How much stain for a wood fence?
Multiply fence length by panel height for one side. Rough-sawn boards often cover 125–175 sq ft per gallon. Staining both sides doubles the area.
Fence Stain Calculator
Wood fence stain is measured in run length × panel height. Rough-sawn boards absorb more product than smooth lumber — default coverage is 150 sq ft per gallon on one side.
Fence sections
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Project settings
Enter fence run length × panel height. Rough wood absorbs more — default coverage is 150 sq ft/gallon.
Default 10% for touch-ups
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One side vs both sides
Staining the face visible from your yard is standard. Staining both sides extends life and reduces warping — use the “both sides” toggle to double square footage.
A 6 ft × 50 ft fence section is 300 sq ft per side. At 150 sq ft/gallon and one coat, that is 2 gallons per side. See how much fence stain do I need for seasonal prep tips.
Fence stain vs exterior paint
Stain penetrates wood; paint films on top. Stain gallons cover less area because product soaks in. Enter the sq ft/gallon from your stain can — transparent stains cover more than solid-colour stains.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How many coats of fence stain?
Most fence stains need one coat on previously stained wood, or two on bare wood. Check the product label and adjust coats in settings.
Do I stain both sides of a fence?
Staining both sides improves longevity and appearance. Use the “Both sides” option to double your square footage automatically.
Related calculators
Paint Calculator · https://paint-calculator.ca/fence-stain-calculator/