DeckCalc

Deck Stain Calculator

Enter your surface area and product coverage rate to get a raw gallon requirement and a rounded-up purchase quantity.

sq ft
sq ft
sq ft
sq ft/gal

Square feet per gallon, per coat.

gal

Suggested purchase quantity

4 gal

Total surface area
400 sq ft
Raw requirement
4 gal
Containers to buy
4
Calculation details

Raw gallons = (deck + railing + stair area) × coats ÷ coverage per gallon. The purchase quantity then rounds that up to a whole number of your chosen container size.

Verify coverage on the product label.

How it works

Raw gallons = total surface area × number of coats ÷ your product's coverage rate. That's the exact amount the math needs — the purchase quantity then rounds up to a whole number of whatever container size you buy, since stores don't sell partial cans.

FAQ

Where do I find the coverage rate?

On the product label or can — it's usually given as square feet per gallon, and varies by wood type and how porous or weathered it is.

Should I include the railing and stairs?

If you're staining them in the same pass, yes — add their area in the optional fields so they're counted in the total.

Continue planning your deck

This website provides planning estimates and mathematical calculations for informational purposes. Actual material requirements can vary based on layout, product specifications, installation methods, site conditions, and applicable building codes. Structural dimensions and construction requirements should be verified using applicable codes, manufacturer instructions, approved plans, or a qualified professional before construction.