Why Turner Fence Requires Staining for Warranty Protection
When you invest in a wood fence from Turner Fence, you’re getting a professionally built structure backed by a five-year limited, non-transferable workmanship warranty. This warranty is designed to cover issues caused by improper construction, such as rails pulling away from posts, pickets detaching, gates becoming unusable, or posts loosening from their foundation.
However, this coverage depends on proper homeowner maintenance—such as staining. Turner Fence requires that a wood fence-specific oil-based stain and sealant be applied within the first three months after installation. Without this step, the warranty no longer applies, even if a structural issue develops later.
The Three-Month Requirement and Why It Matters
The three-month window outlined in Turner Fence’s warranty is critical. Newly installed wood is still adjusting to outdoor conditions, including moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes. During this time, the wood is more vulnerable to damage if left unprotected.
Applying stain within this period helps stabilize the wood early. If staining is delayed beyond three months, the fence may begin to experience preventable wear. At that point, any resulting issues could fall outside of warranty coverage, even if they resemble workmanship problems.
Why Oil-Based Stain Is Required
Turner Fence specifically requires an oil-based stain and sealant for a reason. Oil-based products penetrate deeply into the wood, offering better protection against moisture and UV exposure compared to water-based alternatives.This keeps connections tighter and helps prevent issues like pickets pulling away or rails separating from posts—problems specifically addressed in the warranty.
Recommended products include Sherwin Williams SuperDeck for do it yourself or we highly recommend AFR Stain and Seal, a local reputable company. These products are designed for wood fencing and provide long-lasting protection.
How Staining Impacts Warranty Coverage
The Turner Fence warranty covers workmanship-related issues, not natural wood behavior or damage caused by lack of maintenance. Wood will naturally shrink, bow, or develop small cracks over time, and these changes are not covered.
Without proper staining, these natural processes can worsen. Wood may absorb excess moisture or dry unevenly, leading to movement that affects the structure. If boards or rails begin to pull away due to these conditions, the issue may not be considered a workmanship defect if proper sealing or staining was not completed as required.
What Happens If You Don’t Stain Your Fence
Failing to stain your fence within the required timeframe can void your warranty. Even if the fence was installed correctly, lack of staining can lead to damage that mimics construction issues but is actually caused by environmental exposure.
For example, posts may shift due to moisture in the ground, or boards may warp and detach due to uneven drying. In these cases, the problem may not be covered because the required maintenance step was not completed.
Natural Wood Changes vs. Covered Issues
It’s important to understand what the warranty does and does not cover. Natural wood changes—such as minor cracking, shrinking, or bowing—are expected and not included in warranty coverage.
However, if these changes lead to significant structural failure, such as boards pulling completely away from their supports, the issue may still be covered—provided the fence was properly stained and maintained. This makes following the staining requirement essential.
Filing a Warranty Claim
If you experience an issue with your fence, Turner Fence requires that you submit a warranty claim by emailing a photograph of the damage. After the claim is received, they have up to two weeks to respond and take action.
Having properly stained your fence within the required timeframe strengthens your claim. It helps demonstrate that the issue is related to workmanship rather than lack of maintenance.
Turner Fence’s Commitment to Quality
Turner Fence uses high-quality materials backed by manufacturer warranties, including a structural limited lifetime warranty and a one-year limited warranty on pickets. If a product fails under the manufacturer’s warranty, Turner Fence will provide labor to remove and reinstall the material.
Even with these protections, proper maintenance remains essential. Staining your fence is a key part of ensuring long-term performance and keeping all warranty protections intact.
Protect Your Fence and Your Warranty
Staining your wood fence is one of the most important steps you can take after installation. It protects the wood, supports the structure, and ensures your Turner Fence warranty remains valid.
If you have questions about the right stain, timing, or application process, Turner Fence can help guide you. Taking the right steps early will keep your fence looking great and performing well for years to come.
