These calculations will help you determine the square footage for the proper amount of stain and prepping supplies needed to refinish your deck or fence using TWP 100 or TWP 1500 Series.
This is intended to provide you with an approximate estimate only. Material requirements may vary according to application method, surface condition, and weather conditions.
Prepping Options
- Gemini Restore Kit. This will be used for new, gray, dirty decks and for applying TWP over an intact older coating of TWP.
- Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Restore-A-Deck Brightener. This is used for removing old coatings of stain. Use this if you are switching from a different brand to TWP or if you have a neglected coating of TWP that has failed unevenly.
Deck Sq. Footage
Flooring Length x width =?
Railing Length x height =?
Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?
Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.
Fence Sq. Footage
Length x height =?
Multiply x 2 for both sides = Total Sq. Footage
Coverage Rate for TWP Stains
The specified coverage rate for TWP is 150-200 square feet per gallon for the first coat. Second will apply at 200-300 per gallon. This averages to about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for 2 coats wet on wet. From this, and from measuring the surface you can calculate how much stain you need. For more aged wood you could easily factor in some extra stain. On newer wood that is still smooth and dense, you probably are not going to use as much.
For maintenance coats you are not going to use near as much stain as you did initially staining bare wood. There are just way too many variables to know the exact coverage rate of TWP for sure. There is really no way of knowing exactly how much stain you will need. It is better to buy more than you need than to not have enough. You can always save left over stain for next time. TWP has a shelf life of 1 year if opened and 3 years unopened as long as the can is properly resealed.
If you have questions, please ask below.
Please explain math in this statement of yours:
“The specified coverage rate for TWP is 150-200 square feet per gallon for the first coat. Second will apply at 200-300 per gallon. This averages to about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for 2 coats wet on wet.”
How did you arrive the average of 100-125 sq. ft., but not 175-250 sq. ft per gal each coat?
You need to treat each coat individually, not the average of the two.
Example Deck that is 500 Sq feet:
The first coat applies at 150-200 sq. feet per gallon. You would use 2/3 (a little over 3 gallons) of the 5-gallon pail.
The second coat applies at 200-300 sq. feet per gallon. You would use about 1/3 (1-2 gallons) of the 5-gallon pail.
*When done, you used around 5 gallons for 500 Sq. feet or around 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for the 2 coats needed.
I see your logic. Actually, your example would produce 85-120 sq ft/gal coverage, 2 coats, accordingly for the lower coverage numbers of 150 and 200 sq. ft, and for the higher coverage numbers 200 and 300 sq. ft.
One can calculate the coverage for 2 coats by using this formula:
2 coats coverage = Cov.1st x Cov.2nd / Cov.1st + Cov.2nd).
Check it out.
Then, divide your area into that number, to calculate total gal qty. of the needed material.
I live in Atlanta GA. Part of my deck is covered and part is not. The uncovered part is shady most of the time therefore we have a challenge with mildew. Is TWP my best option?
I have hired a contractor to clean and stain my deck. I am not sure he has used TWP before, and I am slightly concerned he may mis-apply the “wet on wet” 2 coat process. Is that process relatively common? Would most contractors know how to do this properly? Any further advice or detailed instructions for application would be appreciated. Thanks, Scott
[quote name=”Marianne Peyton”]We are re-staining an older deck. We have 528 square feet and would like to use the 1500 series product(unless you have a better suggestion) in redwood color. We are first-timers and pretty much clueless to this process.[/quote]
All directions for the prep can be found here. It varies as if you have an old coating to remove or not:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/tips/prepping-for-twp-stains/
We are re-staining an older deck. We have 528 square feet and would like to use the 1500 series product(unless you have a better suggestion) in redwood color. We are first-timers and pretty much clueless to this process.
[quote name=”Christina”]I have an untreated douglas fir deck that has weathered for about 9 months since it was installed. I have about 1500 sq ft of deck plus the railing (which will be new in a few weeks. We will let it dry and weather before we finish it).
What is the process for getting the best results. Do I need to use the cleaner and brightener first? How much do I need?
I believe I want to use the TWP 1500.
Thank you.
Christina[/quote]
Please read this article about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Just one coat for new wood. 2 of the 5 gallon pails and two of the Gemini Kits.
I have an untreated douglas fir deck that has weathered for about 9 months since it was installed. I have about 1500 sq ft of deck plus the railing (which will be new in a few weeks. We will let it dry and weather before we finish it).
What is the process for getting the best results. Do I need to use the cleaner and brightener first? How much do I need?
I believe I want to use the TWP 1500.
Thank you.
Christina
[quote name=”Dennis Campion”]what is the total cost for 5 separate gals of dark stain, Gemini Restorer & cleaner and Brightner? Sales tax for Illinois and Shipping (assuming the order would not exceed $100?[/quote]
Add products to cart and enter shipping info for total cost. No sales tax is charged.
what is the total cost for 5 separate gals of dark stain, Gemini Restorer & cleaner and Brightner? Sales tax for Illinois and Shipping (assuming the order would not exceed $100?
[quote name=”Reed Parker”]does your calculator include the underside of the deck?[/quote]
No it does not.
does your calculator include the underside of the deck?
[quote name=”Giuseppe”]Hello,
I wanted to know if the TWP1500 is oil based or water based.
Also I wanted to know which one is the transparent one.. I am looking to keep the original look of my brand new california redwood deck, so little staining. I could not find a ‘clear’ option. Finally, how much do I need for ~850sqt… and if I should clean the deck first ( it is brand new fresh redwood)
Thank you!
Giuseppe[/quote]
Oil based. The 1500 does come in clear but clear has no UV protection from graying. You will need to choose of the semi-transparent colors. Please read this about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
[quote name=”Frank C”]25 year old ceder deck. I just sanded the floor and the top of the railings (80 grit) everything else is fine. Did it 2 yrs ago with Behr semi transparent stain.Do I need more prep and what color do u recommend – ceder tone or natural[/quote]
Either color will work well. Use the Gemini Restore Kit after the sanding.
Hello,
I wanted to know if the TWP1500 is oil based or water based.
Also I wanted to know which one is the transparent one.. I am looking to keep the original look of my brand new california redwood deck, so little staining. I could not find a ‘clear’ option. Finally, how much do I need for ~850sqt… and if I should clean the deck first ( it is brand new fresh redwood)
Thank you!
Giuseppe
25 year old ceder deck. I just sanded the floor and the top of the railings (80 grit) everything else is fine. Did it 2 yrs ago with Behr semi transparent stain.Do I need more prep and what color do u recommend – ceder tone or natural
[quote name=”Denise”]I have a 12×4 ft front porch with cedarboards. I stripped and wahsed it of old oil based stain (not TWP brand). We have had a lot of rain. How many days of drying time before I apply TWP oil based stain?[/quote]
2 days.
I have a 12×4 ft front porch with cedarboards. I stripped and wahsed it of old oil based stain (not TWP brand). We have had a lot of rain. How many days of drying time before I apply TWP oil based stain?
[quote name=”Sandy Zenn”]My deck is 4 weeks old. Made of Douglas Fir (we were taken) and coated with Thompson semi-transparent maple stain. I am afraid to walk barefoot on my new deck. We have hired another deck guy to fix and properly finish deck. We are in New Mexico – sun 360 days/year – deck is in the sun all day. Can you recommend how we would move forward with your product to get this deck in a usable condition. The deck is 10×10 with a walkway to the back door of the house. The calculation is approx. 340 sq ft. Please help! thanks[/quote]
Please read this:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I would remove the Thompson’s now and let the wood season properly for a few months. After waiting you should use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep. Stain with the 100 Series.
My deck is 4 weeks old. Made of Douglas Fir (we were taken) and coated with Thompson semi-transparent maple stain. I am afraid to walk barefoot on my new deck. We have hired another deck guy to fix and properly finish deck. We are in New Mexico – sun 360 days/year – deck is in the sun all day. Can you recommend how we would move forward with your product to get this deck in a usable condition. The deck is 10×10 with a walkway to the back door of the house. The calculation is approx. 340 sq ft. Please help! thanks
[quote name=”Susan E. Cowan”]How much stripper, brighten rand stain will I need for 5,252 sq ft for exterior cedar siding.[/quote]
It does vary on the stain brand you are removing. 6-9 of the RAD Strippers, 6 of the RAD Brighteners. TWP stain applied two coats wet on wet, 8-10 of the 5 gallon pails.
How much stripper, brighten rand stain will I need for 5,252 sq ft for exterior cedar siding.
[quote name=”Susan E. Cowan”]House is 53 *35. Garage is 24*34. How much stain remover, brighter and TWP will I need the wood is cedar siding on both house and garage.[/quote]
Need a total sq. footage of the siding, not the floor dimensions of the house to give an amount needed.
House is 53 *35. Garage is 24*34. How much stain remover, brighter and TWP will I need the wood is cedar siding on both house and garage.
[quote name=”lolo”]approximately 250 ft cedar fence, 4″X 4 ft. How many gallons will be needed? :-)[/quote]
What is total sq. footage?
approximately 250 ft cedar fence, 4″X 4 ft. How many gallons will be needed? 🙂
[quote name=”Tim Hudson”]I have a wood deck 28′ x 14′ next to a salt water pool’, pressure treated pine that has been in place for a year with no stain coating treatment – one year drying out period. The deck has just been sitting there, unused for the year, so no direct pool salt water exposure, no traffic, etc. – just rain and Texas sun exposure). Would you recommend the TWP 100 or 1500 and why (what features of either the 100 or 1500 make it the better choice)?[/quote]
Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit and stain with the 100 Series for a newer deck in TX. It will penetrate better.
[quote name=”Allen Bryant”]I have a 14W X 10H X 24L Pergola made of 2X6 Western Red Cedar It was treated with Deckscapes transparent in 2008. I wood like to keep a Reddish brown tone (stronger on the red) What do you recommend and how much, It is a bit complex to actually calculate the amount of Sq Ftg cause outside frame has double timbers and 8 4/6 uprights,
Please help if you will, Thanks[/quote]
Hard to say for the amount of stain needed with a sq. footage number. Color I would look at the 1516 Rustic.
I have a wood deck 28′ x 14′ next to a salt water pool’, pressure treated pine that has been in place for a year with no stain coating treatment – one year drying out period. The deck has just been sitting there, unused for the year, so no direct pool salt water exposure, no traffic, etc. – just rain and Texas sun exposure). Would you recommend the TWP 100 or 1500 and why (what features of either the 100 or 1500 make it the better choice)?
I have a 14W X 10H X 24L Pergola made of 2X6 Western Red Cedar It was treated with Deckscapes transparent in 2008. I wood like to keep a Reddish brown tone (stronger on the red) What do you recommend and how much, It is a bit complex to actually calculate the amount of Sq Ftg cause outside frame has double timbers and 8 4/6 uprights,
Please help if you will, Thanks
[quote name=”Jim McKinstry”]My deck is ~6 years old (pressure treated) and has never been treated. Which product do you suggest for this deck? 100 or 1500?[/quote]
1500 for this.
My deck is ~6 years old (pressure treated) and has never been treated. Which product do you suggest for this deck? 100 or 1500?
[quote name=”Tom Slater”]Looking to do the cedar siding in the 1500 series. It has previous stain, but wood is in great condition. I want a mostly transparent stain. I’m thinking Natural or Honey. What do you guys recommend for color and preparation?[/quote]
Best to apply the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure wash off the old stain. Use the Restore A Deck Brightener when done. Please read this about colors:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-1500-colors-explained/
Looking to do the cedar siding in the 1500 series. It has previous stain, but wood is in great condition. I want a mostly transparent stain. I’m thinking Natural or Honey. What do you guys recommend for color and preparation?
[quote name=”Neil Meiskey”]Hi, Will your stain work well on Tiger Wood![/quote]
TWP is not designed for Exotic Hardwoods.
Hi, Will your stain work well on Tiger Wood!
[quote name=”Caroline Sawyer”]bought a home in Maine with a deck that is in poor condition and looks like the pressure treated wood has had NO treatment at all over the 12 yrs it has been here. What products do we need to use on it?[/quote]
Prep with Gemini Restore Kit and light pressure washing. Stain with the 1500 Series.
bought a home in Maine with a deck that is in poor condition and looks like the pressure treated wood has had NO treatment at all over the 12 yrs it has been here. What products do we need to use on it?
what product do i use deck 10 months old.
[quote name=”Roger Soucy”]I have mahogany decking and railing that needs to be re-stored. Used Cabot’s Australian stain for the 2 applications. What product color stain do you recommend?[/quote]
The Rustic color in either the 100 or 1500 Series.
I have mahogany decking and railing that needs to be re-stored. Used Cabot’s Australian stain for the 2 applications. What product color stain do you recommend?
[quote name=”Todd Gill”]I have a fence I am looking to stain with the 1500. The fence length is a shared fence so I only have to stain one side
and it is 85ft on both sides of the property and the width is 35 feet and I would have to paint both sides of that. How much stain would you recommend me purchasing?
Summary
85 length on each side must stain one side
35 width (total) and both sides must be painted[/quote]
Please give us a total sq. footage. Thanks!
I have a fence I am looking to stain with the 1500. The fence length is a shared fence so I only have to stain one side
and it is 85ft on both sides of the property and the width is 35 feet and I would have to paint both sides of that. How much stain would you recommend me purchasing?
Summary
85 length on each side must stain one side
35 width (total) and both sides must be painted
[quote name=”Butch Berger”][quote name=”TheSealerStore”][quote name=”Butch Berger”]How much do you recommend for a 10′ X 30′ deck?[/quote]
Butch, did you use the calculator? It will give you amount.[/quote]
I did, however I was concerned that it was requiring too much because this is my first application.[/quote]For newer wood and only once coat you would use 2/3 the amount that the calculator suggested.
[quote name=”TheSealerStore”][quote name=”Butch Berger”]How much do you recommend for a 10′ X 30′ deck?[/quote]
Butch, did you use the calculator? It will give you amount.[/quote]
I did, however I was concerned that it was requiring too much because this is my first application.
[quote name=”Butch Berger”]How much do you recommend for a 10′ X 30′ deck?[/quote]
Butch, did you use the calculator? It will give you amount.
How much do you recommend for a 10′ X 30′ deck?
Butch, For this use the 100 Series.
I have a treated pine deck that has been sitting since last june. I am located in LA 70114. I have already purchased the restoration kit. Which stain do you recommend, the TWP 100 or 1500?
Arron, prep with the Gemini Restore kit. use 100 Series and 2 gallons should be enough for the IPE wood.
I have a IPE deck in St louis 63119, it was on the house when i bought it and needs to be coated whats the best way to prep it (powerwash) then what product should I put on it?
Also the deck is about 400 sq feet what how much do i need?
Thank you Aaron Browne
[quote name=”Hugh”]Good Day, my deck has never been painted it is about 18 months since we built it. which product will work best for me? we are in the 30004 zip code. thanks[/quote]
For GA, most use the TWP 100 Series.
Good Day, my deck has never been painted it is about 18 months since we built it. which product will work best for me? we are in the 30004 zip code. thanks