Deck and fence stain calculator
Wood area, coverage, coats and can size: you get gallons or litres of stain, oil or sealer for decks, fences or pergolas.
Purchase quantity
1.744 gal
Net measurement: 1.585 gal · Waste 10 %
- Stain or wood protector3 bucket
- Area to paint322.917 ft²
- Litres with waste1.744 gal
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How it's calculated (visible formula)
stain = area ÷ coverage × coats; cans = ceil(stain × (1 + waste) ÷ can size)
- Net geometric measurement, no waste.
- Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
- Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).
How to calculate it, step by step
- Measure the wood area (both sides on fences).
- Check stain coverage for smooth or rough wood.
- Decide coats (usually two).
- Work out gallons with waste.
- Round up to cans.
Worked example: 320 sq ft deck at 400 sq ft/gal, 2 coats
- 320 ÷ 400 × 2 = 1.6 gal (6 l)
- +10% ≈ 1.75 gal
→ Two 1-gallon cans.
Common mistakes
- Staining damp or freshly treated lumber.
- Using smooth-wood coverage on rough wood.
- Skipping end grain, which soaks up more and checks.
Pro tips
- Clean the wood and remove flaking old finish.
- Brush with the grain without puddling.
- Don't apply in direct sun or before rain.
- Treat end grain first — it soaks up more.
From calculation to quote
Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.
FAQs
- How much area does a gallon of stain cover?
- About 150–300 sq ft per coat on rough wood; more on smooth.
- How long after building should I stain?
- Wait until treated wood is dry — often 2–3 months.
- How to calculate fence area?
- Length × height × 2 for both sides.
- Water- or oil-based stain?
- Water-based dries faster with less odor; oil penetrates a bit deeper.
- How long does deck stain last?
- 2–4 years on exposed decks.
- How do I measure a fence?
- Length × height × 2 sides, plus posts.
Sources and standards
Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.