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.
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.