How to maintain a wooden fence
4 min read · Reviewed 2026-08-21
Twenty minutes a year, at the right time of year, in the right places.
The annual check
Walk the fence in late autumn, before the winter winds. Push each post firmly at shoulder height: any movement at ground level is the early warning that matters. Check gravel boards, look for soil banked against timber, and check gate hinges and latch alignment.
Catching one loose post in November is a small job. Discovering it in February, after it has taken two panels with it, is not.
Jobs that actually help
In order of value for effort:
- Clear soil, mulch and leaf build-up away from the base of the fence
- Cut back climbers and dense planting that hold moisture against boards
- Re-fix loose boards and arris rails with galvanised fixings
- Re-treat with a breathable stain or preserver every few years
- Adjust gate hinges before the gate starts dragging
When to treat, and with what
Treat in dry weather when the timber is dry — usually late spring or early autumn. Use a breathable stain or preserver rather than a film-forming paint, which traps moisture behind it and flakes.
New pressure-treated timber does not need treating immediately. Let it weather for a season first.