Stain calculator

12 by 16 deck, two coats at 150 sq ft/gal: 2.56 gal, buy 3.

Starts at 0. Add percent when the can excludes spray loss or the boards are thirsty.

Job sheet

Plumb stain job sheet

2 coats at 150 sq ft/gal.

  • Gallons32.56 before rounding.
Plumb stain job sheet
2 coats at 150 sq ft/gal.

Gallons: 3 (2.56 before rounding.)

Gallon coverage for stain

Gallons = area × coats ÷ square feet per gallon. The 150 figure is a planning start for rough wood, not a brand promise. Replace it with the can. Wall paint at 350 square feet per gallon is paint. Board count for the deck itself is deck boards. Fence pickets are fence.

FAQ

How many gallons of deck stain?

A 12 by 16 deck is 192 square feet. Two coats at 150 square feet per gallon is 2.56 gallons, so 3 gallons on the shelf. Rough wood and a first coat on bare lumber use the low end of the can. Type that number.

Does stain cover like wall paint?

No. Interior paint on this site opens at 350 square feet per gallon. Deck stain soaks. Many cans print 150 to 250 on rough wood and more on a sealed board. The can wins.

Sources

  1. NIST Handbook 44: A gallon is the unit on the can. Coverage in square feet per gallon is the number the manufacturer prints, not a constant.