust, clean the surface, apply a suitable metal primer where needed, and finish it with exterior metal paint. Railings and decorative metalwork can take longer than flat timber panels because there are more edges and narrow sections to coat.
Oil Stain Cost
Oil stains are one of the main types of fence stain and are reasonably priced, and brushes and spills can be cleaned with white spirit. The typical cost of an oil stain is around £10 to £15 per litre.
Pros
- ✔ Cost-effective.
- ✔ Good UV protection.
Cons
- ✖ Susceptible to mould and mildew.
- ✖ High maintenance.
Gel Stain Cost
Gel stains are applied similarly to oil stains but with a thicker texture, which can make the method slightly harder but end with a more refined finish. They are oil-based and slow to dry, and as some are for interior use only, be sure to check to make sure they are suitable for exterior wood.
The typical price of a gel stain is around £16 to £20 per litre.
Pros
- ✔ Smooth finish.
Cons
- ✖ Harder to apply.
- ✖ Slow to dry.
Dye Stain Cost
Dye stains are supplied as ready-to-use water or spirit-based stains, but as some are only for interior use, check the label to make sure they can be used for exterior wood. The regular price of a dye stain is around £20 to £25.
Pros
- ✔ Vibrant colour finish.
- ✔ Penetrates deeper into wood.
- ✔ Easy to clean.
Cons
- ✖ Prone to fading.
- ✖ High maintenance.
Benefits of Painting or Staining a Fence
Painting a fence isn't difficult, but doing the job properly can be time-consuming and repetitive. The work is definitely worth it, as a proper paint job won't just give your fence a facelift, but it will actually help to protect it from the elements.
Below is a list of reasons why it's a good idea to stain your fences regularly:
Protection from Elements
Staining your fence is one of the best ways to protect your exterior from the unpredictable nature of outdoor elements and unpredictable weather conditions.
It's not uncommon for rain, frost and even sun to cause damage to wooden fences due to mould, drying up, rotting, or dampness. Regularly staining is one of the best and easiest ways to help keep rain out of the wood, which is especially important for timber that's only been dip-treated.
Durable
Staining helps to protect dip-treated timber from the weather so it lasts longer. Pressure-treated timber gets its protection from the treatment in the factory but staining can help enhance its colour. Just remember to refresh it every few years to maintain this.
Limit UV Damage
Staining can help to safeguard fences from direct sunlight because UV damage can damage the fence's colour over time. If you live in a warmer climate or sunny area, then you may need to stain your wood more frequently to ensure lasting protection.
Kerb Appeal
Some people choose to stain their fences due to the aesthetically pleasing finish that it offers, leaving your wood looking fresh and attractive. A regularly stained fence can match various decor and colours throughout your garden and appear neat and attractive.
Cost of Removing Fence Stain
Removing fence stains may be needed if your fence has changed colour due to bad weather conditions, resulting in mould, damp, mildew, and dirt build-up.
The average cost of cleaning and preparing a medium-to-large fence is £400, but prices can range from £250 to £1,000 depending on the size of fence and method of removal.
Given the complexity and time-consuming nature of the task, many homeowners opt to hire professionals to ensure a high-quality finish.
Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Stain a Fence
Use these questions when comparing fence painters:
- Have you painted or stained this type of fence before? – Ask for recent examples on similar timber, metal, or decorative fencing.
- What preparation is included? – The quote should say whether cleaning, sanding, rust treatment, filling gaps, and minor repairs are included.
- Which product will you use? – Check the paint or stain is suitable for the fence material, its condition, and the finish you want.
- Does the quote cover both sides and every coat? – Confirm the number of panels, sides, and coats, plus materials, labour, and waste.
- Are you insured? – Ask for proof of public liability insurance before the work begins.
- Can I check your reviews? – Compare recent customer feedback and photos on the contractor's MyJobQuote profile.
FAQs
How Do You Remove Fence Stain from Concrete?
If you spill stain on concrete, wipe it up straight away, as dried stain is very hard to remove without damaging concrete. Try to remove it using warm water and detergent for water-based stains, and white spirit for oil-based stains. Covering paths and drives before starting is the best way to avoid any issues from spills.
Does the Existing Stain on the Fence Have to Be Removed Before Applying a New Stain?
If the stain on your shed or fence is sound, it should just need cleaning and leaving to dry before re-staining. If it's peeling or flaking, this will need to be removed before applying new stain. Test a small area to check for colour and adhesion.
Will Staining Remove Old Water Stains on the Fence?
Because water stains penetrate deep into the grain of the wood, cleaning and staining will not remove them completely, though they will generally improve the appearance.
How Soon Can I Stain a New, Pressure-Treated Fence?
You should not stain a brand new pressure-treated fence immediately. The wood is often sold saturated with preservatives and needs time to dry out, which can take up to several months.
Can I Apply Fence Stain Myself?
Yes, you can apply fence stain yourself if the timber is sound and you have the right preparation tools. You will need to clean and dry the panels, repair gaps, protect nearby plants and paving, and apply the product evenly in suitable weather. For a large, damaged, hard-to-reach, or previously painted fence, hiring a tradesperson is usually the safer way to get a consistent finish without overspray, drips, or missed repairs.
