Project notes
Understand this estimate
Stain quantity is based on exposed wood area, label coverage and instructed coats. A solid fence run and an open or irregular fence need different area inputs.
How to use the calculator
Choose a fence-run or measured-area workflow
Use fence mode for a solid straight run. Use measured-area mode for pickets, shadowbox boards or a measured set of surfaces.
Inputs Area method
Measure selected faces and deductions
Fence mode uses length, height and one or both faces, then subtracts openings. Area mode uses the total exposed area directly.
Inputs Fence length · Fence height · Faces to stain · Exposed wood area · Openings to deduct
Enter label rate, coats and package size
Use coverage and coats for the selected product and surface. Package size is optional and only affects whole-container planning.
Inputs Product coverage · Coats · Extra allowance · Container size
Formula and variables
Solid area = length × height × selected faces − total opening deduction. Gallons = exposed area ÷ coverage per coat × coat count × (1 + allowance ÷ 100). Containers round up.
- L × H × FSolid fence face area
- Run length, coated height and selected face count.ft²
- OOpening deduction
- Uncoated area across the selected faces.ft²
- C × NCoverage and coat count
- Product label rate and instructed coats.ft²/US gal and coats
What the result means
Result interpretation
Exposed area is the calculated stainable surface; gallons use your entered label rate and coat count. Containers round upward when a package size is supplied. No universal wood-style factor is applied.
Limits and assumptions
For pickets, shadowbox or board-on-board fences, use measured exposed area. Rough wood, old coatings and application methods change consumption; follow your selected product’s instructions.
Worked examples
Stain both faces of a solid fence
Assumptions
- The run is straight and solid, with no openings to deduct.
- Coverage is entered as 200 ft² per US gallon for one coat.
Calculation
- 100 × 6 × 2 = 1,200 ft².
- 1,200 ÷ 200 = 6 US gal; 6 ÷ 5 rounds up to 2 containers.
| Exposed wood area | 1,200 ft² |
|---|---|
| Stain estimate | 6 US gal |
| Whole containers | 2 containers |
Use a measured area for an open fence
Assumptions
- The 600 ft² value is the already measured exposed wood area.
- Coverage is entered as 200 ft² per US gallon.
Calculation
- 600 ÷ 200 = 3 US gal; 3 ÷ 5 rounds up to 1 container.
| Exposed wood area | 600 ft² |
|---|---|
| Stain estimate | 3 US gal |
| Whole containers | 1 containers |
Common questions
- How should I measure a picket fence?
- Add the surfaces you intend to stain or use a measured exposed-area value. Do not treat the overall fence rectangle as the actual wood surface.
- Does this estimate product coverage for rough wood?
- No. Roughness and absorption affect consumption; use the selected product’s label guidance for the substrate.