Pre-Stained Lumber Reduces:
Mildew / Fungus
Cracking
Splintering
Warping
UV Damage
Nail Popping
Cupping
Graying
Fading
Pre-Stained Fence Lumber
Delivered Ready for Installation
Pre-staining your fence lumber before installation is the highest-quality way to protect and finish a new fence. Instead of staining after the fence is built (when boards are already exposed to sun, moisture, and uneven coverage), we stain every board in a controlled shop environment before it ever goes on your property. This is a premium service designed for homeowners who want the best possible longevity, uniformity, and protection from day one.
How the Pre-Staining Process Works
- Ask Your Fence Contractor About Pre-Stained Installation
Speak with your fence contractor to confirm whether they offer pre-stained fence projects through Tom Sawyer Fence Painting. We regularly work directly with trusted fence contractors including:
○ Balboa Fence Company ○ Fence Plus ○ So Cal Fence ○ Vista Fence ○ Superior Fence and Rail ○ Hunter Fence ○ Native Fence ○ Fence Smith ○ HD Fence - Confirm Your Fence Installation
Once your contractor confirms the fence design and installation schedule, they will provide a material list to Tom Sawyer Fence Painting. - We Provide a Quote From the Material List
Using the exact lumber takeoff, we prepare an accurate pre-staining quote. - Choose Your Stain Color
You select your preferred stain tone from our professional color options. View stain colors here. - We Coordinate Lumber Pickup With Your Contractor
We arrange pickup directly with your contractor and bring the lumber to our shop. - Professional Machine Staining at Our Shop
Every board is stained evenly through our commercial stain machine for full, consistent coverage. - Drying + Delivery Back to Your Contractor
Once fully dried, the lumber is delivered back to your fence contractor ready for immediate installation.
Available for All Fence Styles
Pre-staining is available for virtually every fence type, including:
● Standard privacy fencing
● Horizontal fencing
● Decorative fencing
● Lattice-top fences
● Custom wood designs
If it’s wood, we can pre-stain it.
Why Pre-Staining Is a Premium Service
Most fences are stained after installation, which leaves many areas exposed or unreachable.
Full 6-Sided Coverage
Each board is stained on:
● Front
● Back
● Both edges
● Top
● Bottom
That means all six sides are sealed, not just the visible face. This is one of the biggest upgrades possible in fence longevity.
Longer Life Before Maintenance Is Needed
Because the lumber is fully coated before installation, pre-stained fences typically last an extra year or more before needing a maintenance coat compared to post-install staining.
That means:
● Less early fading
● Better moisture resistance
● More even aging
● Longer protection cycle
Lumber Absorption Rates Vary by Wood Type
Different woods absorb stain very differently, which affects both appearance and performance.
Cedar:
Cedar is lighter and tends to absorb stain evenly, producing clean, consistent color.
Redwood
Redwood contains natural tannins and can show richer tones, but absorption varies depending on age and grade.
Pressure-Treated Pine
Pressure-treated lumber often absorbs stain unevenly at first due to moisture content and treatment chemicals. Pre-staining helps reduce blotchiness and improves uniformity.
Dry vs. Green Lumber
Drier boards absorb more stain immediately, while wetter boards require more controlled drying time for best results. Our shop process allows us to manage these variables for a more consistent finish.
Choose staining for a Fence That Lasts Longer!
The Best Fence Finish Starts Before Installation
Pre-staining is the most professional way to build a fence that looks better on day one and stays
protected longer.
If you’re working with one of our partner contractors, we can make your fence installation
seamless—from raw lumber pickup to finished boards delivered back, ready to build.