Staining techniques bring out redwood shine

Q: We had our backyard fence replaced last year. The new fence is redwood, with lattice on top, in a neighbor-friendly style. It is exactly 1 year old and has darkened to a grayish hue. I was told we should have stained it to preserve it.

Was it necessary to stain it? Is it too late to do this now?

A: As homeowners and renovators we've faced many of the dilemmas presented to us, including this one. Both of us have had to figure out what to do with discolored redwood in fences or decks.

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