How much stain for a deck?
Deck board area = length × width. Most deck stains cover 150–200 sq ft per gallon on horizontal boards. Add waste for rails and steps separately if needed.
Deck Stain Calculator
Deck boards are measured as length × width for horizontal surface area. Weathered wood and horizontal boards often need more product than vertical siding — default 175 sq ft per gallon.
Deck areas
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Project settings
Enter deck length × width. Horizontal boards often need 175 sq ft/gallon — check your stain label.
Default 10% for touch-ups
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Horizontal decks vs rails
Enter the main deck platform as length × width. Rails, steps, and balusters add area — add a second “deck area” row or bump waste to 15–20% if rails are substantial.
Many maintenance coats are one-coat formulas. Bare wood or a colour change may need two. Our deck stain coverage guide covers prep and dry time between coats.
Canadian deck seasons
Apply stain when wood is dry and temperatures stay above 10°C for 24 hours — typical May through September in most of Canada. Morning dew and evening humidity extend dry time; buy extra stain if rain interrupts your weekend project.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
One coat or two on a deck?
Many deck stains are one-coat formulas on maintenance coats. Bare wood or a color change may need two. Adjust coats in the calculator.
Does this include railings?
Enter railing sections as additional deck areas, or add extra waste % to account for vertical balusters and posts.
Related calculators
Paint Calculator · https://paint-calculator.ca/deck-stain-calculator/