Welcome back, friends! Today we’re diving into the details of two popular fence color options: Shoji white and natural choice. As a homeowner looking to install a new wood fence, picking the right color can be a tough decision. Both Shoji white and natural choice offer beautiful, neutral fence coloring that can complement a wide range of home styles and landscapes. But there are some key differences between these two popular fence stain colors that are worth considering before making your final choice.
An Overview of Shoji White
Shoji white fence stain has a bright, clean white appearance that imitates the look of freshly painted white wood. This crisp white tone looks striking against colorful gardens and greenery. Shoji white stain contains UV inhibitors to help prevent fading, but will likely need reapplication every 2-3 years to keep its vibrant appearance. Here are some pros and cons of selecting Shoji white for your new fence:
Pros
- Bright, clean white appearance
- Looks striking against plants and flowers
- Contains UV inhibitors to resist fading
Cons
- Requires reapplication every 2-3 years
- Can look dirty if not cleaned regularly
- Very bright tone stands out prominently
If you love a classic, bright white picket fence look, Shoji white is a great choice. Just keep in mind that it will require regular upkeep to maintain its fresh appearance.
An Overview of Natural Choice
Natural choice fence stain has a subdued, organic appearance that mimics the look of weathered wood. This neutral beige-gray tone blends in beautifully with natural landscapes. Natural choice contains transparent iron oxide pigments to resist UV damage without obscuring the wood’s natural grain. Here are some of the pros and cons of this fence stain color:
Pros
- Natural, organic appearance
- Low-maintenance compared to bright white
- Resists fading while allowing wood grain to show
Cons
- Not as bright white as Shoji white
- Color may be too subdued for some tastes
If you want a fence color that blends in gracefully with your surroundings, natural choice is an excellent option. Its versatility works well with both traditional and contemporary home styles.
Comparing Shoji White vs. Natural Choice
Now that we’ve overviewed both Shoji white and natural choice fence stains, let’s directly compare these two popular color options:
| Feature | Shoji White | Natural Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Bright, clean white | Subdued beige-gray |
| Maintenance | Requires reapplication every 2-3 years | More fade-resistant |
| Versatility | Complements colorful gardens | Blends with natural landscapes |
As this comparison shows, Shoji white has a crisper, more eye-catching tone, while natural choice offers a more organic, laidback look. Consider which aesthetic you’re aiming for, along with the amount of maintenance you’re willing to keep up.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between These Two Fence Stain Colors
When deciding whether Shoji white or natural choice is the right fence color for your home, keep the following factors in mind:
- Home style – Bright white pops against contemporary homes, while natural choice suits traditional exteriors.
- Landscaping – Shoji white complements colorful gardens, while natural choice blends with neutral hues.
- Maintenance – Shoji white requires frequent touch-ups, while natural choice is lower-maintenance.
- Location – Natural choice resists weathering better under direct sun.
- Privacy – Shoji white provides a visible border, while natural choice discreetly blends in.
- Budget – Natural choice may be more affordable long-term with less frequent reapplication.
Think about how these factors apply to your specific home and needs. This will help guide you toward the best stain color choice.
Examples of How These Fence Colors Complement Different Home Styles
Let’s look at some photographic examples of how Shoji white and natural choice fence colors can complement different architectural styles:
Shoji White on a Modern Home
The bright white pops against the contemporary gray exterior and lush green landscaping.
Natural Choice on a Craftsman Home
The subdued earthy tone blends gracefully with the warm wood siding and neutral color palette.
Shoji White on a Victorian Home
The clean white provides a crisp contrast to the traditional home’s colorful flower beds and ornate details.
Natural Choice on a Ranch-Style Home
The weathered look fits right in with the laidback vibe and natural desert landscaping.
As you can see, both fence stain colors have applications that highlight different home designs when used strategically.
Commonly Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Shoji white and natural choice fence colors:
Does Shoji white stay white over time?
No, Shoji white will need reapplication every 2-3 years to maintain its fresh bright white appearance over time. The UV inhibitors help resist fading but do not prevent it entirely.
Does natural choice turn gray as it weathers?
Yes, natural choice will develop a grayish patina as it’s exposed to sun and rain over time. This weathered driftwood appearance is part of its understated beauty.
Which provides more privacy?
Shoji white is more visible from a distance, so it provides a more defined visual border. Natural choice discreetly blends in more with natural surroundings.
Can you use either stain color on cedar or pine?
Yes, both Shoji white and natural choice work well on popular fencing woods like cedar and pine. Always follow application directions carefully.
Which requires less maintenance?
Natural choice will remain fade-resistant longer than Shoji white, requiring less frequent reapplication and touch-ups over time.
Tips for Maintaining Both Shoji White and Natural Choice Fences
Here are some helpful tips for keeping both Shoji white and natural choice wood fences looking their best:
- Inspect regularly for any cracks, warping, or other damage that may need repair
- Clean periodically with a pressure washer to remove dirt, mildew, and other buildup
- Re-coat stain colors every few years following manufacturer directions
- Trim back any encroaching vegetation to prevent moisture damage
- Make timely repairs to address any issues before they worsen
- Consider professionally re-staining every 5+ years for optimal results
With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your Shoji white or natural choice fence looking like new for many years before needing full replacement.
Conclusion
When choosing between Shoji white and natural choice fence colors, consider your home’s architectural style, surrounding landscape, the look you prefer, and required maintenance level. Shoji white pops against colorful exteriors, while natural choice blends in gracefully. Weigh the pros and cons of each to decide which fence stain fits your home best.
With their beautiful yet neutral coloring, you can’t go wrong with either of these popular wood fence stain options. Just be sure to properly prep, apply, and maintain your new fence to get the most out of its color and durability. Happy choosing!
