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.
Hi. Just did samples of twp 1501, 1515, 1530 on a sample cedar fence board. I like the 1515 as it’s the lightest (per neighbor request). The new fence (aged one month so far) is approx 30 feet and 6′ tall and I will stain both sides. On your calculator I put in 60′ (2 x 30) so as to cover both sides. Output is 4 gallons to do the 1.5 coats. My questions as follows:
1) I think I read on this site that that new rough hewn fence boards only require one thin coat. Correct?
2) If true, than I probably only need 2.5 gallons. Second question: Does this product store well such that I can use it again for a second coat sometime later? If so, I will buy 5 gallon pale…I can store in a fairly cool/dry location.
3) When do you think that 2nd coat would need to go on? I live in SoCal south of LA and about 10 miles from ocean.
Much appreciated…great website…glad I found you as I was getting increasingly frustrated with the myriad of (poorly reviewed!) products out there!
1, No, two light coats for rough sawn wood.
2. You would need about 3-4 gallons fo the two coats. Shelf life if opened is 12 months.
3. For a fence, about 3-6 years.
You need the 1500 Series for your area.
Now I’m really confused…below is verbatim from your site: Says “one coat for most instances”. I’m happy doing two if needed. If so, is it the “wet on wet”…as in within 30 minutes. Or two light coats within a week or so? Or something else? The samples I put on (one coat) this morning went into the wood very nicely. If shelf life is only 12 months then I wouldn’t want to order more than needed if I’m not recoating for 3+ years. That said, I’m not really worried about the $, I primarily want to do the application correctly. If I have extra stain I have older fences that I’m sure my wife would love for me to get to as well! Thx! And especially for rapid reply!
“Note: New Rough Sawn vertical wood/fencing can be stained right away with no wait and with no prep as it does have mill glaze and is very absorbent. Just make sure the wood is fully dry. If Rough sawn wood has aged or oxidized (grayed) then it will need to be prepped with Gemini Restore Kit. One coat for most instances of newly installed Rough Sawn wood.”
For fences rough sawn wood needs two light coats applied wet on wet. Very absorbent.
My wife says the 1515 that i put down on my side of the new cedar fence is “orange”. My side actually isn’t visible from the street or our back yard as it’s just a small portion (25′) of my front to back property line. So I’m fine with the way it looks on my side. That said, I’m trying to keep my neighbor happy as that’s the entrance his guests take for their backyard pool parties. Can i mix 1500 with this in order to tone down the orange? I realize my uv protection would be diminished but due to the proximity of my neighbor’s house to the fence his side is kept in shade most of the day and year. What ratio do you think I’d need to make the fence not look so “orange”. I have some leftover boards that I could experiment with.
Yes, you can mix but hard to say how much as the wood itself has a lot to do with the final color.
That makes sense. But if it’s right now just a little too orange now wouldn’t you think a 50-50 mix would bring it to an acceptable tone? As in towards the right direction? Maybe a different question would be does the 1500 (ie clear) impart an orange tone of its own to cedar? My neighbor (in a grouchy tone) said “he doesn’t care what color” but I could tell he was perturbed as my gate with the 1515 on it is visible to him. Just trying to keep the peace with him!
Try 50/50 and work from there.
Final question…regarding the little bit of recently applied 1515 on my new fence that shows from the street (~8 feet)…what would be the best way to stain with the 50/50 mix (assuming I like that color)? Would a pressure washer work or would I need to sand? I’m guessing the pressure washer wouldn’t work and I don’t want to sand so 2nd best would be to wait until I need to restain years from now? I have a fence/gate combo on the other side of the house that I’d like to put the 50/50 down with. I don’t think I stained it when it was put up 12 years ago (its just gray) so figure pressure treat and brightener would do there? I would like the two sides to match if possible.
You would need to strip and brighten to remove any TWP stained wood that you want to apply the mix. Clean and brighten for the gray wood.
Bob, u could do a smaller amount on any extra board you may have or a small area less visable (maybe the side of a step) to see how it turns out?
Twp100 ….How much for the very first time/treatment on a 1000 SF deck with 116 ft of railing?
Please use the calculator above to enter in all dimensions. Just one coat for new wood so dived the total amount of stain by 2/3 as the directions state after entering. See this as well for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
does the 5 gal 1500 series need mixing after shipping?
Yes, best to stir well or use a drill but mixer.
I’m staining 600’of fence 8′ tall how many gallons I need to do both sides? It’s gone be clear coat.
For 9600 sq feet and two coats applied wet on wet, you would need about 80-100 gallons. It really depends on how old and porous the wood is.
The stain I ordered is too dark and I think we will need more than the 5 gallons because the wood is so old. So I plan to order another 5. The decks are 40-year old redwood now sanded to bare wood.
Can I order 5 of a lighter color and mix them together? I mixed the samples to test and it looks good.
If it is more stain than we need can we use the extra next year assuming we store it properly?
Yes, you can mix colors together. See here for shelf life: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Great. The colors I had mixed in the sample were 103 and 1504. I ordered 5 of the 1504 and assume I should get the 1503 to mix it but want to be sure that color is the same as the 103. Are they the same or should I mix 1504 with 103?
The 103 and 1503 are close in color but not exactly the same. You should mix the same series together.
I stained my new deck for the first time in August of 2018. It is roughly 500 square feet and I used 7 gallons. It’s been two years and seems to be holding up pretty good. Should I clean it this year and apply another coat or wait another year. If I recoat it this year, should I put one or two coats on it. How much stain should I order. I used TWP 100 series in the Rustic 116 color last time.
Looks good so do it next year.
Is the rustic stain orangey? How does the 1500 compare with the 100?
See here for colors: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums/
The TWP 1500 and 100 work the same. The difference is VOC laws for certain states.
Hi, I put in a new cedar fence a couple of months ago and am getting ready to stain and seal. The fence is 450 feet long and 6 feet high. I need to do both sides of the fence. How many gallons of TWP-100 will in need assuming a 2 coat wet on wet application?
Thanks
Fro 6750 sq feet and two coats, you will need about 50-60 gallons of stain for both sides.
How many gallons do I need to purchase for a 935 square feet deck? Do you recommend TWP100 or TWP1500 for Texas heat? Thanks.
About 8-10 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet. Use the 100 Series.
I should have clarified. I am looking for a varied appearance, so wondering if I can go light color on first coat followed by darker on second for a variegated look? Or vice versa. Thanks for your time.
No, that would not work.
Can I combine 2 colors into one? Say Cedar Tone and Dark Oak?
Hi,
I have a 40—year old redwood deck in a mild dry climate area of Southern California . It hasn’t been protected with any finish before and (obviously) shows its age. However I plan on pulling all the boards and running them through a surface planer. I’ve tested a couple of boards and the boards have cleaned up very nicely – clean, smooth and very few cracks. Wood is obviously very dry, and it hasn’t rained in months.
My question is do I need any prep product if I plan on using TWP100? Also, since the wood is old and dry, may I assume that the coverage will be closer to the minimim 150sf/gallon as opposed to the 300sf/gallon max?
Thanks
Ron
Yes, prep with this kit to help open the wood pores for the stain: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Coverage varies based on porosity so hard to say.
Finally getting ready for my staining project.
The deck is cedar and almost 2 years old now. We like the aged grey look but still like to protect the wood from the environment. I understand that I still have to clean and brighten it first. Is the TWP 100 series without pigment the best choice for the job? I like it to go back to the natural aged grey.
The total square footage is 1210 sqft.
Looks like 2 Restore kits and 10 gallons of stain.
Please advise
Yes, that is correct. Use the TWP Clear if you want the wood to gray naturally. The prep and stain amount is correct.
Thank you
Per your calculator my deck is 3734 sq ft. and I need 38 gallons thats seems like a lot, how long does it take to get more product shipped to Jefferson, GA If I only order 28 gallons.
Shipping right now is about 2 weeks.
In the calculator my deck was 1200 sq feet and it calls for 13gal wet on wet. How much more will I need for the underside?
No need to stain the underside. If you wanted to for appearance reason only, you would need as much stain.
My deck was stained with TWP 101 2 years ago. Rails seem ok, but I am looking to stain the decking. Can I use the Restore Kit, just powerwash, or do I need to strip?
Also, it sounds like 1501 offers better UV protection, which is important since my deck is full sun 75% of the time. Is 1501 noticeably different in color?
The 1501 is darker, use the same 101 as before. Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
My deck is very large. I bought 5 gallons and allied it. IT soaked it up very fast. I was not able to apply a second coat as I ran out of product. I am waiting
for a stretch of good weather to reply a second coat. All recommendations for a second coat say wet on wet. Will have be able to add a second coat days after the first coat?
It may not take but it really depends on who dried out the wood is. Maybe do a test board and see how it dries prior to coating all.
Had an old coating of TWP 100. Power washed the deck. Anything else I should do before reapplication of the same color TWP 100?
Looks good to stain.
Hi there.
This is my deck I installed just about 2 years ago. It’s cedar.
I red about the mill glaze so I just let it sit all this time and sure enough after 6 months it started to peel and the mill glaze lifted off the wood.
Didn’t have any time to stain the deck but now I am ready for it.
I really like the natural agent grey look and that’s how it is right now. Do I still have to use the cleaner and brightener? I like to apply the clear stain without the pigments so the cedar can age and stay looking grey?
You have to clean and brighten prior to using the clear.
Thanks
i have power washed the deck and it cleaned up real well.
is it neccessary to use any prep products and if so why?
Send a picture.
Why would a man advertising deck staining offer TWP 200 in Atlanta, GA area rather than the better rated TWP 100? VOC related?
Maybe because he does not know better? The 200 is designed for shakes and shingles.
1. We have a 300 sq ft pine deck which has been power washed per TWP specs.
2. it was sealed 4 years ago with TWP 1530.
3. At the time we purchased a 5 gallon bucket. I estimate there are approximately
2 1/2 gallons left. The bucket has been stored in a heated basement.
4. Should I use what’s left over or buy new.
5. If I buy new, how many gallons should I buy for the 2 coats?
6. The wood is quiet dry. Should I put on 3 coats.
Thank you for your assistance.
John
It has gone bad by now. About 3 gallons for the 2 coats. Do not put on 3 coats.
Thank You!!!!
10-15 business days at this time during Covid-19
800 sq foot deck that is quite old but looks good. All cleaned and powerwashed.
1. Should we use TWP 100 series?
2. Does “CLEAR” have slight tint?
3. How many coats to apply?
3. How much TWP to purchase for 800 sq ft deck?
Thanks
1. 100 or 1500 based on your state laws.
2. No. Use a tinted color.
3. 2 coats
4. 7-8 gallons
Just had a new rough-sawn redwood fence with rough-sawn privacy lattice but then PT Doug fir 4×4 posts installed last week in the SF Bay Area. How long should I wait before applying TWP 1500? Do I need to apply cleaner and then brightener after the weathering period even though the fence will still be “new”?
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
What about the mix of pressure treated posts with the rough-sawn redwood boards? Ok to just go ahead and stain it all straight away?
If 90% or more is rough sawn go ahead and stain. Worse case is you may need to touch up areas of the smooth wood in a year or so.
Cedar fence built in June of 2019. Looking at the 1515 Honeytone. Fence is 6′ tall and 245′ per side. does it need 2 coats? How many gallons am I looking at?
What is the length of the fence?
245′
For 3000 sq feet and 2 coats applied wet on wet, you will need about 25-30 gallons. Make sure to clean and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I have a quick question. I am about to order cleaner and stain for my deck and when I calculate the sq footage I am coming up with 564 before the railing and steps. I used the calculator and it is coming up with 1780 sq feet (after adding railing and steps) and is telling me I need 18 gallons of stain!!! Is it that much more for a railing?? The railing is not solid, spindles several inches a part. I just want to make sure I order enough product without having too much. Initially I was going to order a 5 gallon container thinking that was adequate but not I am really not sure.
You must be entering your info correctly to get that big of a difference. Length x width for the deck floor. Railings are the length of rails x height. Add that all up and add in any sq footage for stairs. What does that come to?
Oh goodness…I am a dingbat, when I plugged my numbers into your online calculator I put the inches for the railing height…hahaha, not wonder it wanted me to get 18 gallons, I made it look like I had a 30 foot railing! After re-doing the railing calculation it came back with 7 gallons recommended which sounds perfect. Thanks for your speedy reply, I can’t wait to get my products ordered and get started on this project. Thanks again.
I am considering this stain for recently built wood shed doors. These were made from pressure treated lumber but the wood had dried considerably in the store before installation (so not wet/green). A simple water drop test showed the water absorbing within 10 minutes. Do I still need to wait 9-12 months to stain since it’s new wood?
Yes, 4+ months and the prep.
Definitely want the 1515 Honeytone for new fence. Trying to figure out how much for 300’ of 6’ height??
Both sides? About 30-35 gallons for two coats and 3600 sq feet.
I have a 7 yr old cedar deck in MN. Whatever product was used to stain pealed almost immediately. It was a grey stain. I have now power washed and sanded some parts where the stain remained. Do I need to still do a deck wash? (Parts where it is shaded and more prone to mold didn’t wash as well) Or just the brighter? I’m interested in the Cottage Grey 100 series but worried about peeling again. Do you think I could still go with it? What is the best way to apply?
Your prep looks okay to stain. You can use the the TWP gray now.
Thank you! How many days after rain and pre rain do you recommend to apply?
48 hours after rain. 24 hours before rain can come on a stained deck.
I have used TWP 101 on my log home since it was built in 1999. I read in your specs that the 1500 series has better UV protection. Can it be applied over the previously applied TWP 100 stain?
You would have to strip it. Best to stick with the 101.
I had a pressure treated pine deck installed in August of 2019. I recently cleaned and brightened the deck with the purpose of staining it after it dried but unfortunately it unpredictably rained the night I cleaned and brightened my deck. I changed gears and did some research and now I plan to use Twp 1500 natural (nj). So my questions : do I need one coat on this new deck or two coats wet on wet? Also do I need to clean and brighten again? I sent a picture of deck after the cleaning when it was raining and then the next night when it dried. Looks a lot lighter (white).. your thoughts ?
One coat for new wood. You do not need to prep again.
I have 1,232 square feet of cedar deck in Michigan that was sealed with another product in the Fall of 2017. I believe I can still use 100 in Michigan. Would you please let me know what the correct prepping and seal options are for this installation as well as the quantity needed. Thanks!
We would need pictures for help with current prep.
There’s a variety of conditions.
Strip and brighten for prep. TWP 100 for stain. You can pick up in Bloomfield Hills, MI at our location if you want.
Thanks. Bloomfield is too far for me. Would you please let me know your thoughts on quantities of each product prep and stain for 1,232 sq ft?
2 Stripper/Brightener kits and about 10-15 gallons of stain.
300′ of yard fence to stain, 42″ is height and doing both sides. 100 series be best? How much will it need
100 or 1500 based on where you live. About 20-25 gallons for two coats.
Hi. I have new 30’x18′ deck that was built in July and November (half at a time) 2018 with treated lumber. I am looking to stain it for the first time. The deck has roughly 60′ of railing, 4′ tall.
The product calculator states I need 2 kits of Restore a Deck, and 9 gallons of stain.
Is this accurate? Should I apply one coat or two of stain?
Yes, that is the correct amount for applying two coats wet on wet.
Thanks. I was advised before (on this site – I lost the thread) that only one coat is needed for new wood. I’m not sure which to go by.
Your wood is not new anymore when built in 2018.
Hi. I stained using the 100 series 2 years ago. Now I am planning to re-coat and will treat with the Gemini restore kit first. Last time I sanded the wood to prep it and the deck took about 1 and 3/4ths of a gallon to stain. So do you think 1 gallon would be adequate now to re-coat it?
Also, when I re-coat–should I do one coat or two?
No, you will need the same as last time.
Ok. Makes sense. For a re-coat (the original is in decent shape)…do you recommend 1 or 2 coats?
Probably just one will be needed.
I have a new pressure treated deck that was built in November 2019. When should I start to think about staining it? Also, since it is new, what preparation do I need to do before staining? I like the look of the Rustic color.
See here. You can prep and stain this Spring: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
If I have a well-maintained redwood deck, previously Treated with Sikkens cetol, Is it a necessity to go beyond ordinary cleaning and pressure washing to be able to use the TWP 1500
You will have to fully remove the Sikkens to be able to use the TWP.
What is the square footage per single coat for a five gallon can of 1500
It depends on the porosity, the age of the woo, and the type of wood. About 750-1000 per coat for a 5-gallon pail but that can vary.
How many gallons on 1501 cedartone needed for 440 square ft.
About 4-4 if doing two coats.
Do you have a calculator to determine how many gallons will be needed to stain a house of the 100 series (120 Pecan). It was stained (when siding was put on new) 6 years ago with TWP Pecan and has held up great but wanting to stain again due to fading and weathering. I am assuming only one coat since this is second staining. Thanks!
Just measure width x height for each side and add up for a total sq footage. Sq footage for 1 gallon and 1 coat is about 150-200 sq feet per gallon.
Hello TWP, I have about 175′ of linear cedar fence that was done using 1×6 cedar milled boards (finished all sides). I believe the wood was kiln dried prior to sale. The fence was installed this summer, approximately 3 months ago.
I would like to finish all sides of the fence (about 2000 SF), should I do 1 coat or 2 coats of TWP 1500?
One coat for new smooth wood.
I have just built a deck using treated lumber from Menards and want to protect it. I would chose an oil based semi-transparent product. I have read many helpful comments and instructions but I am still unsure about the timing of the application to “new” wood. It’s fall here and the temperatures are falling. Suggestions please for product (1500 or ?) and when to apply. Thanks
See this article about TWP and new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
My deck right after powerwashing
Apply two coats of the TWP 100 Series wet on wet application.
Thanks, how much time between coats?
See here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
My deck is three years old, today it was power washed and the recommendation was to use your product. No previous stain or sealant was ever applied. I am in Michigan. May I have your suggestions on best way to proceed.
Sorry, forgot the deck size on last post. It is 10×10 with railing of 10′ and 35″ high.
Roger
I have purchased an older home on Cape Cod MA about 1.2 miles from the ocean for our retirement. The deck and railing material is redwood. Ti was installed at least 10+ years ago. I have removed all paint and old stain and sanded with 120 grit paper. the wood is of good quality with no rot. I would like to stain with a redwood stain. what do you recomend, how many coats and which product is best for this area? Also, do you have any dealers in the Hyannis MA area?
Thank you
Roger
Sanding with 120 is too fine. Best to do a final prep with the Gemini Restore Kit as this will help the stain soak in deeper. https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Just one coat of stain since you sanded. Use the TWP 1500 Series. We ship to your area.
7 ft. X 36 ft. porch ceiling with bare (cleaned) rough finish cedar T&G 1X6 boards.
How much 101 cedartone natural stain is recommended for one coat? Also what applicator do you recommend for best result?
Located near Seattle.
2 Gallons. Apply with a stain pad applicator.
Deck is 16 months old pressure treated pine(picture attached). We would like to stain it with honetone. Do I need to apply one coat or two coats of stain.? We will use the cleaner and brightener kit before staining. We are in New Jersey. Do we use the 1500 series?
yes, use the TWP 1515 Honeytone. Two light coats applied wet on wet.
I have a big deck down by the river and I am going to stain after cleaning, what product should I use
100 series or 1500?
Where do you live?