You can expect to pay an average of $1,700 to have your fence stained or painted, and most projects fall between $750 and $4,250.
For most homeowners, the cost to stain a fence falls somewhere between $750 and $4,250, with an average price tag of $1,700—but it depends on the scope of the job. A simple coat of stain on a small fence could cost as little as $300, while repainting a large fence could cost as much as $4,800. Either way, staining and painting are simple ways to give your old fence an instant refresh. If you’re on the fence about a stain or paint job, this guide can help you plan your budget.
Painting or staining a fence typically costs around $3 to $14 per linear foot or $1 to $3 per square foot. There are a few different factors that come into play when you’re calculating the total price of the job. Length tends to be the most important, but you’ll also have to look at the condition of your fence, the type of fence, and labor and material costs.
Length has the largest impact on the cost to paint or stain a fence. In general, you can expect to spend $3 to $14 per linear foot, with shorter fences on the low end and taller fences on the high end. Keep in mind that this figure only includes one coat of paint or stain. Many paint jobs require at least two coats in addition to a coat of primer. Painters also tend to charge a $250 to $500 minimum, so small jobs aren’t always economical.
| Length of Fence (Linear Feet) | Typical Cost (One Coat) |
|---|---|
| 50 | $150 – $700 |
| 75 | $225 – $1,050 |
| 100 | $300 – $1,400 |
| 150 | $450 – $2,100 |
| 200 | $600 – $2,800 |
| 300 | $900 – $4,200 |
| 400 | $1,200 – $5,600 |
Most of the time, painting or staining requires some prep work. You’ll need to strip old paint, trim loose vegetation, clean your fence, and make the necessary fence repairs. This will increase the total cost of the job. Here are some common costs during the prep phase:
Fence repairs cost an average of $300–$900
Pressure washing costs an average of $150–$300
Sandblasting costs $2–$8 per sq. ft.
Different types of fences have different best practices when it comes to painting or staining. Some need extra prep work, while others require a certain kind of paint. Some are more difficult to paint evenly, while others are easily coated in a single layer. For this reason, the type of fence impacts the overall cost of the job.
Generally, wooden or composite fences are the least expensive to paint, while metal fences are the most expensive.
While paint and stain don’t dramatically differ in cost, there is a slight price variation based on the type of paint or stain you use. You’ll need to choose between acrylic, latex, or oil-based paint formulas (though some states have banned the use of oil-based paint because they emit high levels of VOCs). In general, expect to spend:
$20–$80 per gallon on paint
$20–$50 per gallon on stain
$20–$50 per gallon on primer
You’ll also have to choose the finish, which will have a slight impact on price. Stains are either transparent, semi-transparent, or solid. Transparent stain costs the least, while solid stain has the highest price tag. There are various paint sheen levels to choose from, with prices slightly increasing for glossier finishes. Make sure you pick a formula and finish that works with your fence material.
Professional painters charge per linear foot or per square foot, and they factor their labor into the total cost. Typically, this amounts to $25 to $100 per hour. You’ll usually pay 60% more to hire a painter than you would for a DIY job.
Certain types of fences come with fewer considerations. In general, a job will cost less if the design is simple, the paint readily adheres to the material, and it requires less prep work. Metal tends to cost a bit more than wood (you’ll need a layer of rust-proof primer), and decorative accents (like lattices) add to the cost.
| Type of Fence | Cost (per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Wood (Traditional Picket Fence) | $2 – $5 |
| Wood (Privacy Fence) | $2 – $10 |
| Vinyl | $3 – $10 |
| Metal and Aluminum | $4 – $10 |
| Wrought Iron | $5 – $12 |
| Shadowbox | $4 – $14 |
Painting or staining a traditional wooden picket fence costs $2 to $5 per linear foot, though you may pay up to $10 per linear foot if you’re painting or staining a privacy fence. Privacy fences are usually a minimum of five feet tall, so they require more product and more labor. Decorative accents like lattice or other woodwork will further increase the cost.
Painting a vinyl fence costs $3.75 to $10 per linear foot. Typically, you’ll need to use an adhesive primer and an epoxy-based acrylic paint. Though most homeowners don’t paint their vinyl fences, it’s a good way to refresh fading and stave off a fence replacement. Just make sure it doesn’t void the warranty.
The cost to paint a metal or aluminum fence is anywhere from $4 to $10 per linear foot. It depends on the type of metal because, most of the time, you’ll need to add a layer of rust-proof primer. You can skip this step if the metal is already rust-resistant.
Generally, outdoor metal surfaces like a chain link fence require the use of oil-based paint. This does cost slightly more than water-based paint, but it’s also not legal in every state due to VOC levels.
Painting a wrought iron fence costs $5 to $12 per linear foot. The high price tag is because painting a wrought iron fence usually requires extra work. Your contractor must scrape off rust and apply a rust-proof primer before spraying or brushing on the paint. This can actually add around $1,250 to the total cost of the job.
At $4 to $14 per linear foot, shadow box fences cost the most to paint due to their intricate design. The alternating slats make it more difficult to remove old paint and require extra attention while painting. As with most jobs, the more labor-intensive, the higher the cost.
The type of fence and the size isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to pricing. You’ll also have to consider how much paint you’ll use. In general, one gallon of paint or stain typically covers 200 to 400 square feet. It depends on the formula, but the more you’ll need, the more it’s going to cost. Here are some additional costs to consider.
Linear footage isn’t always as it seems. It’s not just about the length of your fence, but how many coats of stain or paint you’ll need as well. If your fence is 100 linear feet and needs two coats, your contractor will actually paint a total of 200 linear feet. Budget for the following:
Staining: one or two coats
Painting: one coat of primer and two coats of paint
You may need more or less depending on your specific type of fence. For example, metal and vinyl fences require special primers and may need extra coats.
Most of the time, you’ll want to paint or stain both sides of your fence. This way, your fence can get the full protective benefits rather than just a little color. That said, fences often sit on property lines, so you may need to consult your neighbor. It will cost less to paint a single side, but it's not typically recommended.
If you’re staining a fence yourself, you’ll only have to purchase tools and materials. Each gallon of paint or stain costs $20 to $80 on average, though designer paints could cost more. You’ll also need painting supplies like brushes, rollers, trays, and drop cloths. Paint sprayers are the quickest method, but they’re more expensive at $40 to $250.
Don’t forget to factor prep into your budget. You may need to sand off old paint or use a chemical paint stripper. If your fence is very dirty, you might need to rent a pressure washer, which costs $80 to $180 per day.
You can save up to 60% by staining or painting your fence on your own, but that’s easier said than done. Some fences (wrought iron or shadowbox fences in particular) are difficult to paint. Some people struggle removing paint and applying even coats—and that’s before you factor in repairs. Unless you’re doing a basic paint job, it’s best to hire a fence stainer or painter near you. You may even be able to save money when you bundle painting jobs together, like having your exterior door repainted at the same time as your fence.
If you need to tighten your budget, look no further. There are some ways you can save on the cost of staining or painting a fence. In this case, materials matter. Here are some things you can do.
Designer paints and stains can add up to hundreds more than affordable brands. Keep in mind, high-end paints are made from higher-quality ingredients, so you may be able to get away with fewer coats—particularly when you’re going from a darker color to a lighter color. If you do use more affordable paint, spring for a better primer.
You’ll save money if you choose the right paint or stain the first time around and don’t have to repaint your fence a couple of months down the line. Certain formulas won’t adhere to certain materials. For example, latex paint will likely peel away from a wrought-iron fence, and you’ll need an epoxy-based acrylic paint to stick to the smooth surface of a vinyl fence. Do your research before buying materials.
Maybe you’re comfortable with painting, but not stripping paint. Maybe you know how to prep a surface, but struggle getting an even coat. Either way, you can take on a portion of the labor to save on contractor costs.
You might think you could save a few bucks by scoping hardware stores for paint sales, but it’s typically more cost-effective for your contractor to purchase the paint. Professional painters often have volume discounts with suppliers because they purchase paint regularly. You might save anywhere from 15 to 30% per gallon.
Katy Willis contributed to this piece.
It typically takes three to five days to stain a fence, though most of that time is spent—literally—watching paint dry. The main issue is that you can’t stain a wet fence because the stain won’t sink into the porous grain of the wood. That means you’ll need to wait 24 hours to stain your fence after you wash it and 12 to 24 hours between each coat. Most people spend about an hour staining per 10 to 20 linear feet.
Moisture and rot are the largest threat to wooden fences. Stain can help your wood fence last 15 to 20 years, but only if you choose a stain with waterproofing qualities or add a sealant. Oil-based stains create a thicker moisture barrier than water-based stains, though both are mold and mildew resistant. You’ll generally need to re-stain your fence every one to eight years to get full protection.
You should stain both sides of your fence to get the full benefits. Fences often fall along property lines, so you may want to save a buck by leaving your neighbor’s side in the dust. If you do that, all you get is a slightly better view. Moisture and UV rays can still sneak in through the side that’s unpainted or worn down and damage your fence. Rot and rust will spread, even if you can’t see it from your side of the lawn.
Staining a fence is cheaper than painting a fence due to the cost of materials and the longevity of the finish. Stain not only lasts longer than paint without chipping or peeling, but you also won’t have to put in the extra time and cost to prime the surface first.
