HowMuchIt / Deck stain
How much stain do I need?
Measure the deck or the fence, decide on one or two coats from the label, and divide by the coverage on the can. We start from 250 square feet per gallon, the low end of what the makers list.
Work out your stain
Semi-transparent deck stains list roughly 250 to 300 sq ft per gallon for a first coat; rough or weathered wood takes more. We start from 250, the low end.
Why coverage varies
Rough, weathered or porous wood drinks more stain than smooth new boards, so the same gallon covers less. Coverage also depends on the product and on how it goes on: thin, even coats are what the makers ask for. Some stains are one-coat products, others call for two: buy for the coats on the label. For a fence, stain both sides and tick the box.
Is the wood ready?
Sprinkle a little water on the boards. If it soaks in and darkens the wood, the wood will take stain. If it beads up, the old finish is still working.
Questions people ask
How much stain for a 16 x 12 deck?
192 sq ft at 250 per gallon: about 0.8 gallon for one coat, 1.5 for two.
Does my deck need stain?
Do the water test: if water soaks in, it is time.
Good to know
- Semi-transparent deck stain makers list roughly 250 to 300 square feet per gallon for a first coat (Behr 250-300, Olympic Elite 250-350, Cabot 200-300 on rough wood).1,2,3
- Rough, weathered or porous wood soaks up more stain than smooth wood, so a gallon covers less.2,3
- Coverage depends on the product, the wood's texture and porosity, and how it is applied, so use the figure printed on your can.3,4,5
- Some stains are one-coat products and others call for two coats; buy for the number of coats on the label.1,2,3
- Apply stain in thin, even coats.4,6,7
- Water test: sprinkle water on the wood. If it soaks in and darkens the wood, the wood will take stain; if it beads up, the old finish is still working.4,6,8
How we checked this page
Checked on October 27, 2026. We kept a fact only when two independent publishers agree, and each one is numbered to its sources below. Where sources give different numbers, we keep only what they share. We never write a price. This page was written with an AI assistant and checked against the sources below.
Sources
- BEHR PREMIUM Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer, Behr
- Olympic Elite Semi-Transparent/Semi-Solid Stain + Sealant, technical data (TDB 802102), Olympic (PPG)
- Cabot Semi-Transparent Deck & Siding Stain (300 Series), product data on dealer page, Cabot (via Capitol City Lumber)
- Olympic Elite Semi-Transparent/Semi-Solid Stain + Sealant, technical data (TDB 802002), Olympic (PPG)
- Deck Stain Calculator: How Much Stain Do I Need?, Angi
- How Deck Stain Protects Wood, and How to Choose the Right One, This Old House
- BEHR DECKplus Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain, Behr
- FAQs, Thompson's WaterSeal