What products do you use? +
We use Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain & Sealer as our standard — it has up to an 8-year manufacturer warranty on fences and is UV/mildew resistant, ideal for Florida humidity. For premium hand-finish jobs we can also use Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck on request. For paint jobs we use KILZ exterior primer + Behr Premium Plus exterior paint (acrylic, low VOC).
What's the difference between Express, Wood Restoration, and Premium Hand-Finish? +
Express ($8/ft) — wash + spray + back-brushing. Fast and clean. Best for fences under 5 years old or fences that still have good wood color underneath the dirt.
Wood Restoration + Stain ($10/ft) — adds a critical step: we chemically restore the grayed wood back to its natural color before staining. This means the stain bonds to clean wood (not oxidized fibers) and lasts 1–2 years longer. Best for most Broward fences — Florida sun grays wood fast.
Premium Hand-Finish ($15/ft) — wood restoration + hand-brushed application (no sprayer). Maximum penetration, showroom finish, 5–7 year lifespan. For shadowbox fences, picket fences, or homeowners who want the absolute best.
Will you damage my plants, grass, or flowers? +
No. We use plastic sheeting and drop cloths to protect everything within 6 feet of the fence — landscaping, irrigation, AC units, pool decks. We also pre-water plants before staining so the leaves don't absorb any overspray mist. If we trim back vegetation, we ask permission first. Zero plant damage claims since we started.
Can you replace rotten or broken boards before staining? +
Yes — $25 to $60 per board depending on size and wood type (pine pickets on the lower end, cedar or 6-foot privacy boards on the higher end). Materials and labor included. We keep common sizes in stock. If we find rotten boards during prep, we'll text you photos with a count and pricing before adding anything to your invoice — no surprises.
Do I need HOA approval? +
For cosmetic refresh (wash, stain, paint), usually no — most HOAs treat maintenance the same as repainting house trim. If your HOA requires color approval, we'll send you a Behr color swatch and product spec sheet to submit. We don't file with the HOA directly, but we'll give you everything you need. If you stick with your current color, you almost never need approval.
Do you pull permits? +
Wash, stain, and paint don't require permits in Florida (per FL Statute 489.117 — these are cosmetic, not structural work). For structural fence repair or replacement, we refer you to a licensed fence installer.
What if it rains? +
Behr Premium is rain-resistant 4 hours after application. We watch the weather and won't start staining if rain is forecast within 6 hours. If a surprise shower hits a finished job, the stain is already locked in. If rain hits during application, we cover and resume the next dry day — no extra charge.
How long until I can let my dog/kids back in the yard? +
Stain dries to the touch in 2–4 hours, fully cures in 24 hours. We recommend keeping pets and kids off the fence area for 24 hours so they don't rub against tacky stain. The yard itself is fine — only the fence boards need to dry.
Do you need water and electricity from my house? +
Yes — we use your outdoor spigot for pressure washing (typical job uses ~40 gallons) and one outdoor outlet for the sprayer. If your spigot isn't working or you don't have outdoor power, let us know on WhatsApp and we'll bring a portable tank and generator (no extra charge for Broward jobs).
How long will the finish last? +
Behr Premium Semi-Transparent: 4–6 years on fences in full Florida sun, longer in shaded sections. Premium Hand-Finish: 5–7 years thanks to deeper penetration. Prep + Paint: 7–10 years on properly prepped wood. All packages include our 5-year touch-up warranty — if it peels or fades significantly in 5 years, we come back and fix it at no labor charge (you cover materials).
Do you require a deposit? +
For jobs over $700: yes, 25% deposit to lock in your date (refundable up to 48 hours before). Jobs under $700: no deposit, just confirm by WhatsApp. Payment methods: Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or cash.
What is "wood restoration" and do I need it? +
Wood Restoration is a chemical process that reverses the gray oxidation that happens to outdoor wood in Florida sun. We apply a professional wood brightener (oxalic acid based — the same product restoration contractors use nationwide) before staining. The brightener dissolves the dead, gray surface fibers and brings back the original wood color in 5–15 minutes. The visual difference is dramatic — your fence looks like brand-new lumber before we stain it.
You probably need it if:
- Your fence is 5+ years old
- The wood looks gray, faded, or weathered
- You see dark streaks from rusty screws or nails
- You see "black bleed" stains from cedar tannins
You probably don't need it if:
- Your fence is under 3 years old and still has good color
- You only want a basic refresh wash
Either way, send us photos on WhatsApp and we'll tell you honestly whether restoration is worth it for your fence.
Is the wood brightener safe for my plants, pets, and pool? +
Yes — when applied correctly, which is how we always do it.
🪴 Plants: We pre-water all plants and shrubs within 6 feet of the fence before and after application. Wet leaves can't absorb the brightener solution. The product is biodegradable — it breaks down completely within 24–48 hours.
🐕 Pets: Keep dogs and cats off the fence area for 24 hours (same as with stain). After that, the brightener has fully rinsed away and neutralized.
🏊 Pool: No issue — we work on the fence-side only and rinse thoroughly. The brightener is acid-based but at the dilution we use, it's similar in pH to vinegar. Any runoff is far diluted by the rinse step.
🌱 Grass: Safe. May see temporary lightening of grass directly under the fence if we don't rinse well — we always rinse thoroughly to prevent this.
We've never had a plant damage claim. Florida's humidity actually helps — water dilutes any residual brightener almost immediately.
Do you offer in-home estimates? +
By default, no — our 15-minute WhatsApp photo quote is faster and just as accurate for 95% of jobs. For complex jobs ($2,500+, commercial, or HOA bulk pricing), we offer Premium On-Site Consultation for $99, fully credited toward your booking if you proceed.
Cedar · Hollywood · finished last week