Calculate exactly how much wood stain you need for decks, fences, siding, and furniture. Get coverage estimates based on stain type and wood porosity.
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Enter your project dimensions
300 sq ft
per gallon
250 sq ft
per gallon
200 sq ft
per gallon
175 sq ft
per gallon
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+15%
Higher absorption
-10%
Lower absorption
0%
Standard absorption
-25%
Minimal absorption
How much stain for a 200 sq ft deck?
With semi-transparent stain and 2 coats, plan for 1.5-2 gallons. Softwood decks need about 15% more.
How many coats of stain should I apply?
Decks and high-wear surfaces need 2 coats. Fences and vertical surfaces can use 1-2 coats.
What's the coverage rate for stain?
Transparent: 250-350 sq ft/gal, Semi-transparent: 200-300 sq ft/gal, Solid: 150-250 sq ft/gal.
Transparent vs solid stain?
Transparent shows grain, solid hides it. Solid offers better UV protection but requires more maintenance.
The calculator multiplies your surface dimensions to get total square footage, then divides by the coverage rate for your selected stain type. We adjust for wood porosity (softwoods absorb more stain than hardwoods) and multiply by the number of coats. The result is rounded up to the nearest half-gallon for practical purchasing.
Formula
Gallons = (Area ÷ Coverage Rate × Absorption Factor) × Coats
Example: (240 sq ft ÷ 250 sq ft/gal × 1.15) × 2 coats = 2.2 gal