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Easily estimate how much deck stain you need with our free online Deck Stain Calculator. Get accurate coverage in square feet for 1 or 2 coats.
Staining your deck doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you're refreshing a weathered deck or sealing a brand-new one, knowing exactly how much stain you need can save time, money, and effort. That’s why we built the Deck Stain Calculator a simple, free tool to help you calculate how much deck stain you’ll need based on the size of your deck in square feet.
This tool is designed for homeowners, DIYers, and contractors who want to avoid waste or shortage of stain. Just enter your deck's dimensions, and the calculator does the rest.
To calculate how much deck stain you need, you first need to know the total square footage of your deck. The basic formula is:
Deck Area = Length × Width
If your deck has multiple sections or stairs, you can measure each section separately and then add the square footage together. Once you know the total area, you can estimate the amount of stain based on the coverage rate provided by the stain manufacturer.
On average, 1 gallon of deck stain covers around 200 to 300 square feet on a single coat. However, this can vary depending on the type of wood, age of the deck, porosity, and whether the wood has been stained before.
If your wood is rough, dry, or unfinished, it will absorb more stain, reducing the coverage area. For smoother, previously stained decks, coverage might be closer to the higher end of the range.
A 5-gallon container of deck stain typically covers between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet, depending on the wood and number of coats. If your deck needs a second coat, you’ll need to double the amount of stain you calculate.
Coverage Example:
If your deck is 400 square feet and your stain covers 250 square feet per gallon, then:
400 ÷ 250 = 1.6 gallons
You would need about 2 gallons for one coat and 4 gallons for two coats.
Using our free deck stain calculator is easy. Just follow these steps:
Measure the length and width of your deck in feet. If your deck has multiple levels or shapes, measure each section individually and add them together.
Put the total square footage into the calculator.
Select if you plan to apply one coat or two. This helps the calculator give a more accurate estimate.
The calculator will tell you how many gallons of stain you need. You can then decide how many 1-gallon or 5-gallon containers to buy.
Yes, over-staining is a common mistake. Applying too much stain can lead to sticky surfaces, poor absorption, peeling, and uneven color. Wood can only absorb so much stain, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s better to apply two thin coats than one thick coat.
Let the first coat dry fully before applying the second. Make sure to wipe away any excess stain to avoid blotching or sticky spots.
Staining your deck doesn’t have to be complicated. With our Deck Stain Calculator, you can accurately estimate the amount of stain you’ll need, avoid overspending, and prevent running out halfway through the project.
This simple tool is perfect for homeowners, painters, and contractors looking to take the guesswork out of deck staining. Whether you’re working with cedar, pressure-treated wood, redwood, or composite decking, the calculator adjusts to your needs.
Save money, save time, and get professional results every time.
The best time is during dry weather with temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. Avoid direct sunlight and rain for at least 24–48 hours after application.
Yes, just measure the total square footage of all stairs and railings and add them to your deck area before entering the number in the calculator.
Absolutely. Always clean and dry your deck thoroughly before applying stain. This helps the stain absorb better and last longer.
In some cases, yes. But for older, more porous wood or a richer finish, a second coat might be necessary.
Composite decking often doesn’t need staining, but if you're using a special composite-safe stain, you can still use the calculator to estimate your coverage.