Deck Stain Calculator
Gallons of stain for deck boards, rails and stairs.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Stain needed
- 3.39 gallons
- Buy
- 4 gallons
- Total stainable area
- 424 sq ft
- Deck surface
- 192 sq ft
- Railings + stairs
- 232 sq ft
- Cost
- $180.00
Working
- 1424 ft2 x 2 coats / 250 = 3.39 gal
Quick answer
Gallons = total stainable area x coats divided by coverage per gallon. Rails and balusters add a surprising amount of area.
gallons = (deck + rail + stair area) x coats / coverage
How to use the Deck Stain Calculator
- 1Measure the deck surface, then the total run of railing.
- 2Railings need roughly four times their length in square feet once you count both sides and the balusters.
- 3Check the coverage on the can - semi-transparent stains go further than solid.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Deck length16 ft
- Deck width12 ft
- Railing length40 ft
- Number of steps4
- Coats2
- Coverage per gallon250 sq ft
- Price per gallon45 $
Results
- Stain needed3.39 gallons
- Buy4 gallons
- Total stainable area424 sq ft
- Deck surface192 sq ft
- Railings + stairs232 sq ft
- Cost$180.00
- 424 ft2 x 2 coats / 250 = 3.39 gal
Frequently asked questions
How many coats of deck stain?
Two for semi-transparent and solid stains on bare wood, one maintenance coat afterwards. Never apply more than the wood can absorb or it will peel.
When can I stain new pressure-treated wood?
Wait until it absorbs water rather than beading it - typically a few weeks to several months depending on climate.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.