Imagine this scenario: you’ve just built the house of your dreams, which is complete with an outdoor deck where you and your family can relax under the sun, and then it hits you–the deck and the fence, they are made of wood, completely exposed to the elements. What if it rains? They could swell or shrink or even rot before you even have the chance to enjoy them.

Take a deep breath and banish all those horror images off of your head. Not all is lost! There is a solution to this, and it is called waterproofing. There are two major ways you can waterproof your wooden structures and they come with their own benefits and shortcomings. Read on to find out which one suits you best!

Stains

If you want to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain, waterproof staining could be a great method. It is obviously waterproof and preserves the natural lines of the wood, but it will also add the desired depth of color to the wood. There are two kinds of stains: solid and semi-translucent, so you can adjust the level of opacity to your liking. Is your deck or fence looking a little pale? Stain them. Most stains are also infused with wood preservatives, so no need to worry about mold and rot.

A lot of things go into determining how long your wood stain lasts. The quality of air, the amount of use, and the stain used are only some of them. However, in average your deck and fence will need to be re-stained every few years.

Paints

Paint is the protective coating of choice for many people because it tends to last longer. Also, nothing will happen to the wood, such as discoloration or injury, before it happens to the paint. Paint can also be lower maintenance compared to other methods, but it can also flake or chip. If you like things to be perfect, this may eventually become a problem.

Just like stains, the permanence of painted decks and fences largely depend on the weather, usage frequency, and quality of materials used. Make sure to choose waterproof paints made for exterior use to add some years to the longevity.

Whichever you choose, stain or paint, entrust the waterproofing process to a professional. There are so many things that can go wrong if you’re doing it yourself—not to mention the time and the cost that could be better spent on something else. Contact a trusted waterproofing contractor for more information about waterproofing your wooden fencing.

Sources:

How Long Will Your Deck Stain Last?, DoItYourself.com

How Long does Exterior Paint Last?, BestPickReports.com