How Much Stain Do You Need?
Calculate gallons of stain for your deck, fence, or outdoor wood project by surface type, area, and wood condition.
Stain Coverage by Wood Type
Coverage varies dramatically by wood porosity. New pressure-treated pine is dense and repels stain — wait 3-6 months before staining for best absorption (300 sq ft/gal). Weathered wood is thirsty and absorbs more, dropping coverage to 200 sq ft/gal. Rough-sawn lumber has the most surface area per square foot, cutting coverage to 150 sq ft/gal. Always test on a hidden area first.
Transparent vs Solid Stain
Transparent/clear: Shows full wood grain, least UV protection, reapply every 1-2 years. Semi-transparent: Best balance — shows grain with moderate color and 2-3 year life. Semi-solid: Minimal grain visibility, 3-4 year life. Solid: Essentially paint for wood — best UV protection (4-6 years) but hides the grain entirely.
Application Tips
Apply stain when temperature is 50-90°F with no rain expected for 24-48 hours. Work in sections, keeping a wet edge to avoid lap marks. For decks, stain 2-3 boards at a time lengthwise. Back-brush after rolling for best penetration. Two thin coats outperform one thick coat every time.
Oil-based stains penetrate deeper than water-based and last 20-30% longer on horizontal surfaces. However, water-based stains are easier to apply, dry faster, and clean up with water. For deck floors (heavy foot traffic), oil-based is worth the extra hassle.
