This post was updated on April 4, 2025

Hi! I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood staining and restoration. My simple deck stain facts and tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor. See here for more info about me.

Before staining a deck, you need to figure out the deck’s total square footage. Once this calculation is considered, you can figure out how many gallons of deck stain you need by reading the coverage rate of the stain you are buying. On average, most deck stains cover 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon (per coat), depending on the age, condition, and porosity of the wood.

Question: How to Calculate Deck Stain Needed

My Pro Advice:

Using most deck stain brands and types, this deck stain calculator will help you determine the proper amount of stain and prepping supplies needed to refinish your deck. This calculator is intended to provide you with an approximate estimate, and the amount varies by brand and type of stain. It is best to always follow the manufacturer’s directions when it comes to applying.

For more info, see this article: How Much Deck Stain Should I Buy

Wood Deck Stain Estimator

Deck Sq. Footage

Flooring Length x width =?

Railing Length x height =?

Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?

Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.

Fence Sq. Footage

Length x height =?

Multiply x 2 for both sides = Total Sq. Footage

Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain Samples

$15.00 – $18.00

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Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain 1 Gallon

$47.99

5.00out of 5

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Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain 5 Gallons

$219.99 – $237.99

5out of 5

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TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain 1 Gallon

$56.99 – $66.99

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TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain 5 Gallon

$209.95 – $235.95

5.00out of 5

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TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$260.00 – $286.00

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TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon and R-A-D Stripper/Brightener Kit

$275.00 – $301.00

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Armstrong Clark Stain 1 Gallon

$69.95 – $79.95

5out of 5

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Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon

$269.95 – $328.95

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TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Stain 1 Gallon

$61.99

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TWP 1500 Series Wood and Deck Stain 5 Gallon

$234.95

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Defy Extreme Wood Stain 1 Gallon

$57.99

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Defy Extreme Wood Stain 5 Gallon

$262.13

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Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon and Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$320.00 – $379.00

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Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon and Stripper/Brightener Kit

$335.00 – $389.00

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TWP 1500 Series 5 Gallon and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$285.00

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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