General

A good layer of paint will not only improve your fence’s aesthetics but can also prevent premature wood rot and protect it from the elements like sun, rain, wind and even insects.

In this guide, we’ll answer questions like:

• How do you prepare a wooden fence for painting?
• Do you need to prime a wood fence before painting?
• What tools and supplies will be required?
• How long will it take to paint a fence?

Painting Supplies and Tools

Before you begin giving your fence a facelift, you will need the following tools and supplies to do the job:

• Exterior wood paint
• Wood primer
• Sanding paper
• Bed sheets
• Plastic sheets
• Dry brush
• Sponge
• Warm water
• Detergent
• Goggles
• Bleach
• Mask
• 2” or 5” brush
• Paint rollers
• Ladder – only if you have a tall fence

What Type of Paint Do You Need?

In the preparation process and while you learn how to paint a wooden fence, you’ll come across several types of paint. It is important to know which of the following paints will best suit your needs:

• Acrylic Paint: This type of paint is chemical based and more elastic. It expands better upon contact with wood. It also offers better protection from the sun.
• Latex Paint: Latex paint is more affordable than acrylic and easier to apply. It’s also easier to clean.
• Oil-Based Paints: Oil-based paints spread smoothly over a surface, allowing you to cover a larger area more thoroughly with just one coat. It shrinks less and tends to hold up well in high-traffic areas. However, it takes much longer to dry than other paint types.
• Primer: A primer is an undercoat paint that is a must. You need to apply this on your fence surface before any other paint. It creates a bonding layer on the wooden surface and seals it. Primers allow other paints to stick better onto the wood, and it also protects the fence from moisture and mildew.

Choosing the type of paint you are going to use is based on several factors like your budget, how much time you can spend working on your fence and the local weather conditions in your area.

How Much Paint Should You Use?

Next, you must determine how much paint you will need to purchase. Each brand of paint will have different coverages. It is best to check the label to see how large an area a can of paint can cover. On average, expect to paint up to 150 to 250 square feet for every gallon of paint you purchase. However, some brands and paint types will allow you to cover larger areas.

Compute the total square footage you need to cover with paint. Don’t forget that you must paint both sides of the fence and add that to your computation.

Prepare Your Surroundings

Before you paint your fence, you should protect the other surfaces around it that you don’t want the paint to get on. This can include your patio floor, plants, furniture, nearby trees and other items close to your fence.

You may have to trim some shrubs that have grown over your fence. Then, remove any fixtures nearby or cover them with plastic or old bed sheets. You can also mask off the ground to protect it from dripping paint.

How Do You Prepare A Wooden Fence For Painting?

Before you learn how to paint a wooden fence, you should first prepare it for painting. Doing so will help ensure that the paint sticks well onto the wood, making the coat last a long time.

Clean and Repair

The first step in preparing your wooden fence is to clean it and do some repairs if needed. You should go over your fence and look for signs of damage. Check if you need to replace any backer rails, posts and pickets. Make sure to remove any old nails or screws. In addition, you can seal any holes before painting.

Next, you can manually clean any cobwebs, dirt, mildew, mud and other debris from the fence’s surface. Alternatively, you can use a power washer to get things done faster. However, make sure to use the recommended settings when using a power washer, or you may damage the fence. Also, allow the fence to dry completely after washing it.

Sanding

The old paint has already started flaking when you decide you are going to paint your fence, so you will need to use sanding paper to smoothen the surface. Even if the paint is not chipping, you need to sand the surface as a part of the preparation process to allow the paint to adhere better to the wooden surface. In addition, sanding creates a more even finish when you apply paint.

If you’re painting a new fence, you won’t need to sand it. The new wood installed on your fence will usually be pre-treated. All you need to do is ensure the wood is clean and dry.

Do You Need To Prime A Wood Fence Before Painting?

As explained earlier, you will need to prime a wood fence before you start painting, as priming will help seal the wood by adding a protective layer. A latex or acrylic primer will work well for most types of wood. However, if you use a type of redwood for your fence, such as cedar, it is best to use an oil-based primer instead.

How To Paint A Wooden Fence

Now that your surroundings have been prepared and your fence is clean and dry, the next step is to apply a primer layer to your fence. Ensure all panels are covered and leave them to dry for a minimum of 16 hours.

Next, you can choose your preferred tool for painting your fence. Your options include a sprayer, brush or roller. Make sure you know how to use sprayers, or you might waste paint and have a patchy or bubbled finish.

When using a brush or roller, use strokes along the direction of the wood grain. Make sure to apply even coats on all panels, beginning at the top and working your way down.

Allow the paint to dry for around 4 to 12 hours. After that, apply a second coat. Finally, don’t forget to clean all your tools with soap and water if it is acrylic or latex paint that you used or mineral spirit if you used an oil-based paint.

Should I DIY the Paint Job or Hire A Fence Painting Company?

If you don’t have the time or experience painting a wooden fence, it is best to leave it to the experts from Nortex Fence & Patio. We have over two decades of experience helping homeowners repair, prepare and repaint their fences to perfection. Call 972-382-7800 today or fill out this contact form to get a free estimate.

The choice of patio cover material is an important choice for a homeowner to make as it’s a significant investment. Each material has its benefits, potential application, cost and usable life. You should select a material based on the size of the cover you require, if the material matches your home and the climate you live in. 

In this guide, we’ll answer questions that will help you decide which type of patio cover material is best for your home, like: 

• What are insulated patio covers?
• Are insulation patio covers better than wood patio covers?
• Are insulated patio covers worth it?

What Are Insulated Patio Covers?

An insulated patio covering has a layer of insulation between its two cover panels. This layer provides resistance to the flow of heat, thus preventing heat from penetrating the patio to keep you cool and comfortable. 

Many insulated patio covers are made from aluminum, but they can also be manufactured using other materials such as wood. The insulation is usually made from sheets of foam. 

So, are insulated patio covers better than wood patio covers? Insulation covers have certain advantages over wooden variants. They’re a better fit if you want to conceal any electrical wiring. In addition, they’re safer and sturdier. However, they have their downsides, which we’ll discuss.

Are Insulated Patio Covers Better Than Wood Patio Covers?

After understanding what insulated patio covers are, some would like to know if they’re a better option compared to other plain covering materials such as wood, vinyl or aluminum. Knowing the pros and cons of each type of patio cover material will help homeowners make an informed purchasing decision.

Advantages of Insulated Patio Covers

Insulated covers for your patio provide the following benefits:

• Heat Reduction: Insulation covers are better at preventing heat from penetrating the patio. You benefit from its temperature retention properties and protection from the external environment.
• Conceal Cabling: This cover can conceal power cables for lights, fans and other electrical fixtures.
• Improves Aesthetics: Insulated covers are lightweight and easily customizable. Therefore, they can be designed to suit your taste in decor to enhance your patio’s aesthetics. 
• Boosts Value: Insulated covers and roofing for your patio can have a high-end appearance, which improves the property’s value. The finished design makes it more permanent compared to the panned sections of wooden covers, allowing it to retain its value over time.
• Better Protection From The Rain: Insulated roofs provide better rain protection since they are interlocked to prevent leaks and channel drainage away from your patio. In addition, a gutter can also be added for better drainage.
• Energy Savings: Since an insulation patio cover protects you from heat, it can help you save on energy bills during warmer months. Instead of turning the AC on, you can spend time relaxing on your patio and staying cool through the summer.
• Durability: Insulation patio covers are durable, which means they have a longer life span. In addition, these covers require very little maintenance.

Disadvantages of Insulated Patio Covers

Insulated covers have a few drawbacks, which homeowners should be aware of, especially when investing in them:

• Limited Colors: You will have to work out your patio design based on the colors provided by suppliers, as they are only manufactured in a select few.
• Higher Cost: The improved functionality and aesthetics of an insulated patio cover come at a significantly higher price. If you’re not ready to spend a substantial amount on your patio, you may have to settle for a cheaper option.

Benefits of Wooden Patio Covers

One of the common materials used to construct patio covers is wood. Many homeowners choose it for its aesthetic qualities, giving your property a more down-to-earth look. With proper care, wood can last for a long time, and it can offer some distinct advantages:

• Different Types of Wood To Choose From

Using wooden patio covers give homeowners various options for color and style, improving your patio’s aesthetics:

• Redwood and Cedar: These two are the most popular types of wood used in manufacturing wooden patio covers. Redwood has a darker red to a brown hue, while cedar wood has a yellowish brown color. Both types of wood are durable, but redwood does tend to last longer. In addition, redwood features subtle granular patterns, while cedar has a rustic-looking grain.
• Modified Wood: This is a more environmentally friendly option. It is durable, and its grain is similar to natural wood but tends to age into a silver-gray hue. Unlike other types of wood, modified wood doesn’t require pressure treatment. It’s best suited for homes in more humid locations due to its water-resistant properties.
• Pressure Treated Wood: This wood is easy to use, durable and resistant to insects and rot. However, the chemicals used to treat it may harm pets and people.
• Tropical Hardwood: This includes rosewood and mahogany wood. It is best suited for outdoor use, so they are excellent as patio covers. Some wood types in this category, such as rosewood and teak, offer some water resistance.
•  Various Sizes

Wood for insulation covers comes in different sizes. For instance, you can purchase lath lumber in 3/8 x 1.5 inch and 6 x 8 feet long variants. Batten lumber, on the other hand, is available in ¾ x 3-inch lengths. Multiple sizes give you more options for designing your patio.

Downsides of Using Wood for Your Patio Cover

Wooden patio covers are more vulnerable to damage and the elements compared to insulated covers. In addition, some types of wood are prone to rot and insect damage. They also require a lot of maintenance, even though some wood types offer resistance and durability. In addition, they have shorter usable lives, which will require you to replace them sooner.

Are Insulated Patio Covers Worth It?

Insulated patio covers are a better option regardless of your area’s climate or weather conditions. They last longer and add more value to your home. The cost is a concern, but you can consider it a valuable investment in your property.

It is best to consult with industry experts if you’re looking to install patio covers. Nortex Fence & Patio has proudly helped homeowners install durable and aesthetically appealing patio covers for over two decades. Our specialists will be more than happy to answer your questions. Call 972-382-7800 today or fill out this contact form to get a free estimate.

Many people prefer to use cedar to build fences for their homes. It’s a popular wood for fences due to its aesthetic quality, durability and wonderful scent. Further, it’s resistant to insects and decomposition. However, just like other types of wood, it has several downsides. So, are cedar fences worth it? This guide answers that question and covers the pros and cons of using cedar for fences.… Read More »

Two of the most common fencing materials homeowners prefer are pine and cedar. Pine wood is more affordable, but it requires more maintenance. On the other hand, cedar lasts longer, but it’s more expensive. So, which is better for fencing, pine or cedar? Below, we’ll determine which wood is best for various needs and delve into the pros and cons of each option.… Read More »

Longevity of Wood Patio Covers: How Long Will Yours Last?

A great patio deserves a high-quality, long-lasting cover. Patio covers can turn your outdoor oasis into an even more comfortable one and improve your chances when you’re ready to sell your home. Patios come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials. One of the most popular patio materials is wood. 

Wood has been used for centuries as a building material and is often very attractive. A skilled craftsperson can manipulate wood in almost infinite ways to suit different preferences and lifestyles, as long as it meets structural specifications. As a bonus, you can install matching shingles or other roof covering materials over the exterior of your home.

In this post, we help you understand wood patio covers a bit more by discussing:

• How long do wood patio covers last?
• Pros of having a wood patio cover
• When to replace your patio cover

How long do wood patio covers last? 

If you’re considering getting patio covers, one of the questions you may have is how long do wood patio covers last. The truth is there’s no way to know precisely how long your patio covers will last, but there are several things you can do to maximize their service life. If you don’t maintain your patio covers properly and appropriately, they won’t last as long as they should.

The cost to replace a wood patio cover will depend on the size and style of the surface, as well as the type of wood. The average lifespan of a wood patio cover is 10 to 15 years, though some covers may last longer with proper care and maintenance. To extend the life of your patio cover, regularly inspect it for damage and repair or replace any damaged boards.

Pros of Having Wood Patio Cover

Wood patio covers are available in many designs to match your home’s style. The cost depends on the design and whether you want a DIY project or hire someone else for it. However, here are some pointers you might want to consider for this type of project with wooden materials:

Wood offers a broad range of benefits when constructing outdoor living spaces, depending on various lumber types and colors. Not only does wood resist damage from heavy traffic zones better than most other materials, but it also features easy replacement options for damaged pieces.

For example, should individual boards become broken or rotten over time, they are simple to remove and replace as needed. It would be much more difficult with aluminum coverings. 

Wooden patios also come in many styles (ranging from rugged to delicate), meaning there’s something for everyone. At the same time, aluminum decks are often just one solid color (even if they’re designed to look like they have different colors). 

If you want to make your patio stand out, wood gives your space a unique and classic look. Additionally, wooden structures offer an infinite amount of design possibilities available in different board shapes and finishes.

When should you replace your patio cover?

It’s hard to give a timeline on how long wood patio covers last, although you can inspect some physical features to determine their integrity. The three major factors affecting longevity are the wood’s quality, the type of finish used, and the quality and frequency of upkeep.

A high-quality wood with a durable finish can last for decades if properly cared for. However, lower-quality woods and finishes will not last as long and will require more maintenance. If you want your wood patio cover to last a long time, choose high-quality materials, and have a professional apply a durable finish.

As time passes, your patio cover will inevitably show signs of wear and tear. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to replace your patio cover: 

1. Cracks or splits in the wood 
2. Warping or sagging 
3. Mold or mildew 
4. Fading or discoloration 
5. Insect infestation

Wood Patio Cover Experts 

North Dallas Fence & Patio Construction Company is proud to offer expert service, engineering, and craftsmanship when designing a beautiful new wood patio cover for your home. 

Not sure how extended wood patio covers last? Contact our experts! We are one of the most trusted residential and commercial companies in our area specializing in fences, patio covers, arbors, pergolas, automatic driveway gates, concrete paving and stamped concrete patios. We also build outdoor projects such as decks, fencing or retaining walls.