Deck Stain Calculator

Question	Answer
How to figure out how much deck stain you need	Measure deck area, divide by coverage per gallon
Coverage of 5 gallons of deck stain	750 – 1000 sq ft
Coverage of 1 gallon of deck stain	150 – 200 sq ft
Time to stain a 10×10 deck	4 – 8 hours
Is one coat of deck stain enough	Two coats recommended for better protection
Is 3 coats of deck stain too much	Two coats usually sufficient, three may lead to issues
Gallons needed for a 20×20 deck	2 – 3 gallons
Time to stain a 500 sq ft deck	8 – 12 hours
Cost to stain a 100 sq ft deck	Around $50 – $150 or more
Cost to stain a 300 sq ft deck	Around $150 – $450 or more
Lifespan of a gallon of deck stain	2 – 5 years
Sanding deck before staining	Improves stain penetration and adhesion
Best time of day to stain a deck	Early morning or late afternoon, avoid direct sunlight
Brush or roller for staining a deck	Both work, roller covers large areas quickly
Pressure wash and stain deck in the same day	Wait 24 – 48 hours after pressure washing
Stain a deck wet or dry	Stain on dry wood for better absorption
Staining over old stain deck	Possible if old stain is in good condition
Frequency of reapplying deck stain	Every 2 – 5 years, depending on exposure and quality
Wait time between coats of stain	Generally 4 – 6 hours, follow manufacturer’s guidelines
Effect of 2 coats of stain on color	Slightly darker, more vibrant
Wait time before second coat of deck stain	Around 4 – 6 hours, follow manufacturer’s recommendations
Rain 3 hours after staining deck	Rain can wash away stain, affecting finish
Staining a deck every year	Not necessary unless exposed to extreme conditions
Using a roller for deck stain	Roller is suitable, but back-brushing may be needed
Labor cost per square foot to stain a deck	Around $1 – $3 per square foot
Staining a deck over multiple days	Possible with consistent application
Best tool for staining a deck	Brush, roller, and pad applicators
Fastest way to stain a deck	Efficient preparation, application, and drying
Best and fastest way to stain a deck	Efficient work, proper preparation, application methods
Sand and stain a deck in one day	Possible for small decks with planning
Labor cost to stain a deck	Varies by location and rates
Stain a deck and furniture placement	Wait 24 – 48 hours before putting furniture on the deck

FAQs

How do I figure out how much deck stain I need? To calculate the amount of deck stain needed, measure the deck’s length and width in feet to get the square footage. Divide the square footage by the stain’s coverage per gallon to determine the gallons needed.

How many square feet does 5 gallons of deck stain cover? 5 gallons of deck stain typically cover around 750 to 1000 square feet with one coat.

How many square feet does 1 gallon of deck stain cover? 1 gallon of deck stain covers approximately 150 to 200 square feet with one coat.

How long does it take to stain a 10×10 deck? Staining a 10×10 deck can take around 4 to 8 hours, depending on preparation, drying times, and application method.

Is one coat of deck stain enough? One coat of deck stain provides basic protection, but two coats are recommended for enhanced durability and color depth.

Is 3 coats of deck stain too much? Three coats of deck stain might lead to over-application, longer drying times, and uneven appearance. Usually, 2 coats are sufficient.

How many gallons of stain do I need for a 20×20 deck? A 20×20 deck is 400 square feet. You might need around 2 to 3 gallons of stain for one coat, depending on coverage.

How long does it take to stain a 500 sq ft deck? Staining a 500 sq ft deck can take approximately 8 to 12 hours, depending on factors like preparation and application method.

How much does it cost to stain 100 sq ft deck? The cost to stain a 100 sq ft deck varies by location and labor rates. It might cost around $50 to $150 or more.

How much does it cost to stain a 300 sq ft deck? The cost to stain a 300 sq ft deck varies, but it might cost around $150 to $450 or more.

How long does a gallon of deck stain last? The lifespan of a gallon of deck stain varies, but it can last around 2 to 5 years, depending on factors like exposure, weather, and quality.

Do I need to sand deck before staining? Sanding the deck before staining can improve stain penetration and adhesion. Sanding might be needed for weathered or rough surfaces.

What is the best time of day to stain a deck? Stain in the early morning or late afternoon when the deck is shaded and temperatures are moderate. Avoid staining in direct sunlight.

Should I use a brush or roller to stain my deck? Both a brush and roller are suitable for staining a deck. A brush is great for detail work, and a roller can cover larger areas quickly.

Can you pressure wash and stain a deck in the same day? It’s recommended to wait 24 to 48 hours after pressure washing before staining to allow the wood to dry thoroughly.

Is it better to stain a deck wet or dry? It’s best to stain a deck when the wood is dry. Applying stain to damp wood can hinder absorption and affect the finish.

Can you stain over old stain deck? Staining over old stain is possible if the old stain is in good condition. Ensure the surface is clean, and a test area is recommended.

How often should you reapply deck stain? Reapply deck stain every 2 to 5 years, depending on factors like exposure, foot traffic, and quality of stain.

Do I have to wait 4 hours between coats of stain? The wait time between coats of stain varies by product. Generally, waiting 4 to 6 hours is recommended, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Will 2 coats of stain make it darker? Applying two coats of stain can make the color slightly darker and more vibrant, but it’s primarily for even coverage.

How long to wait before applying second coat of deck stain? Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before applying a second coat of deck stain, but follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

What if it rains 3 hours after I stain my deck? Rain shortly after staining can wash away the stain and affect the finish. If rain is forecasted, postpone staining.

Is it OK to stain a deck every year? Staining a deck every year is not necessary unless the wood is exposed to extreme conditions. Most decks benefit from staining every 2 to 5 years.

Can you use a roller to apply deck stain? Yes, you can use a roller to apply deck stain. Rollers are efficient for larger areas, but back-brushing might be needed for even coverage.

What is the labor cost to stain a deck? Labor costs for staining a deck vary by location and rates. On average, it might cost around $1 to $3 per square foot for labor.

Can you stain a deck over multiple days? Yes, you can stain a deck over multiple days. Ensure consistent application and avoid visible seams between sections.

What is the best tool for staining a deck? A combination of brush, roller, and pad applicators works well for staining a deck. A brush is great for edges and details.

What is the fastest way to stain a deck? Using a combination of a roller and brush can be one of the fastest ways to stain a deck while ensuring even coverage.

What is the best and fastest way to stain a deck? The best and fastest way is to start early in the morning, clean and prepare the deck properly, use efficient applicators, and avoid direct sunlight.

Can you sand and stain a deck in one day? Sanding and staining a deck in one day might be possible for small decks with proper planning and efficient work.

How much is labor per square foot to stain a deck? Labor costs per square foot for staining a deck vary by location and rates. On average, it might cost around $1 to $3 per square foot.

Is it cheaper to paint or stain a deck? Staining is generally cheaper than painting a deck, as it requires fewer coats and less preparation.

How much does it cost to stain a 12×12 deck? The cost to stain a 12×12 deck varies by location and labor rates. It might cost around $200 to $600 or more.

How much does it cost to paint a 12×12 deck? The cost to paint a 12×12 deck varies and is generally more expensive than staining due to the additional labor and materials required.

Is wood stain cheaper than paint? Yes, wood stain is generally cheaper than paint for decks, as it requires fewer coats and less surface preparation.

Is oil or water based deck stain better? Both oil-based and water-based deck stains have pros and cons. Oil-based stains often provide better penetration, while water-based stains are easier to clean up.

What type of deck stain lasts the longest? Solid color or semi-transparent stains tend to last longer than clear or transparent stains, as they offer more protection and color retention.

What is the best deck stain to put over old stain? A solid color or semi-transparent stain is often best for covering old stain, as it can provide better coverage and hide imperfections.

Should you power wash deck before staining? Power washing the deck before staining can remove dirt, grime, and old finishes, improving stain penetration and adhesion.

Is it better to sand or power wash a deck? Both sanding and power washing have their benefits. Sanding can provide a smoother surface, while power washing can remove dirt and old finishes.

What happens if you don’t clean deck before staining? Staining without cleaning the deck can lead to poor adhesion, uneven coverage, and reduced durability of the finish.

How many dry days do you need to stain a deck? Generally, you’ll need a few dry days to prepare, stain, and allow the finish to dry properly. Check the stain manufacturer’s recommendations.

How soon can it rain after staining a deck? It’s best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after staining a deck before exposing it to rain to allow the stain to cure properly.

How long should you not walk on a stained deck? You should avoid walking on a stained deck for at least 24 to 48 hours, or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck? One to two coats of stain are typically sufficient for a deck, but a second coat can enhance color and protection.

How do you stain a deck in one day? Staining a deck in one day requires efficient planning, proper preparation, quick application techniques, and favorable weather conditions.

How do you prevent brush strokes when staining a deck? To prevent brush strokes, apply stain in the direction of the wood grain and use long, even strokes. Consider using a stain pad for smoother application.

Does deck stain need two coats? Deck stain often benefits from two coats for better coverage and protection. The second coat can enhance color depth and durability.

Do I need to stain both sides of my deck? Staining both sides of the deck boards is not necessary. Focusing on the top surface that’s exposed to the elements is sufficient.

Do you seal a deck after staining? Sealing a deck after staining is optional. Some stains have built-in sealers, but using a separate sealer can provide additional protection.

Should you stain a deck in hot weather? Staining a deck in hot weather can lead to faster drying times, making it challenging to achieve even coverage. It’s best to stain in moderate temperatures.

Is it better to stain a deck in the summer or winter? It’s better to stain a deck in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Extreme heat or cold can affect stain application and drying.

How long after staining deck can I put furniture on it? Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after staining a deck before putting furniture on it to ensure the stain has cured properly.