What are you staining?
Deck dimensions
Wood condition
One coat for maintenance. Wood in good condition absorbs less product.
Product type
Frequently Asked Questions About Calculating Deck Stain Coverage
Q1. How much deck stain do I need for my deck?
Calculate your deck's total square footage (length x width, plus railings and stairs if staining those too), then divide by your stain's coverage rate, typically 200-300 square feet per gallon for one coat, though this varies by product and wood porosity. For example, a 300 sq ft deck using a stain rated for 250 sq ft/gallon would need about 1.2 gallons per coat.
Q2. How many coats of stain does a deck need?
Most decks need two coats for adequate protection and even color, though a well-sealed deck in good condition might get by with one coat of a solid stain. New, unsealed wood typically absorbs more of the first coat, so budget slightly more product for the initial application, with the second coat generally going on more evenly and using less material.
Q3. What's the difference in coverage between solid, semi-transparent, and transparent stains?
Solid color stains sit more on the surface (similar to paint) and typically cover the most square footage per gallon since they don't need to absorb deeply into the wood. Semi-transparent stains penetrate the wood while still showing some grain, and generally cover slightly less area per gallon since they soak in more. Transparent or clear stains absorb the most and often need more product per square foot, especially on rough or weathered wood.
Q4. How often should a deck be restained?
Depending on sun and weather exposure, most decks need restaining every 2-3 years for semi-transparent stains and every 3-5 years for solid stains, though high-traffic areas or decks with heavy sun exposure may need it sooner. Watch for fading, water no longer beading on the surface, or graying wood as signs it's time to restain.
Q5. Does new wood need more stain than old, weathered wood?
Yes, generally new, unweathered wood is denser and less porous, so it can sometimes require less stain to seal compared to older, weathered wood that has become more porous and absorbent over time. However, new pressure-treated wood often needs to dry out for several weeks to months before staining, since it can be too wet to properly absorb stain right after installation.