Enter your Fence Height, Total Length, Fence Type, and Wood Condition into the Fence Stain Calculator, then set Sides to Stain, Number of Coats, and Coverage per Gallon to find your Total Stain Needed, Stain per Coat, Total Square Footage, and Estimated Stain Cost.
Total Stain Needed
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Stain Needed per Coat
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Total Square Footage
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Estimated Stain Cost
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The amount depends on your fence dimensions, type, and number of coats. A typical 6-foot tall, 100-foot long privacy fence requires about 4-6 gallons for two coats, assuming standard coverage of 300 sq ft per gallon.
Yes, weathered and rough wood is more porous and absorbs more stain than smooth, new wood. You may need 20-30% more stain for aged or rough wood surfaces compared to new lumber.
Privacy fences and board-on-board fences typically require more stain due to their solid construction, while picket fences use less due to spacing between boards. Shadow box fences fall in between.
Most wood stains should be reapplied every 2-3 years, while paint can last 3-5 years. The frequency depends on weather exposure, wood type, and stain quality.
Staining both sides provides better protection and appearance, especially for privacy fences. However, you can save money by staining only the visible side, though this may reduce the fence's lifespan.
Most wood stains cover 250-400 square feet per gallon, with 300 sq ft being typical. Semi-transparent stains often have higher coverage than solid stains, and coverage decreases on rough or porous wood.
Multiply fence height by length for one side. For both sides, double this number. Remember to account for the fence type - solid fences use the full calculation, while picket fences may use 70-80% due to spacing.
Coverage is affected by wood condition, stain type, application method, and weather. Rough or weathered wood requires more stain, while smooth surfaces need less. Premium stains cost more but often provide better coverage and durability.