How to Care for a Picket Fence

Caring for your picket fence will keep it stable and secure.

Picket fences are just one of the many fencing types available to homeowners. A picket fence is typically a short wooden fence, with thin, evenly spaced wooden strips, pointed at the top, supported by two horizontal beams. Picket fences are simple to install and can increase the beauty and value of your home. Caring for your picket fence will keep it looking nice for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• 1-gallon bucket
• Oxygen bleach
• Non-ammonia dish soap
• Scrub brush
• Waterproof wood sealant
• Paintbrush
• Garden sprayer

Instructions

1. Examine the picket fence for signs of mildew. Mildew will appear as small black or dark gray spots on the fence, and will have a pungent, wet odor.

2. Add ½ cup oxygen bleach and ½ cup non-ammonia soap to a 1-gallon bucket, and fill the bucket with warm water. Dip a scrub brush in the solution and scrub any mildew spots to kill the fungus before it can eat away the wood. Rinse with clean water and allow the picket fence to dry overnight.

3. Apply a waterproof sealant along the front and back of each picket. Brush the sealant on with a paint brush, taking care to coat the top and side edges. Allow the sealant to dry overnight, then apply a second coat for proper moisture protection.

4. Adjust your watering patterns to keep the water from repeatedly soaking the fence pickets. Excess moisture will seep into any unprotected pickets and rot them from the inside out.

5. Cut down vines and remove foliage from the pickets. Plants harbor insects that may feed on the pickets, and large bundles of roots can push the posts up and damage the fence.

6. Wash the picket fence once a year with the bleach and soap mixture. This will remove any dirt and grime and kill mildew on the surface before it can invade the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Re-apply the waterproof sealant once every 2 years. You can also use a water-resistant paint for extra protection.

References

• Universal Forest Products: Wood Fence FAQ
• Viking Fence and Deck: Wood Deck and Fence Care