Choosing the Right Stain: Factors to Consider When Selecting Fence Stain Colours in New Zealand

Fencing is a crucial part of any New Zealand property. Fences improve security and add value to your space – plus, they add charm to your aesthetics and landscaping. Fence staining can improve your fence’s longevity, durability and appearance, but how do you know which stain is right for you?

Why Should You Consider Wood Staining?

Wood staining allows the natural beauty of your wood to shine through the stain. Although both painting and staining have their benefits, wood stain penetrates into the wood, which lets the underlying wood grain show. 

  • Resistance To Moisture. Humidity and moisture penetration can quickly lead to mould, mildew and even rot. New Zealand is naturally very humid, so it’s necessary to take measures to stop moisture-related issues. Wood stain protects the surface of your fence by creating a formidable barrier.
  • Aesthetic Preservation. The natural lines on wooden fences are beautiful. Each board is unique, adding some timeless sophistication to your property. Wood stain preserves the appearance of each board. Alter the colour of your fence without hiding the wood grain with wood stain.
  • UV Protection. UV rays from sunlight can break down wood and cause your fence to become brittle, cracked and faded. Stains with UV protection prevent this, keeping your fence beautiful and fresh. 
  • Enhanced Durability. The protective barrier created by the stain makes your fencing more resistant to standard wear and tear and damage from the elements. 

How often you should invest in fence staining services depends on your situation. The climate of your area, the type of wood your fence is made of and other factors will affect how frequently your wood needs to be treated. In general, fences should be stained every 2-3 years. 

How To Choose The Right Wood Stain: Colours, Durability And More

What are your options for your fence? In New Zealand, a few popular stain colours are:

  • Cedar Or Redwood. This warm, traditional look is a classic choice. The tones add some natural warmth to your property while embracing the unique wood grain patterns on your fence boards. 
  • Charcoal Or Black. The dark, sleek look of black-stained fencing is a perfect choice for modern homes. It’s bold and sophisticated. 
  • Weathered Grey. If black is too dark for you, consider a neutral grey. The desaturated colour blends well with coastal landscapes.
  • Rich Browns. Beautiful, enduring and earthy, rich browns are ideal for traditional homes and fencing in rural areas. 

At Northland Painters, we welcome you to discuss your personal preferences with us so we can showcase the stains we work with. 

What factors should you think about when choosing your wood stain?

Compatability. You must choose a wood stain that is compatible with both your aesthetics and your wood type. 

When it comes to aesthetics, consider not only your fence itself but also the objects and surfaces around it. What kind of hardscaping, greenery and items are around your fence? What about the colour of your home itself? Look at your wood stain options and imagine which colours and finishes would go best with the world around your fence. Choosing a neutral colour is always a safe bet, because neutral colours pair well with nearly any other colour palette. 

Aside from aesthetics, your wood stain must be suitable for the type of wood your fence is made of. This will help ensure the stain penetrates the wood well and performs as it should. Certain finishes are more appropriate for certain kinds of wood.

Ambience. Different colours evoke different moods and impact your property’s atmosphere. Warm colours like redwood and walnut have a charming rustic feel, whereas greys and blacks are more contemporary. 

Just like with colours, look to the areas and objects around your fence for inspiration. What kind of vibe does your property have? Select a fence stain that complements the rest of your space. 

Transparency. Transparency lets the wood grain show through, and different fence staining options have various levels of transparency. Think about the level of transparency you’d prefer to help you choose the right stain for your fence. 

Transparent stains highlight the actual appearance of your wood while adding the benefits of wood stain, and without changing your fence’s appearance too much. Semi-transparent stains offer a balance between colour and underlying aesthetics. Finally, solid or opaque stains provide much more coverage. 

Enhancing Your Northland Fences With Top-Quality Fence Staining Services

Wood staining improves your fence’s appearance and durability, and we at Northland Painters are here to help you pick the perfect product for your fences. We are committed to outstanding customer service and excellent, long-lasting results. 

If you’re ready to start or if you have questions, please call us on 09 407 1540 or message us online.

Northland Painters: Elevate your fence with us.

We service all areas of Northland, including…

Whangarei, Waipu, Langs Cove, Mangawhai, Wellsford, Dargaville, Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell, Opua, Kaitaia, Mangonui, Coopers Beach, Karikari, Whangarei Heads, Tutukaka, Waitangi, Bay of Islands.