How Much Stain Do You Need?
Calculate gallons of stain for decks, fences, and furniture based on surface area and wood type.
Stain Coverage Rates
Coverage varies significantly by wood condition: Smooth/sealed: 300-400 sq ft per gallon. Weathered/semi-rough: 200-300 sq ft/gal. Rough-sawn: 150-250 sq ft/gal. Rough or porous wood absorbs more stain, requiring more product. A typical 12×16 deck (250 sq ft of surface, including railings) needs 2-3 gallons for two coats.
Application Tips
Always do two coats — one coat often looks blotchy and wears unevenly. Apply when temperature is 50-90°F with no rain expected for 24-48 hours. Sand between coats (lightly with 220 grit) for better adhesion. Use a pump sprayer + back-brush for the fastest, most even application on large decks.
The single biggest staining mistake: not cleaning and prepping the surface. Stain applied over dirt, mildew, or old flaking stain will peel within a year. Power wash, let dry completely (48+ hours), and sand smooth before staining. Prep is 70% of the job — the actual staining is the easy part.
