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.
- Calculate your deck's total square footage by adding flooring, railing, and steps measurements together.
- Most deck stains cover 150 to 300 sq. ft. per gallon, varying by wood age, condition, and porosity.
- A deck stain calculator helps estimate both stain amount and prepping supplies needed for refinishing.
- Always follow the manufacturer's directions for application, as coverage rates vary by brand and stain type.
- For fence staining, multiply length x height, then multiply by 2 to account for both sides.
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
