What is the Best Stain for Cedar Fence?

Staining cedar fence isn’t always necessary as this material can develop a stunning natural gray look with age. Plus, it’s resistant to rot and decay thanks to its unique oils. But still, the best cedar fence stain can elevate your property’s first line of defense and make a statement.

It won’t just enhance your fence from an aesthetic perspective, either. The best fence stain for cedar can also have protective properties, shielding against UV rays, moisture, and more.

Not all stains are created equal, though. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good. So, what is the best stain for cedar fence? We’ll share our top three choices below, but our #1 recommendation is Ready Seal.

This professional-grade oil-based semi-transparent stain and sealer protects, beautifies, and prolongs the life of your cedar fencing all at once. Most importantly, it’s the easiest to use among all the top options.

What if we told you there is a better way, though? Here at Viking Fence you can skip the hassle of staining your fence yourself with our pre-stained fence pickets in Austin or anywhere else in the Lone Star State.

We use Ready Seal for these pickets, so you can trust you’re getting the best quality for the money. Reach out today to learn more about our cedar fence supply in Dallas and across the state!

Why You Need the Best Fence Stain for Cedar

There’s no question that cedar is a beautiful, durable wood on its own. But even it can lose its charm over time without proper care, which is why many choose to stain their cedar fencing. Here are all the benefits of applying the best cedar fence stain on your boards:

Protection Against Weather: We don’t have to remind you how harsh our climate is here in Texas. Your fence faces the elements year-round – harsh sun, rain, and snow. Staining provides a shield from UV rays and water to prevent fading, swelling, or warping.
Preventing Rot and Mold: Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot, constant exposure to moisture can still cause problems over time. Staining your fence creates a barrier that keeps moisture out so you don’t have to stress about this whatsoever.
Preserving Aesthetic Appeal: Cedar will eventually turn a dull gray over time, which some love. But we prefer to stain to preserve the rich, warm color that makes cedar so appealing. It enhances the grain so the natural beauty of the wood can shine through.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Fence: The right stain keeps the wood from cracking, splitting, or becoming brittle, helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road. It can extend your cedar fence lifespan.

However, these benefits only come when you apply the best stain for cedar fence pickets. So, let’s get into the top three choices you have at your disposal below.

What is the Best Stain for Cedar Fence?

So, what is the best stain for cedar fence? There are so many great options out there, but we’re just going to show you the top 3, and frankly, you only need the first one: Ready Seal.

Ready Seal

Like we said from the start, this is without a doubt the best cedar fence stain you can use. It’s a professional-grade, semi-transparent wood stain and sealer that provides a beautiful finish while protecting your fence from the elements.

That’s right – it’s the best wood stain AND the best sealer for cedar fence. You’re getting a dynamic duo in fence protection so you don’t have to bother applying a sealer after you stain. Plus, it’s the easiest product to use on the market. Here are all the reasons we love it:

No Primer Needed: Skip the hassle of priming your cedar fence – Ready Seal can be applied straight to clean pickets without the legwork upfront.
Versatile Application: Whether you prefer spraying, rolling, or brushing, Ready Seal is easy to apply. You don’t have to worry about runs, streaks, or laps either because the product blends itself seamlessly.
Goof-Proof Process: There’s no specific temperature range for application, and it doesn’t require wet-line application or back-brushing. No diluting or thinning needed, either. Ready Seal truly lives up to its reputation of being easy and forgiving for both DIY homeowners and professional contractors. They call it Goof-Proof for a reason!

We prefer the natural cedar shade but you can also choose from an array of other shades like light oak, pecan, redwood, mahogany, dark walnut, and many more.

Behr

Behr’s Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain is a great alternative if you can’t find Ready Seal locally and don’t have to time to wait for delivery, as you can find this at most Home Depots or other home improvement stores. It delivers a long-lasting, solid-color finish.

While Ready Seal is semi-transparent, Behr’s solid stain creates a durable film that can handle the wear and tear of harsh weather. Here are some of the reasons we recommend it:

Crack and Peel Resistance: Behr’s formula is designed to resist cracking, peeling, and blistering, so you can rest assured it will stay looking stunning even if your fence faces extreme weather conditions.
Versatile Surface Application: It’s not limited to just wood – you can use Behr stain on stucco, brick, and cement siding as well. This way you can create a cohesive look and feel on your property with the same shade used across the yard.
Extensive Color Range: Finding the perfect match for your home is a breeze with over 1,600 color options. Whether you want to go bold or stick to something more natural, Behr has you covered.

This is a strong contender for those seeking a high-coverage, solid-color stain that provides excellent durability. While we still lean in favor of Ready Seal, we want to give credit where it’s due!

Sherwin Williams

A third option to consider is Sherwin-Williams exterior series of stains for fencing, decking, siding, and more. These are available in an array of opacities to fit your personal preferences. Here’s why these earned a spot on our list of the best fence stain for cedar:

Custom Opacity Options: Stains range from clear and transparent which show off the wood’s natural grain to semi-solid and solid options, so you can easily find the perfect balance of coverage and protection.
Durable Protection: These solutions are formulated to protect cedar from UV damage, moisture, and harsh weather conditions. Solid and semi-solid stains are more resistant to peeling, cracking, and fading to keep your fence in top shape for years.
Versatility: These stains can be used on everything from fencing to decks, porches, and siding. They’re a reliable option for all your outdoor projects

Sherwin-Williams may be known primarily for paint, but don’t overlook the benefits their stains bring to the table either. They have some of the best stain for fencing on the market.

Tips on Choosing the Best Cedar Fence Stain

There you have it, the best stain for cedar fence! But which of these is right for you? Even within one of these three brands’ offerings you’ll have access to a variety of styles to choose from.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but we’ll simplify the process of choosing the best cedar fence stain for you. These are the most important things to consider.

Oil-Based vs Water-Based Stains

The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want an oil-based or water-based stain. There are pros and cons to each:

Oil-Based Stains: Penetrate deep into the wood for long-lasting protection. They enhance the natural grain of cedar and provide excellent resistance to the elements. However, they do tend to take longer to dry and require more thorough cleanup.
Water-Based Stains: Easier to apply and clean up. They dry faster and have lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) so they’re more environmentally friendly as well. They don’t penetrate as deeply, though, which means more frequent reapplication over the years.

Color and Finish

Of course, you need to choose a color and finish that aligns with your style preferences as well. This can be broken down into choosing between semi-transparent or solid stains.

We suggest semi-transparent stains as these do a much better job highlighting the natural beauty of cedar rather than covering it up with a different color. These stains add a slight tint but allow the wood’s natural grain to show through for a more organic, rustic feel.

In contrast, solid stains may not look quite as natural – but they do offer maximum UV protection. They can be great for lower-quality cedar grades as they’ll mask imperfections and create a more uniform look.

Lighter stains can make your outdoor space feel larger and more open, while darker stains can create a cozy, enclosed atmosphere. Ultimately this will come down to personal preference, so choose based on what feels right in your yard!

Longevity and Durability

It’s no secret that the Texas elements can take their toll on your outdoor structures, from the roof on your home to the fence enclosing your property. That’s why you need to choose a stain that’s designed to stand the test of time, even in the face of these elements.

Cedar is prone to fading in the sun, so choosing a stain with strong UV protection in particular will keep your fence looking vibrant for years to come. This will help you avoid a weathered cedar fence.

They also need to be moisture-resistant to help prevent water from seeping into the wood. While cedar is inherently resistant to rot and decay, this is still an essential preventative measure.

Ease of Application

All stains are going to require some level of work, this is unavoidable. However, some are far easier to apply than others.

We talked earlier about how Ready Seal does a wonderful job creating a foolproof solution that takes as little work as possible. With no need for dilution or thinning and flexible application methods, this is our #1 choice.

In general, though, water-based stains are easier to clean up and dry faster so we recommend these for DIY projects. That’s not to say you can’t go with an oil-based stain – just expect to spend a bit more time learning how to make the most of it.

Cost Considerations

Finally, think about the cedar fence cost per foot in choosing a stain, especially if you have a sprawling fence that covers multiple acres of property. The amount you need can add up quicker than you realize, and the best stain for cedar fence isn’t cheap.

But rather than looking at cost in isolation, we encourage you to reframe your thinking and assess the value a stain offers. If it lasts longer and brings out the full potential of your fence, it’s worth paying a bit more.

Further to that point, water-based stains tend to cost less than their oil-based counterparts. But, they need to be reapplied more frequently – so in the end, you might end up paying a bit more.

Save Yourself the Time and Stress With Pre-Stained Cedar Fence Pickets!

Staining your own fence is a time-consuming and messy process. From sourcing the right stain to ensuring even application, the task can quickly become overwhelming.

This is why you might find it more appealing to skip the hassle and choose pre-stained cedar fence pickets, as this can save you hours of labor while guaranteeing a flawless finish you’re proud of.

Your search for pre-stained fence Dallas or anywhere else in Texas, for that matter, ends right here at Viking Fence. We’re here to take a weight off your shoulders and deliver perfection in every picket.

We use Ready Seal® so you can rest assured you’re getting the stunning, long-lasting results you deserve. You can choose from a wide range of sizes, and since we have our own in-house cedar remanufacturing facility, we can support customization as well:

It’s not just the stain that makes our pickets the optimal choice, either. They’re 50% thicker than what you’ll find elsewhere and offer superior resistance to warping, cupping, and weather damage.

We can even install the fence for you as the #1 contractor in the region. Whether you need pre-stained pickets or cedar rails Dallas, or even a pergola, there’s nothing we can’t help you build. Find out for yourself what makes us the #1 choice by reaching out today, no matter where you live in Texas:

Parting Thoughts on the Best Stain for Cedar Fence

We hope this guide leaves you feeling confident in your next steps for choosing the best stain for cedar fence. This can make a dramatic difference in the appearance and longevity of your fencing, and there are plenty of great options to choose from.

Our blog has more tips on how to paint a cedar fence, the best nails for fence pickets, cedar vs pine fence, cedar fence cleaner, cedar vs redwood fence, cedar post fence ideas, pressure treated pine vs cedar fencing, and more.

But the only thing left to do now is choose the best cedar fence stain based on your unique needs and preferences. Better yet, avoid the hassle of staining your fence altogether with our cedar fence pickets Dallas pre-stained to perfection.

Take the stress out of staining and let Viking Fence deliver pre-stained cedar pickets ready to install. Transform your property with our help today and bring your dream fence to life!