The Quick Answer
Wood fence staining costs $3–$8 per linear foot. Fence painting costs $5–$12 per linear foot. Iron/metal fence painting costs $8–$15 per linear foot. A typical 150-foot, 6-foot-tall privacy fence costs $600–$1,600 for staining or $900–$2,400 for painting, including full prep and premium products.
Wood Fence Staining Price Ranges
| Fence Length | Good Condition | Needs Restoration |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 75 ft) | $400–$600 | $600–$900 |
| Medium (75–150 ft) | $600–$1,200 | $900–$1,800 |
| Large (150–300 ft) | $1,200–$2,400 | $1,800–$3,600 |
| Extra Large (300+ ft) | $2,400+ | $3,600+ |
* Based on 6-foot privacy fence. Prices are estimates for San Diego County as of 2025. Actual pricing depends on site inspection. Call for a free estimate.
Iron & Metal Fence Painting Price Ranges
| Fence Length | Light Rust / Good | Heavy Rust / Restore |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 75 ft) | $600–$1,100 | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Medium (75–150 ft) | $1,100–$2,200 | $1,600–$3,000 |
| Large (150–300 ft) | $2,200–$4,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Extra Large (300+ ft) | $4,500+ | $6,000+ |
* Includes rust removal, primer, and topcoat. Electrostatic/HVLP spray finish. Prices are estimates for San Diego County.
What Affects the Cost?
Fence Length & Height
More linear feet = more product and time. Taller fences (8 ft) cost more per foot than standard 6 ft due to extra material and scaffolding.
Current Condition
A fence that just needs a fresh coat is much less work than one that's peeling, mildewed, or has damaged boards needing replacement.
Product Choice
Premium oil-based stains (Stain & Seal Experts) cost more upfront but last 4–5 years vs. 2–3 for budget products — saving money long-term.
Number of Sides
Staining both sides of a fence adds 40–60% to the cost. Many homeowners split the cost with their neighbor.
Stain vs. Paint
Paint requires primer + 2 coats and costs more upfront. Stain penetrates the wood and is faster to apply but needs re-application sooner.
Access & Obstacles
Fences behind sheds, along slopes, or with heavy vegetation require more time. Gates, lattice tops, and post caps add complexity.
What's Included in Our Fence Staining Service
When you hire Tom Sawyer Fence Painting, here's what you get — no hidden fees, no surprise charges:
Full pressure washing with wood-safe cleaner
Wood brightener application to open the grain
Masking of adjacent surfaces (concrete, siding, plants)
Premium stain product (Stain & Seal Experts or equivalent)
Professional airless spray application for even coverage
Back-brushing for maximum penetration into wood grain
Both sides stained (if accessible and requested)
Post caps, gates, and lattice included
Drop cloth protection for landscaping
Final walkthrough and satisfaction guarantee
Clean job site — we leave it better than we found it
DIY vs. Professional: The Real Cost Comparison
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost (150 ft fence) | $200–$500 | $800–$1,400 |
| Time Investment | 2–3 full weekends | 1 day (you do nothing) |
| Stain Lifespan | 1–2 years (typical) | 3–5 years |
| Cost Per Year | $150–$350/year | $200–$350/year |
| Equipment Needed | Rent sprayer, buy brushes, pressure washer | All included |
| Risk of Failure | High (prep & application mistakes) | Very low (20+ years experience) |
| Warranty | None | Workmanship guarantee |
The biggest hidden cost of DIY is stain failure. Without proper pressure washing, brightening, and spray technique, stain often peels or fades within a year — meaning you're buying materials and spending weekends all over again.
Staining vs. Painting: Which Is Right for Your Fence?
| Factor | Staining | Painting |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Wood fences (cedar, redwood, pine) | Metal/iron fences, or wood if you want solid color |
| Cost Per Linear Foot | $3–$8 | $5–$12 (wood) / $8–$15 (metal) |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years | 5–7 years (wood) / 5–10 years (metal) |
| Maintenance | Re-stain when faded | Scrape & repaint when peeling |
| Appearance | Natural wood grain visible | Solid, opaque color |
| Prep Required | Pressure wash + brighten | Sand + prime + 2 coats |
Our recommendation: For wood fences in San Diego, staining is almost always the better choice. It penetrates the wood, allows it to breathe, and won't peel. For iron and metal fences, painting with electrostatic or HVLP spray gives a smooth, durable factory finish.
Get an Exact Quote for Your Fence
Every fence is different. We'll come out, measure your fence, assess the condition, and give you a detailed written estimate — free, no obligation, no pressure.
Call 858-754-9842 for a Free EstimateLicensed (CSLB #1038505) · Serving San Diego County Since 2002