How to Keep Your Redwood Fence Looking Like New

Redwood is one of the most common fencing materials because it has natural oils that resist rot and mold and it lasts longer outdoors than most other wood species. It discolors quickly in sunlight, however, and it cracks and warps when it gets too dry. A simple maintenance program conducted at regular intervals will keep the fence looking its best. The program should include a thorough washing, repair of cracking and separating boards, and a touch-up finish. Although redwood doesn't really need a finish, applying one with a small amount of pigment will delay discoloring.


Rent a power washer with a maximum pressure of 1,500 to 2,000 psi. Avoid more powerful machines -- they can gouge the wood. Ask for a 15- and a 25-degree tip. The latter is for general cleaning while the former is for problem spots.


Wash both sides of the fence with the power washer and the 25-degree tip, keeping the tip about 18 inches from the surface of the wood and moving it along the grain. Change to the 15-degree tip to clean in crevices next to posts and under rails and to remove discoloration around nails and metal hardware.


Let the fence dry for 48 hours -- longer if the humidity is high -- and make any necessary repairs. Use epoxy wood filler to fill noticeable gouges or holes and epoxy cement and C-clamps to repair splits. Replace any fence or trim boards that are beyond repair.


Repair a sagging gate by tightening the hinge screws with a screwdriver. Replace any screws that you can't tighten with longer ones. Square the gate with a turnbuckle, which is an adjustable metal rod. Attach it to opposite diagonal corners on the back of the gate, and tighten the adjustment nut with a wrench to pull the gate back into square.


Cover any surrounding bushes with plastic sheeting to protect them from overspray, and spray the fence with a semi-transparent stain. Use an airless sprayer to spray a privacy fence with a large surface area, but if you have a small picket or post-and-rail fence, a garden sprayer may be adequate. You can also roll the stain with a paint roller.


Paint wood preservative around the base of each post with a paintbrush to prevent it from rotting at ground level.