The cost to restain a fence is typically $1-$4 per square foot of surface, or about $600-$2,400 for a 100-foot, 6-foot-tall fence stained on both sides. The final price depends on fence dimensions, wood condition, stain type, access, and local labor rates; washing, repairs, and old-coating removal can add to the bill.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 linear feet, 6 feet tall, both sides | $600 | $1,500 | $2,400 | About 1,200 sq ft of stainable surface |
| Staining rate | $1 per sq ft | $2.50 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | Surface area, not fence length |
| Cleaning and preparation | $100 | $300 | $700 | More if stripping or repairs are needed |
What homeowners pay to restain a 150-foot wood fence
For a typical 6-foot privacy fence, staining both sides of 150 linear feet covers roughly 1,800 square feet. A straightforward job generally costs $1,800-$4,500, with about $3,000 a common midrange estimate. A single-sided job may cost roughly half as much if the contractor can stain only the homeowner’s side without extra masking or access work.
These estimates assume sound wood, a standard semi-transparent stain, normal access, and no major stripping or board replacement. A 4-foot fence has less surface area than a 6-foot fence of the same length. Assumptions: U.S. residential labor, standard exterior wood stain, ordinary site access, and both fence faces included unless noted.
How stain, washing, and labor appear on a fence quote
Contractors may quote one bundled price or itemize cleaning, materials, and application. The table shows common ranges for a 100-foot, 6-foot fence treated on both faces; actual charges depend on condition and local rates.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stain and supplies | $150 | $300 | $550 | Product, brushes, masking, and basic consumables |
| Labor | $350 | $850 | $1,500 | Cleaning, preparation, and application |
| Washing and prep | $100 | $250 | $500 | Cleaning, light sanding, and surface protection |
| Stripping or repairs | $0 | $200 | $700 | Extra charge when old coating or damage requires work |
Labor and preparation often account for most of the quote. The stain itself may cost $30-$80 per gallon, and coverage commonly ranges from 150-300 square feet per gallon per coat, depending on wood porosity and product directions.
Which fence dimensions, wood condition, and stain change the price?
Measure the fence length and height, then multiply to estimate one face; double that result for both faces. A 150-foot, 6-foot fence has about 900 square feet per face. Gates, lattice tops, closely spaced boards, and uneven terrain can increase the time needed even when their added area is small.
Surface condition and coating choice are major price drivers. A clean fence that accepts stain may need only washing and drying, while peeling paint or a failing solid stain can require stripping at roughly $0.50-$2 per square foot. New or very dry wood may absorb more product. Transparent and semi-transparent stains generally cost less to apply than labor-intensive solid finishes when extensive coverage or extra coats are needed.
Wood type and moisture also matter. Cedar and redwood can require products suited to their natural oils, while rough or weathered boards may use stain faster than smooth lumber. If more than about 10%-15% of boards are damaged, get a separate repair estimate before comparing staining-only quotes.
How to lower the fence restaining price without cutting corners
Confirm the quote’s measured surface area, number of coats, included fence faces, and preparation tasks. Clear scope and comparable bids are more useful than choosing the lowest unexplained total. Ask whether the price includes washing, sanding, masking plants, stain, and cleanup, and whether repairs are billed separately.
Homeowners may reduce labor charges by moving furniture, trimming plants away from the fence, and clearing access before the crew arrives. Avoid pressure-washing so aggressively that it damages wood fibers, and allow adequate drying time before staining. If the existing finish is sound and compatible, a contractor may be able to clean and recoat it rather than charge for full stripping; the product and surface condition should determine that choice.
How long a fence crew needs and what labor rates mean
A two-person crew may need 1-2 days for a straightforward 100-foot fence, including washing, drying delays, and staining. Large properties, tight access, intricate pickets, or extensive scraping can stretch work to 2-4 days. Drying time between cleaning and coating can affect the calendar schedule even when it does not add full-time labor hours.
Exterior painting and staining labor commonly runs about $40-$75 per worker-hour, with regional differences and business overhead reflected in the final rate. Ask whether the contractor prices by the hour or by measured surface area. A per-square-foot bid is easier to compare when both estimates include the same preparation and number of coats.
How fence staining prices shift across U.S. regions
Labor markets and travel distances change prices even for similar fences. As a broad planning adjustment, metropolitan areas in the Northeast, West Coast, and high-cost parts of the Mountain West may run 15%-30% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller towns and rural areas may be 10%-20% below it, though long contractor travel or limited crew availability can offset the difference.
Local quotes matter most when the job requires substantial prep or access work. Climate can also affect scheduling: humid or rainy periods may delay drying, while peak warm-weather demand can limit availability. These conditions do not set a universal surcharge, so compare written estimates from contractors working in the same area.
Three fence sizes show how restaining quotes add up
These examples use a $2.50-per-square-foot midpoint for both sides, with adjustments for preparation. They assume a 6-foot wood fence and ordinary access; local bids may differ.
| Fence and condition | Surface area | Labor time | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 feet, sound wood, light wash | 900 sq ft | 8-12 hours | $1,000-$2,200 |
| 150 feet, routine cleaning and staining | 1,800 sq ft | 16-24 hours | $2,000-$4,500 |
| 200 feet, peeling finish and extra prep | 2,400 sq ft | 28-40 hours | $3,600-$7,000 |
Extra stripping and repairs explain why the longest example exceeds a simple per-square-foot calculation. Confirm whether totals include stain, tax, gates, both sides, and disposal of debris before treating estimates as directly comparable.