Fence & Deck Stain Calculator
Calculate how much stain you need for a fence or deck. Select wood type — rough cedar, smooth pine, or pressure-treated — for species-specific coverage rates.
Part of the Surfaces & Finishes calculators — see all tools in this category.
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How it works and assumptions
This calculator estimates stain quantity for fences and decks using wood-type-specific coverage rates that reflect how different species absorb stain.
- Enter surface area: Measure total fence or deck area in square metres. Use the dimension helper (length × height) for fence area calculation.
- Select wood type: Rough Cedar (4 m²/L), Smooth Pine (8 m²/L), or Pressure-Treated Pine (6 m²/L). Coverage rate adjusts automatically.
- Select stain type: Solid or semi-transparent. Set coats (1 for semi-transparent, 2 for solid) and waste factor.
- Toggle L/gal: Switch between litres and US gallons. Preference saved across all paint calculators.
Formula: Stain = (Area × Coats) ÷ Coverage Rate × (1 + Waste %)
Note: Pressure-treated pine must cure 3–6 months before staining. New PT wood contains moisture that prevents stain penetration.