Why Fence Staining Is Essential in North Texas
If you live in Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney, or Richardson, you already know that Texas weather can be brutal on wood fences. Scorching sun, heavy rains, and shifting clay soil all take a toll. Even the highest quality cedar or pine will fade, crack, or warp if it’s left untreated.
That’s why staining your fence isn’t just about looks—it’s about protection. The best fence stain preserves your fence’s natural beauty while adding years of life to your investment. It also plays a major role in HOA compliance since most neighborhoods require specific, natural-looking colors.
At Fence Makeovers, we’ve specialized in cedar and pine fence cleaning, staining, and restoration since 2003. We’ve narrowed stain choices to what really works in North Texas: two custom Behr stain colors—Sable and Walnut. These HOA-friendly shades come in both semi-transparent oil-based and solid latex finishes, giving homeowners the perfect mix of durability and curb appeal.
WHY NORTH TEXAS HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE FENCE MAKEOVERS
Not Sure Whether to DIY or Hire a Professional?
Many cedar fence problems can be repaired instead of replaced. Since 2003, Fence Makeovers has helped North Texas homeowners restore their wood fences, extend their lifespan, and avoid unnecessary replacement costs.
We believe in repairing what can be repaired first, giving every homeowner an honest recommendation before suggesting replacement.
Whether your fence needs cleaning, staining, repairs, or restoration, we’re here to help you make the right decision—not sell you services you don’t need.
✅ We Repair Whenever Possible Before Recommending Replacement
✅ Residential Cedar Fence Specialists
✅ Free, No-Obligation Estimates
✅ A+ BBB Accredited Since 2005
Ready for an Honest Opinion?
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing the Best Fence Stain
Cedar vs. Pine Fences: What You Need to Know
Cedar Fences
Cedar naturally resists insects and decay, making it a favorite in North Texas. Fresh cedar has a rich reddish tone, but it weathers to gray if left unstained.
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Best stain choice: Semi-transparent stains that highlight cedar’s grain while adding strong UV protection. Behr’s Sable Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain and Walnut Semi-Transparent Oil-Based Stain both enhance cedar beautifully.
Pine Fences
Pine is more budget-friendly but less durable than cedar. It’s prone to warping, shrinking, and insect damage if left untreated.
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Best stain choice: Solid latex stains for consistent coverage and maximum UV protection. Behr’s Sable Solid Color Waterproofing Stain and Walnut Solid Color Waterproofing Stain are excellent options for pine fences.
Why We Offer Sable and Walnut as Standard
Many stores carry dozens of fence stain shades. But after staining thousands of fences across Plano and surrounding cities, we’ve found that Sable and Walnut consistently deliver the best results.
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Sable – A warm, medium brown that blends perfectly with light brick and stone homes. Available in both semi-transparent and solid finishes.
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Walnut – A deep, rich brown that complements darker exteriors and modern homes. Available in semi-transparent oil-based and solid latex.
Both colors are widely HOA-approved, meaning you avoid costly re-staining if your community requires specific shades.
See Behr’s official previews:
Custom Stain Colors Available
While most homeowners select Sable or Walnut, Fence Makeovers also offers custom stain colors for an additional charge. This is a great option if you want to match a unique exterior or make a bold design statement.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check your HOA rules before choosing a custom color. Some HOAs only allow neutral tones. We can help guide you through the approval process.
Semi-Transparent Oil vs. Solid Latex: Which Is Right for You?
Semi-Transparent Oil Stain
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Penetrates deep into wood fibers
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Enhances wood grain (perfect for cedar)
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Provides a natural, organic appearance
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Available in Sable and Walnut
Solid Latex Stain
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Provides a uniform, painted-like finish
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Excellent UV protection
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Masks imperfections in pine or older fences
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Available in Sable and Walnut
Our specialists at Fence Makeovers will walk you through the options based on your wood type, HOA requirements, and long-term goals.
How Often Should You Stain a Fence in North Texas?
We recommend re-staining every 2-3 years. Signs your fence is ready for a new coat include:
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Faded or uneven color
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Graying or weathered wood
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Water soaking in instead of beading
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Cracks or splitting boards
👉 If you’re unsure, visit our
Fence Makeovers Showroom in Plano, TX to see stain samples and speak with a fence stain expert.
Why Choose Fence Makeovers?
Since 2003, homeowners across Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, and Richardson have trusted us with their fences. Here’s why:
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We use Behr Premium commercial-grade stains for longer-lasting results.
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We specialize in cedar and pine fence restoration—not just general handyman work.
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Our Plano showroom lets you see colors and finishes before deciding.
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We understand HOA requirements and recommend compliant colors.
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We offer a full range of services: fence staining, fence repair, and new fence installation.
Visit Our Plano Showroom
Our Fence Makeovers Showroom in Plano carries Behr stains in sizes from ½ pint samples to 5-gallon containers. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or hiring our professionals, you’ll have access to the highest-quality products and expert guidance.
👉 Ready to protect and beautify your fence? Request your free estimate today.
Trusted. Proven. Rated A+ by the BBB.
Looking for a fence company you can trust? Fence Makeovers is proud to hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Protect Your Cedar Fence for Years to Come
Now that you know why power washing can damage a cedar fence, the next step is protecting your investment with the right maintenance and repairs. Whether your fence needs professional cleaning, replacement boards, gate repairs, or a fresh coat of stain, Fence Makeovers specializes in restoring cedar fences throughout North Texas. Explore our related services below to learn how we can help extend the life of your fence and keep it looking its best.
Related Fence Restoration Services
- Fence Repair – Fix leaning fences, broken posts, and storm damage.
- Fence Staining – Protect cedar from UV rays, moisture, and weather.
- Fence Board Replacement – Replace damaged boards without replacing the entire fence.
- Fence Gate Repair – Restore gates that sag or won’t latch.
- Cedar Fence Repair vs. Replacement – Learn when repairing makes more sense than replacing.
Protect Your Cedar Fence with the Right Stain and Expert Application
Choosing the best fence stain is only the first step toward protecting your investment. Proper preparation, quality stain products, and professional application all work together to extend the life of your cedar fence and keep it looking beautiful for years. Fence Makeovers provides expert fence staining, repairs, board replacement, and gate repair for homeowners throughout Frisco, McKinney, Wylie, and Sachse. Contact our team today for a free written estimate and let us help restore the beauty and durability of your fence.
Don’t Pay More… Just Restore!
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