How much will your fence painting cost?
Columbus, OH 43215
Fence painting costs$692 - $1,775
National average fixed price
- Most common low price:$692
- Most common high price:$1,775
How much does it cost to paint a fence?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Mon, Aug 04
The national average cost to paint a fence ranges from around $692-$1,775 and most people pay around $1,108, according to Thumbtack data. The price depends on multiple factors, including the fence material, height, and length.
Fence painting cost
| National average cost | $1,108 |
|---|---|
| Low-end average cost | $692 |
| High-end average cost | $1,775 |
If you have a wooden fence (or if you’re thinking about building one), staining or painting it is an excellent idea. It can help protect your wood from moisture, weather and other elements. Learn more about the cost to paint or stain a fence, and get personalized cost estimates from fence painters in your area.
Table of Contents
Fence painting costs by length
Here are some examples of the total cost based on the fence’s total length:
| Fence length | National average cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 ft. | $477 - $1,225 |
| 100-200 ft. | $698 - $1,792 |
| 200-300 ft. | $721 - $1,849 |
Fence painting cost vs. fence staining cost
Generally, painting a fence will cost more than staining a fence. A gallon of stain is usually less expensive than a gallon of paint, but most fence jobs require more stain for proper coverage. Therefore, the initial costs to stain a fence may be higher than for painting.
However, painting a fence requires more upkeep down the line. You’ll need to apply more paint (thus, spend more money) to maintain your fence.
Fence painting cost factors
Fences come in all shapes and sizes. Discover the characteristics that make a fence relatively affordable or expensive to paint (or stain)
Fence material
The fence material dictates how much preparation is required before painting or staining can begin. Vinyl fences clean up easily with a pressure washer, but wrought iron and wood fences often require sanding so that the primer adheres properly.
Fence height
Taller fences require additional paint and labor to cover their greater surface area. In some cases, the painters may need special equipment like ladders or extendable poles to reach the top. All of this adds cost to the project.
Fence length
Longer fences cost more to stain or paint simply due to the increased amount of paint and labor required. Also, consider whether the length of the fence makes it difficult to reach with extension cords or water hoses, which may affect whether power washers, paint sprayers and other efficient power tools can be used. If the contractor has to haul in a water tank or generator — or even use hand tools — due to the length of the fence, the cost may increase.
Project scope
Just a few touch-ups here and there costs less than a full repaint. Expect the price to increase if more than one color is used or if any special design work is required.
Gate painting
Having a gate increases the price of the fence painting project because gates typically need an extra coat of paint or fence sealer to keep them in tip-top shape despite frequent use and direct contact with the oils on our hands.
Gates also require a little extra care and attention so that the hinges, handles and nearby concrete or pavers don't get splattered. This means they may need to be hand-painted, which takes more time and consequently costs more.
Current finish
Your fence’s current finish influences the price of the project because it might need to be removed. For example, if your wooden fence currently has paint on it and you'd like to stain it, the paint has to come off first. On the other hand, if a wood fence is already stained but simply needs a fresh coat, the existing stain can remain intact.
Supplying the paint or stain
If you already have primer, paint or stain on hand, you could save money on the overall cost of the project. Confirm that the fence painting pro will use the paint you supply and will remove the corresponding charge on your invoice.
Is painting or staining a fence worth the cost?
Yes, staining or painting a fence is worth the cost, time and effort. Leaving a fence unfinished exposes it to harsh elements, weather and water. Painting or staining your fence can prolong its life and save you money down the line.
How to hire someone to paint or stain your fence
Search for fence painting or staining professionals on Thumbtack and read their customer reviews. Once you find a few pros you like, contact them for free estimates and to learn more about their services. To accurately compare their estimates, always ask for them to be itemized. This way, you'll know exactly which services or materials are missing from the lowest estimate compared to the highest. And give the contractors details about your fence — its age, material, style, current finish, height and length — so contractors can estimate how much it will cost to paint or stain it.
Giving the contractors photos of your fence is helpful as well.It's also important that you ask about the project’s timeline, warranties and guarantees, and how the contractor plans to protect the surrounding lawn, garden, patio, walls, etc. If the fence is in disrepair, ask if the contractor can repair the fence before painting it and how much it will cost. If they can't repair it, you may need to hire a separate contractor for this service.
Compare prices from Fence Painters near you.
FAQs
What is the best stain for a wood fence?
There's no universal "best stain" for a wood fence. Different types of wood absorb stains differently. Oil-based and water-based stains exist, as do stains with varying levels of opacity, UV protection and water protection. Consult a local pro for recommendations based on your particular fence and expectations.
How many coats of stain do I need for a fence?
The number of coats needed for a fence depends on the exact product being applied. Read the application instructions to determine if one coat will suffice. The label may recommend up to three coats for maximum performance.
How clean should a fence be before staining?
All oil or dirt on the surface of the fence must be removed to ensure the stain comes in contact with the wood.
Should I pressure wash a fence before staining?
Pressure washing a fence before staining it is a great way to clean dirt off the wood, but water alone may not suffice in removing oily build-up or imperfections. After pressure washing, you may need to apply a detergent. However, be careful when using a pressure washer. If your fence is weak and you use too much pressure, you could damage your fence. Most contractors recommend pressure washing wood to remove mildew, and other fence pros say pressure washing can cause the surface of the wood to deteriorate and recommend using a bleach-and-water solution instead.
Joe Hernandez, owner of V&G Enterprises in Hamden, Connecticut, usually pressure washes fences before re-staining them for his clients. After the wash, the wood needs to dry, which adds to the time. Hernandez charges $400-$800 to clean and re-stain a fence, depending on the square footage.Talk to a fence contractor or a professional pressure washing service to find out if your fence can handle a pressure washer.Find the best fence painter in your neighborhood.
How long should a fence dry before staining?
Brande-new fences need to dry or "weather" for about two months in order for the wood to successfully absorb the stain. You'll know the wood is dry enough if water soaks into it instead of beading up. In terms of recent rainfall, allow the wood to dry for about 24 hours before staining. In humid or cool conditions, allow about 48 hours.
What time of year is best to stain a fence?
For fence stains to adhere, dry and perform properly, they must be applied within a specific temperature range (which varies by brand and stain type) and in dry conditions. Fall tends to offer the best weather for fence staining, but summer may also work well in areas with low humidity.
How do we know these prices?
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Pros this year
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Projects a day
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