Hello all,
We are getting ready to install a new cedar fence in our back yard to keep the dog in and allow him to run. After going back and forth with the wife we have decided that we do want to put a stain on the fence to keep it looking good. I know it will be ongoing maintenance, but I can get a sprayer to spray it every couple of years!
Anyways we are running up to the deadline to put finish on this year and I still have to put the siding and trim on the new addition and garage. We are thinking of putting the fence off until spring so that we have the time and weather to get the stain on the fence. One fence vendor told me that I should install this fall and let it sit for a year to finish. They claim it needs to weather. This seems like an opportunity for the fence to develop all sorts of stains and uneven sun wear prior to finishing. When I finish cedar picnic tables I do so prior to them moving outside to maintain the nice freshly milled look.
Anybody have any thoughts on if the cedar needs to be left up for awhile prior to finishing? The two thoughts that came to my head immediately were that they were trying for a sale now rather than the spring or that they are using freshly milled cedar that hasn't been properly dried first. Either way leads to problems!
TIA,
Chris