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.
Estimates round up to the nearest quart and are based on Kompozit's published coverage. Buy slightly more for touch-ups and color changes.
Stain coverage rates explained
Transparent stains penetrate deepest into the wood — pretty, but they only cover ~150 sq ft per gallon because most of what you put on soaks in. Semi-transparent (the most popular) sits in the middle. Solid color stains form a true film on top of the wood and cover almost like paint (~200 sq ft/gal). Deckover and deck restoration coatings are thick films designed to fill cracks in old wood — they cover only ~75 sq ft per gallon and need 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.
FAQ
Two for new or freshly stripped wood — the first coat soaks in, the second seals. One coat is fine for re-staining a still-pigmented surface.
Solid stains and exterior paints overlap a lot — Kompozit PRO in flat or satin 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.
Most stains want 50–85 °F, with no rain in the next 24 hours and not in direct hot sun (the surface dries before the stain penetrates). Early morning shade is ideal.