Keeping Your Fence Looking Its Best

A good fence does more than just mark the edge of your property – it adds style, privacy, and security. Here in the Scottish Borders, our mix of sunshine, wind, and plenty of rain can take its toll on fencing if it’s not cared for regularly. Regular maintenance will keep it looking great and standing strong for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the essentials - from choosing the right materials to seasonal maintenance and care tips. 

Choosing the Right Materials

The first step to a long-lasting fence is picking quality materials. It’s worth thinking about how well they’ll handle our local weather, how long they’ll last, and, of course, how they’ll look in your garden.

Here are some popular options: 

  • Sarking Boards: A timeless choice with a natural grain that combines traditional looks with reliable strength.
  • Timber Railway Sleepers: A great eco-friendly option, these reclaimed sleepers are tough, durable, and have a unique industrial style.
  • Fence Panels: Ideal if you’re after a quick and tidy way to create a boundary or replace old sections. We stock a range of styles in our Garden Centre, ready to suit everything from classic cottage gardens to modern spaces.

Protecting Your Fence

Once your fence is in place, the right treatment will protect it from damp, sunlight, and fungus. Whether you stain, seal, or paint, regular care will help your fence withstand the weather. 

  • Staining: Brings out the natural beauty of timber by showing its grain. A good stain not only deepens the colour but also works as a shield against dampness. We stock Sadolin Classic Woodstain in 12 different wood grain colours for you to choose from.
  • Sealing: Adds a clear protective layer that helps keep out water and fungus. A sealant works well on materials that are likely to weather. Thompsons Water Seal is more than up for this job.
  • Painting: Provides both colour and protection, forming a strong covering over the entire surface. Choose weatherproof paints that can handle rain and UV light. We recommend Ronseal Fencelife PLUS +. With a huge range of colours to choose from, we’ve got you covered.

Seasonal Care

A little attention at the right time of year can make all the difference:

Autumn/Winter

  • Protect against frost and moisture, particularly on Timber Gravel Boards and Feather Edge Boards.
  • Keep an eye on sleepers and posts for signs of rot or peeling finishes and deal with issues quickly.
  • Apply an extra coat of sealant before the worst of the weather arrives – Rustins Outdoor Varnish works well here.

Spring/Summer

  • Give your fence a clean – a soft brush and mild detergent work well. Rustins Decking Cleaner is ideal.
  • Check for loose screws, cracks, or other early signs of wear, and fix them before they get worse.
  • Make sure the surface is clean and dry before re-staining or sealing. 

Caring for Specific Fence Parts

Maintaining Timber Gravel Boards 

Keep your gravel boards in good shape by giving them a bit of regular attention.

  • Cleaning: Start by brushing off loose dirt, leaves, and debris with a soft brush. A mild soapy solution works well for a gentle clean. Rinse with fresh water and let the wood dry naturally.
  • Protection: Once dry, apply a quality waterproof coating. This helps preserve the board’s natural look while protecting it from decay and weather damage. 

Taking Care of Timber Railway Sleepers 

Railway sleepers are tough, but they’ll last even longer with a few quick checks now and then.

  • Inspection: Look out for splinters, cracks, or signs of weathering. Catching these early makes repairs much simpler.
  • Repair Tips: For small cracks, wood filler will do the trick, and metal braces can add extra support if needed. Replace damaged sleepers promptly to keep your fence strong. EverBuild Wood Filler is ideal for quick spot repairs.

Taking Care of Timber Railway Sleepers 

Feather edge boards give a smart, classic finish – but they need a little care to stay that way.

  • Preventing Moisture Damage: Keep the boards well ventilated by clearing away leaves and debris so moisture can’t build up.
  • Repainting and Recoating: When the finish starts to fade or peel, it’s time for a fresh coat of paint or sealant. This will not only brighten up the look but also restore their protection against the elements.

Caring for Treated Timber Posts

Your posts are the backbone of the fence, so keeping them sound is essential.

  • Regular Treatment Renewal: Reapply timber treatments every few years, following the product instructions, to keep decay at bay.
  • Routine Inspections: Watch for soft patches or colour changes that could be early signs of rot. Treating problems early will help your posts – and your fence – last much longer.

Why Choose Pearsons? 

At Pearsons, we’ve been helping customers find the right products for their projects for years. Our Garden Centre and Builders’ Merchant teams are well-versed in the local climate and can recommend fencing materials and treatments that will withstand the test of time.

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