Deck Stain Calculator

Semi-transparent at 300 sq ft/gal: (300/300) x 2 = 2 gallons. Add 10% waste = 2.2 gallons. Buy 3 one-gallon cans.

Solid stain: ~200 sq ft/gal. Semi-transparent: ~300 sq ft/gal. Transparent: ~400 sq ft/gal. Check the product label for the exact figure.

New wood typically takes 2 coats. Weathered or porous wood often absorbs a first coat quickly - apply a second coat while the first is still wet (wet on wet) for better penetration.

Yes. Measure total fence area in sq ft, enter your stain type and coats, and the calculator gives gallons and cans needed.

With semi-transparent stain at 300 sq ft/gal and 2 coats: (400/300) x 2 = 2.67 gallons. With 10% waste: 2.93 gallons. Round up to 3 cans.

Use solid stain on weathered, gray, or previously painted wood to hide imperfections. Use semi-transparent or transparent stain on newer wood to show the grain. Once you go solid you cannot return to transparent without sanding or stripping.

Transparent stains last 1-3 years. Semi-transparent lasts 2-4 years. Solid stains last 3-5 years. Horizontal surfaces (decking boards) wear faster than vertical surfaces (railings). Lightly sand and add a maintenance coat before full failure to avoid complete stripping.

You cannot apply penetrating stain over paint - the stain needs to soak into wood fibers. You must strip the paint first. Solid stain can go over solid stain if the existing coat is sound, sanded, and cleaned.