Treating fence wood is a frequent question with new garden fences. In most cases you do not require a second treatment. Factory-treated fence wood has already been pressure treated. This guide explains when extra treatment is required and which products you should use.
Factory-treated versus a treatment at home
Treated fence wood from our webshop has been treated under vacuum pressure. The agents go deep into the wood cells. That performs much better than a surface coat at home. For a standard fence this is the best and cheapest choice.
Treat it yourself when you have these situations:
- Untreated timber that you want to protect around the garden.
- Cutting surfaces and end edges after the timber is sawn to size.
- Extra protection in places with heavy ground contact.
Step plan for treating fence wood
- Allow new wet timber to dry for at least several weeks outside.
- Clean the surface of dust, moss and old layers of paint.
- Treat all saw cuts and drill holes directly with wood preserver.
- Put the agent on with a brush or garden sprayer. Keep the coat thin and even.
- Repeat after 24 hours if needed. Follow the pack.
Which agent should you select?
Use a clear wood preserver or primer made for outdoor use. View our range paint and stain for agents, primers and wood oil. For a solid finish, pick garden paint after a base coat.
Care for treated fence wood
Treated fence wood does not need a new soak each year. A wash now and then still helps. If you want to hide the green colour, a solid stain helps. Read more in our range treated wood.
Questions we hear a lot
Is treated fence wood a risk for people?
Modern EU treated wood meets tight rules. It is safe for normal outdoor use. Wear a dust mask when you saw. Do not put sawdust on the compost.
How often should I treat the fence again?
Factory-treated wood: you do not need to. Self-treated bare wood: every 2 to 3 years again. That hangs on sun and rain.
Do I need to treat Douglas fence wood?
Douglas does not need a soak. Oil or stain is enough if you want to keep the colour. See Douglas maintained.