Why Your North Dallas Fence is Fading (And How to Fix It for Good)

Last spring, a Plano homeowner watched their $6,000 cedar fence turn gray and cracked in just three years. The culprit? Texas sun, humidity, and zero protection.

If you live in North Dallas, Plano, Frisco, or Richardson, you know how brutal our climate is on wood fences. One season of relentless UV exposure and moisture can age your fence by a decade. But with the right approach, you can extend your fence lifespan from 10 years to 20+.

Why North Texas Destroys Unprotected Fences

Our climate attacks wood from every angle. Intense UV rays fade rich cedar to dull gray within months. High humidity causes swelling, warping, and rot. Temperature swings from freezing winters to 100°F+ summers create cracks and splits.

We see it in nearly every restoration project across Plano and Allen: faded boards, peeling stain, structural damage that could’ve been prevented.

A proper finish blocks UV rays, seals out moisture, and adds 10+ years to your fence life.

Paint vs. Stain: What Works in Texas Heat

Paint offers solid coverage but blisters and peels under our intense sun. It requires heavy scraping for reapplication.

Oil-based stain penetrates deep into wood grain and moves with the wood as it expands and contracts—drastically reducing peeling. It’s easier to reapply and built for climates like ours.

At Top Rail Fence North Dallas, we use oil-based penetrating stains like Ready Seal on 95% of installations. We pre-stain every board—all four sides—before installation, so even trimmed edges stay protected. It’s the difference between a fence lasting 10 years versus 20+.

Perfect Timing for North Dallas

Apply stain during spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) when temperatures hit 50°F–85°F and humidity stays below 60%.

Avoid: Mid-summer heat (dries too fast), rainy periods, or cold snaps below 50°F.

Pro tip: Wait 48 hours after rain or power washing before staining. If wood feels cool or damp, wait another day.

How We Protect Your Fence

Our process for every Plano and Frisco project:

1. Deep Clean – Power wash to remove pollen, mildew, and old finishes
2. Inspect & Repair – Replace damaged boards, loose fasteners, or weak posts
3. Prep Surface – Light sanding opens wood grain for better absorption
4. Pre-Stain – For new builds, we stain every surface before installation
5. Apply – Professional sprayers with back-brushing ensure deep penetration

Recent project: We restored 5,500 sq ft of fencing in Plano—transforming weathered gray to rich coffee brown and Oxford brown stain. The homeowner said: “They were prompt, respectful, and our fence looks great.”

Maintenance That Saves Thousands

Simple routine care prevents expensive repairs:

• Inspect annually for fading, mildew, or soft spots
• Clean gently with mild soap and water
• Re-stain every 2–3 years (high-sun areas need it sooner)
• Keep sprinklers and plants away from direct fence contact

Spending a weekend every few years saves thousands in premature replacement.

When to Call the Pros

DIY isn’t enough when you see:

• Sagging or leaning posts
• Extensive peeling or flaking
• Multiple rotted boards
• Severe weathering or storm damage

Why Choose Top Rail Fence North Dallas

We’re not just contractors—we’re North Texas residents who understand what our climate does to wood. Owner Malachi Frye and his father Andy bring business expertise, but more importantly, they live here and stand behind every fence.

What sets us apart:

• Pre-stain every board surface before installation
• Install posts at proper depth (3 feet) with adequate gauge thickness
• Use Western red cedar and commercial-grade materials
• Free on-site estimates with transparent pricing

We serve Allen, Frisco, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, and all surrounding communities with residential, commercial, and agricultural fencing.

Protect Your Investment Today

Don’t let Texas sun destroy your fence. With proper finishing and maintenance, your fence can stay strong and beautiful for 20+ years.

Spring and fall staining slots fill fast. Reserve your spot now and protect your investment before the next Texas summer hits.