Tannin Bleed From a New Redwood or Cedar Fence
Brown or orange streaks on a patio, driveway or block wall under a brand-new fence are usually tannin bleed. Here is what causes it and what to do.
What Tannin Bleed Is
Redwood and cedar naturally contain water-soluble tannins and extractives. They help the wood resist rot, but when water soaks bare boards, it carries those tannins out. The runoff dries as brown or reddish stains on concrete, pavers, stucco and block.
Why It Shows Up After the First Rain
A newly built fence is bare wood. The first rains of the season, or sprinklers aimed at the fence, are often the first time much water reaches it. Bleeding is usually heaviest early on and tapers off as the surface tannins wash out, but it can repeat each wet season if the wood is never protected.
How to Prevent It
- Finish the fence soon after install, or pre-stain the boards before they go up. See new fence pre-staining.
- Point sprinklers away from the fence.
- Keep soil and mulch from piling against the bottom boards.
- Choose an oil-based stain suited to redwood and cedar; we use Stain & Seal Experts oil stain on many wood fences.
Cleaning Stains Off Concrete and Stucco
Tannin stains often lighten with an oxalic-acid wood brightener or a cleaner made for tannin stains, rinsed thoroughly. Test a small hidden spot first, and be careful around plants and colored concrete. Older or heavy stains may need more than one round. If the fence itself has darkened, our fence restoration service cleans and brightens the wood before staining.
Get Help
If your new fence is bleeding onto a patio or wall, we can look at it and recommend the right cleaning and finish. Staining runs $7–$10 per linear foot per side; pre-staining a new fence runs $16–$22 per linear foot. Call 858-754-9842 or request a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will tannin bleed stop on its own?+
It usually slows as the surface tannins wash out, but bare wood can keep bleeding each wet season. Sealing the fence is the reliable fix.
Does stain stop tannin bleed?+
A penetrating oil stain reduces how much water soaks into the boards, which reduces bleeding. Finishing the fence early works best.
Can I stain the fence right after the bleeding?+
Let the wood dry first. We check moisture on site before staining.
Does pressure-treated pine bleed tannins?+
Tannin bleed is mainly a redwood and cedar issue, but wet pressure-treated lumber can leave its own marks while it dries.
Streaks Under Your New Fence?
Call 858-754-9842 or request a free estimate.
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