How to Treat Your Wood Fence
West Georgia Fence • October 8, 2018
If you've decided to have a wood fence installed, then you've made a great decision. Wood fences offer you many benefits. Decide on whether you want to let the fence age naturally, stain it, or paint it. Each option will come with its own considerations you should mull over. Here are some things to think about when determining which route is best!
Allow Your Wood Fence to Age Naturally
If you've ever stopped to admire a fence allowed to age naturally, then you know how charming they can be. Also, the idea of having a wood fence installed and never needing to do any maintenance to it can be tempting.
After time, the fence will start to break, and you'll need to replace boards or be faced with having the entire fence replaced. When you replace boards on a weathered fence, it'll be hard to find ones that match.
If you choose a quality wood, even an unmanaged fence can still last for years. Keep in mind, as the fence ages, you should count on it less for important tasks, such as containing a dog.
Light Cedar can be a good option for a wood fence you plan on allowing to naturally age. This wood option will eventually end up having a grey color to it with a silver sheen.
Consider going with a picket or semi-private fence when you plan on allowing it to naturally age. A solid fence can end up looking sloppy as boards change shape and separate from one another.
Paint Your Wood Fence
Painting wood fences used to be the more popular choice before so many stain products came onto the market. The paint was used to offer homeowners a way to liven-up what would have otherwise been a plain or uneven looking fence.
Now, painting a fence is something people do when they want to achieve a very specific look, such as a fence that perfectly matches the trim of their house.
Painting your fence allows you to be 100 percent in control of what it looks like, but you need to be prepared to repaint it at least every few years. The constant exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and snow will take its toll on the paint and cause it to crack and peel.
Repainting the fence comes with a lot of preparation, as you'll need to begin the job by removing the current coat, sanding the surface, and finally applying the new paint.
While you can hire someone to paint the fence to get out of doing it yourself, the fact that you'll have to do this so often can eventually become a financial burden.
Stain Your Wood Fence
Stain gives the wood a beautiful sheen and shade of the homeowner's choosing while allowing the natural wood grains to still show through. You can go with a clear stain that shines up the natural wood's look or change the wood's color and shade.
Stains can also help to protect the wood from things like sun and water damage, keeping the fence in good shape longer.
While a stain also needs to be redone, it doesn't need touch-ups nearly as much as pant will. When a stain needs retouching, it has simply faded, unlike paint that will show significant visual damage.
Preparations for adding a new coat of stain on a wood fence are also easier than for repainting the fence. To re-stain the wood you simply need to clean the surface of the fence, then apply the stain according to the instructions.
Go with Vinyl Fencing
You have another option available to you if you want a fence that looks like wood. A vinyl fence can offer you a wood appearance in the color you want without worrying about maintenance issues.
If you're ready to discuss your fence needs, you can contact us
now. We'll be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best fence.
The Best Fence for Your Atlanta-Area Home This Summer (2026 Guide) Summer is the most popular time of year for fence installation in the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area — and for good reason. Long days, dry ground, and the urge to actually use your backyard all push homeowners to finally pull the trigger on that fence project they've been putting off. But with so many material options, choosing the right fence can feel overwhelming. This guide answers the questions we hear most often this time of year so you can make a confident decision before the summer slips away. What Is the Best Type of Fence for Georgia's Summer Heat? Georgia summers are no joke — heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms put real stress on fencing materials. Here's how each major type holds up: Wood Fence — Classic and cost-effective, but wood requires the most summer maintenance. Heat and humidity cause wood to expand, contract, and potentially warp or crack over time. Annual sealing or staining is strongly recommended for Georgia homeowners. PVC (Vinyl) Fence — PVC is one of the best performers in hot, humid climates. It doesn't rot, splinter, or absorb moisture, and it won't need painting or staining. If low maintenance is your priority, PVC is a top choice for Georgia summers. Ornamental (Iron/Aluminum) Fence — Ornamental fencing is extremely durable in heat and storm conditions. The open design actually works in its favor during summer — it doesn't catch wind during storms the way solid panels can. A quality powder-coat finish resists rust and UV fading. Chain Link Fence — The most weather-resistant option by far. Metal construction means no warping, cracking, or swelling regardless of temperature swings. Chain link is a practical, budget-friendly option for large properties, pet containment, and commercial use. Should I Install a Fence in Summer or Wait Until Fall? Most homeowners assume fall is better for fence installation, but summer is actually an excellent time — here's why: Ground conditions in Georgia are typically firm and dry in summer, making post-setting easier and more precise. Scheduling availability tends to open up faster than in the spring rush. You get to enjoy it sooner. Installing in June or July means your yard is fenced and functional for backyard gatherings all season long. The one caveat: if you're installing a wood fence, avoid scheduling during an extended stretch of heavy rain. Saturated soil can shift newly set posts before the concrete fully cures. How Do I Know If I Need a Permit to Install a Fence in Carroll County or the Atlanta Area? Permit requirements vary by city and county, but here's what's typical in the West Georgia region: Most residential fences under 6 feet do not require a permit in Carroll County, but you should always verify with your local zoning office before breaking ground. HOA rules are separate from permit requirements — check with your homeowners association about height limits, material restrictions, and approved colors. Corner lots and properties near easements often have additional setback rules. West Georgia Fence has been serving the Greater Carrollton and Atlanta Metro area for over 50 years. Our team is familiar with local requirements and can help guide you through the process before your project starts. How Much Does Fence Installation Cost in the Atlanta Metro Area? Fence cost varies based on material, linear footage, terrain, and gate placement. Here are general ranges for the West Georgia and Atlanta area in 2026: Fence Type Approximate Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed) Chain Link $15 – $30 Wood (Privacy) $25 – $45 PVC / Vinyl $30 – $55 Ornamental Aluminum $30 – $60 Commercial Fencing Varies — contact for quote These figures are estimates. Sloped terrain, rock soil, removal of an old fence, and gate hardware all affect the final price. West Georgia Fence offers free custom quotes — call 770-832-3363 to get an accurate number for your specific property. Financing is also available with approved credit, so cost doesn't have to be a barrier to getting started this summer. What's the Best Fence for Privacy in a Georgia Backyard? For maximum backyard privacy, you'll want a solid panel fence with minimal gaps. The top choices: Wood Privacy Fence — The most traditional option. A 6-foot board-on-board or shadowbox wood fence provides excellent privacy and a natural look that blends into most Georgia landscaping. PVC Privacy Fence — Offers the same solid panel privacy as wood but with virtually zero maintenance. No painting, no staining, no warping. Many homeowners in the Atlanta area are switching from wood to PVC for exactly this reason. Ornamental with Privacy Slats — If you love the look of ornamental fencing but want more privacy, metal slats or inserts can be added to chain link or ornamental panels for a hybrid solution. 5 Signs Your Existing Fence Needs Repair Before Summer Gatherings Don't let a damaged fence ruin your summer entertaining plans. Watch for these red flags: Leaning or tilting posts — A leaning post is usually a sign of rotted wood or a shifting concrete footing. It won't fix itself. Boards with cracks, gaps, or rot — Cosmetic issues become structural ones when left through another Georgia summer. Rust stains or peeling paint on metal fencing — Surface rust spreads. Catching it early with touch-up paint or powder coat prevents full panel replacement. Gates that drag, stick, or won't latch — Gate hardware loosens over time, especially on heavy ornamental gates. Visible gaps at the base — If pets or small children could slip under, it's time to address the grade or add a bottom rail. West Georgia Fence handles repairs as well as new installations. If you're not sure whether your existing fence can be saved, we're happy to take a look. Why Choose a Local, Family-Owned Fence Company? With so many national chains advertising online, it can be tempting to go with the lowest bid from an out-of-area company. Here's why local matters: A company based in Carroll County knows the soil conditions, the local permit landscape, and what fence styles actually hold up in West Georgia's climate. West Georgia Fence has been family-owned and operated for over 50 years , holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau , and is fully licensed and insured. We've installed fences on everything from rural properties to government buildings to Atlanta-area apartment complexes — and we stand behind every job with a warranty. When you call us, you're talking to neighbors who care about the work they put their name on. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. Ready to Get a Free Quote? Whether you need a brand-new fence installed before your next backyard cookout or you're dealing with storm damage from the last Georgia thunderstorm, West Georgia Fence is ready to help. 📞 Call us at 770-832-3363 📍 Serving Carrollton, Atlanta Metro, and surrounding West Georgia communities 🕐 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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