CP
PAINT CALCULATOR

Deck & fence stain calculator

Stain coverage drops fast with thinner formulations: transparent and semi-transparent stains soak in deeper and cover less per gallon. Pick your formulation and project size below.

HOW IT WORKS

Stain coverage rates explained

The single biggest variable in how much stain you buy is the formulation. The thinner the stain, the more it soaks into the wood and the less it covers per gallon. The calculator multiplies your project area by the number of coats, then divides by the coverage rate of the formulation you choose, so switching from semi-transparent to a thick deck-restoration coating roughly doubles the gallons.

Here is roughly what to expect per gallon on a smooth, sound surface. Rough or weathered wood soaks up more, so lean toward the low end.

  • Transparent: about 150 sq ft per gallon — most soaks in, most natural look.
  • Semi-transparent: about 175 sq ft per gallon — the most popular middle ground.
  • Solid color: about 200 sq ft per gallon — a true film that covers the grain like paint.
  • Deckover / deck restoration: about 75 sq ft per gallon — a thick film that fills cracks and needs two coats.

Decks: count the railings

Railings, balusters, and steps add roughly 30% to the staining area on a typical deck. The calculator adds that automatically when you tick the box. For decks with elaborate railings or a large skirt, plan for 50% more.

Fences: don't forget the back

A 6-ft privacy fence has 12 sq ft per linear foot when both sides are stained. The both-sides toggle doubles the area. Most fences should be stained both sides — especially the rough side facing the neighbor — to prevent moisture imbalance and warping.

What it costs to stain a deck

Stain itself is cheap. Most wood deck stain runs $20 to $50 per gallon, or about $80 to $200 for a 5-gallon bucket; solid-color stain sits a touch higher at roughly $35 to $55 per gallon. Since one gallon covers 150 to 300 sq ft, the stain for an average 350 sq ft deck is only about $60 to $150 for two coats — add $50 to $100 for a brush, roller, pad, and pressure-washer rental and the whole DIY project still lands well under $300.

Hiring a pro is where the price jumps, because labor and prep are the bulk of the job. Contractors charge about $2 to $4 per square foot all-in, so that same 350 sq ft deck runs roughly $700 to $1,400, and decks with heavy railings or stripping needs push toward the top. DIY saves $1 to $3 per square foot in labor.

  • Deck stain: $20 to $50 per gallon ($80 to $200 per 5-gallon bucket).
  • DIY material total (average deck): about $60 to $150 in stain plus $50 to $100 in supplies.
  • Pro, installed: $2 to $4 per square foot, or roughly $700 to $1,400 for an average deck.

For a paint-plus-labor breakdown on other surfaces, use thepaint cost calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to stain a deck?+
Material runs $20 to $50 per gallon for most deck stain, so an average 350-square-foot deck costs about $60 to $150 in stain for two coats — a true DIY project. Hiring a pro runs $2 to $4 per square foot all-in, or roughly $700 to $1,400 for that same deck, because labor is most of the bill.
How much does deck stain cost per gallon?+
Plan on $20 to $50 per gallon for most wood deck stain, or about $80 to $200 for a 5-gallon bucket. Solid-color stain sits around $35 to $55 per gallon, and thick deck-resurfacing coatings run higher. A gallon covers roughly 150 to 300 square feet depending on the formulation.
How many square feet does a gallon of deck stain cover?+
It depends on the formulation. Transparent stains cover about 150 sq ft per gallon because most soaks in, semi-transparent about 175, and solid color about 200. Thick deck-restoration coatings cover only about 75 sq ft per gallon.
Should I use 1 coat or 2 coats of stain?+
Use two coats on new or freshly stripped wood — the first coat soaks in and the second seals the surface. One coat is usually enough when you are re-staining a surface that still holds pigment.
How much stain do I need for a 12 by 16 deck?+
A 12 by 16 ft deck is about 192 sq ft of boards, or roughly 250 sq ft once you add railings. In semi-transparent stain that is about 2 gallons for two coats. Pick your formulation above for an exact figure.
Can I use exterior paint instead of stain?+
Solid stains and exterior paints overlap a lot, and a flat or satin exterior paint works as a solid-color stain on a fence. The difference is film thickness — true stains lay down thinner and let the wood texture show through.
What temperature is right for staining a deck?+
Most stains want 50 to 85°F with no rain expected for 24 hours and no direct hot sun, which dries the surface before the stain can penetrate. Early-morning shade is ideal.
Do I need to stain both sides of a fence?+
Yes, ideally. Staining both sides, including the rough side facing the neighbor, keeps moisture balanced so the boards do not cup or warp. The both-sides toggle doubles the area in the calculator.
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