How much deck stain do I need?
Covers the deck boards and both sides of the railings. Find how much to buy for your coats.
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How this is calculated
We add the deck floor to both sides of the railings, which we count as about 3 ft (0.9 m) tall, then multiply by the number of coats.
Stain coverage varies a lot. Smooth new wood may get 250 to 300 sq ft per gallon, while old, rough or weathered wood can drop to 150. Check the label and adjust.
How many coats?
Semi-transparent stains usually need one or two coats. Solid stains need two for even color.
Can I stain new pressure-treated wood?
Wait until it’s dry. Sprinkle water on a board: if it soaks in, it’s ready; if it beads up, wait a few more weeks.