How-To: Giving Your Old Fence a Face-Lift

Do you have an old fence that has good bones but nonetheless is detracting from the overall aesthetic of your outdoor living space? If so, consider giving the fence a facelift rather than tearing it down and replacing it with a brand-new version. You don't have to be a professional fence contractor to breathe new life into an ailing fence. Here's what you need to do:

Inspect the Fence Carefully

The first step in giving your fence a facelift is performing comprehensive, honest inspection. Are the fence posts still firmly rooted, and are the railings relatively free of rot and fairly intact? Identify any problem areas and mark them clearly with a waterproof marker so that you can easily find them again. 

Make a Game Plan

The next step is to repair and reinforce your fence -- resist the urge to pressure was it at this time because that will only make any existing damage worse. If necessary, replace broken or rotten railings and posts. Because fences feature sectional construction, you don't have to take the whole fence apart in order to replace posts and rails.

Wash the Fence 

It is not necessary to own or rent a power washer to clean your wooden fence. If you do decide to use one, keep it on the lowest possible setting. A garden hose will work just as well, although some people do prefer to use a power washer for larger fences. 

Wash your fence by sections. The first step is to thoroughly wet the fence before cleaning it with a soft cloth, a fiber brush, and a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Let the solution sit for several minutes on areas of the fence with significant grime or stains -- and use the brush to remove stubborn patches of dirt. Add up to two cups of bleach to your cleaning mixture if your fence has multiple stained areas. Be sure to rinse each section thoroughly before moving on to the next. 

Paint or Stain the Fence

A fresh coat of paint or stain works wonders to increase the aesthetics of a wooden fence. White paint provides a fence with a classically upscale look, while staining it a neutral tone enhances a natural look. Whichever you choose, it's bound to elevate the overall curb appeal of your property.  

Depending on the size of your fence, the extent of the damage, and whether you decide to paint or stain it, the project will probably only take a couple of days. Most homeowners do the cleaning and the repair work one day and save the painting or staining for the following day.