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.
How many gallons of stain (wet on wet) will I need to cover approximately 450 s/f of deck using a brush. This includes an estimate for bench seating and a 4×6 landing area which I couldn’t input to your calculator. Thanks
About 4-5 gallons.
How do you know if you need two coats? My deck is at least 11 years old and raw sun bleached pressure treated pine. Is it typical to need two coats?
Yes, use two coats applied wet on wet: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Do you people have a phone number to call for costumer service for questions? This is a little ridiculous.
Of course, it is clearly at the top of the page. Not sure what is “ridiculous” about it?
Needing to see how much stain we need for 183 linear feet, 5 feet high for the fence picture attached for both sides.
After seeing pic. Try 10 gallons total.
Our fence is approximately 183 linear feet long, 5 feet tall. It is not a typical fence so we are trying to figure out how much stain to purchase to stain both sides.
15-20 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
I have 1200 square feet of deck with new wood. Will I need one or two coats?
See here. https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
How many lineal feet will a 5 gallon bucket do
It is measured in sq. feet not lineal. Coverage can range between 150-250 sq feet per gallon.
My deck is 620 sq ft. I’ve stripped and sanded. Do I use RAD cleaner/ brightener?
how many Gallons of 1500 do I need? Portland, ore
Yes, use the Gemini Restore kit. About 5-6 gallons for two coats.
Good morning! We have a deck that is about 20 years old. There has never been any kind of stain or protectant used on it and we have power washed it about 3 times over the past 10 years we have lived here. Do we still need a brightener if we are going to use a semi solid stain? We are installing a new deck underneath this one and in about 2 years will hope to use the deck revive to have them all match and be more covered.
You need the Gemini Cleaner and Brightener kit for prep.
For wet on wet application ….how long between applications….using paint brush?
looking to use 1500 series
https://twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
if i order too much can i return the unopened containers?
See policy here: https://www.twpstain.com/refund
I have 2000 sq feet of decking (includes all steps). I live on the west side of MI. My deck has been cleaned and restored by a contractor. The decks are mostly shaded and a portion on the lower level is never exposed to sunlight. How much TWP 100 should I get?
Can you post some pics for prep help? About 15-20 gallons of stain for two coats applied wet on wet.
Currently have 415 sq ft cedar deck with TWP 100 Rustic Oak. I have cleaned and brightened it. The deck is patchy in some areas ie bare wood/Stain. Can I change color to another in the TWP 100 series – does the choice of colors matter? Am I able to over paint with the new TWP Pro Semi-solid ie charcoal or thunderstorm – does the color matter? Used the calculator to estimate and came up with 5 gallons – would have thought 2/3. Many Thanks Mickey
No, you need this kit to switch: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
If I keep to the color and same brand , am I able to applying directly onto or would I need to use the kit to strip/brighten?
We would still strip/brighten so it is even when done. Stripping is easy. Same as cleaning, just removing the old coating.
I have rough cut redwood fence and I see that you recommended 2 coats wet on wet. So how do I estimate paint needed for the 2 coats using the calculator?
Length x height for the railing then double results for both sides.
You replied to William Garber to enter fence height as railing height in the calculator. I have a fence with open lattice for the top 2 feet (see photo) and solid wood below. What is the correct method to estimate amount of paint needed? Do I just use the total height of the fence as railing in the calculator? Most deck railing are just railings and mostly open. My fence is mostly solid wood boards. Should I not treat the wood surface area like deck surface area?
Length x height for the railing then double results for both sides.
Hi there – I just had a new cedar fence put in. Blank canvas. It’s about 70 linear feet, 6 ft. height. Looking to use TWP 1500 Series in Natural. Since its about 420 sq feet, your calculator is saying I will need about 10 gallons for two coats on both sides. Does this seem correct? Will I need two coats for a new fence? Pics attached. Thanks!
Is this smooth wood or rough sawn cut? See this first about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I think it might be rough sawn (see photo). If that’s the case, then one coat per side should work?
Thanks!
Both sides? You can stain now but you typically need two coats applied wet on wet for rough sawn wood. About 6-8 gallons total.
I will be washing and staining a fence for a client of mine. Trying to figure out how much stain is sufficient. They previously had it stained using TWP and now want to proceed with a darker TWP color (thinking dark oak). The fence is 300ft long (both sides need done) and 6ft tall.
Would one coat be sufficient?
pics of current fence attached
You have 3600 sq feet and for two coats applied wet on wet, you will need about 25-35 gallons. You will need two coats.
How much do I need to stain new Cedar Fence ?
What is the total sq footage of all wood added up for both sides of the fence?
Do you have a suggestion on the best type of sprayer to use to apply the stain? Thank you!
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/chapin-sprayers
Do you have a calculator for exterior of log cabins?
Just do not use the railing portion in above and use the length and height of the siding for the floor.
twp 115 – is it available or did it change to 1500
Yes: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
Question: My deck is two years old. Pine treated. NEVER stained or painted. Some planks already have algae and UV damage, mill glaze and brown stuff oozing out of knots (see pics). In my particular case and to use TWP 100 semi transparent, oil based stain, do I need cleaner and brightner for prep?
Yes, that is correct for prep. 100 or 1500 Series.
1) Difference between 100 and 1500 series? One semi transparent and one solid? Both oil based?
Difference is what is allowed in your state based on VOCs. Both are oil based and semi transparent.
TWP 100 allowed in MI?
Yes.
I have a new 6’ pressure treated fence that is about 200 linear feet long. Assuming the calculator is correct I will need about 10 gallons. What should I use to prepare the fence before staining and should I wait a certain period of time between preparation and staining? Also – can I use a sprayer to apply to stain? Thanks!!
If you are doing both sides of your fence, you will have 2400 sq feet to cover and you will need 20-25 gallons for two coats. If the wood is rough sawn wood, you can stain it now with two coats applied wet on wet. If smooth wood, you will need to weather, then prep, and only apply one coat. See tips here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thanks for that. I think the 6’ pickets would not need prep then. However there are 2×4 on top (typical 2×4’s found at store). Are these classified as “smooth”? Also can you tell me if applying via a sprayer is OK or will I waste a lot?
You can spray and yes, it does have some waste from overspray. You should be fine to stain now.
If we currently have Behr restore a deck, can we put a semi solid or solid over it?
I assume you mean Behr Deckover as there Is no such thing as Behr restore a deck? This will have to be 100% sanded off before you can use any of the TWP Stains.
Hello when calculating the size of my deck (791 sq ft of surface area) it says I will need 2 cleaner/brightener kits or 2 “jars” of stripper and 2 “jars” of brightener. But the site also says that 1 cleaner/brightener kit will do 750-1000 sq ft and the same for the stripper and brightener. Just wondering why the calculator says I will need 2 kits and what “jars” it’s referring to with regard to the stripper? Thanks
It averages at 750 per kit. It can go up to 1000 sq feet if an easy clean and or strip. It also can do down as low as 500 sq feet for difficult jobs. Since the average is 750, anything over is rounded up.
There is no way to be 100% accurate as coverage always varies based on the wood condition, age of the wood, type of wood, etc.
Thanks!
Hi, I am restoring my deck and trying to stay close to the same semi transparent stain color which was a cedar tone. It was applied about 20 years ago originally. Was redone once about 15 years ago. I’ve sent pictures of what the current color looks like on surfaces that haven’t faded badly. Can you recommend which stain color I should use. The Cedar color almost looks to light but I know it’s hard to tell with pictures. Should I stay with that or go to something like the redwood?
All of the horizontal deck boards and hand rails have been sanded smooth and stripped of old stain. A lot of the vertical sections have been roughed up but not stripped completely(like the balusters and posts). Total square footage has calculated to 817′ using your calculator. Based on everything I’ve read I should be ordering 9 gallons of stain (I will order 2-5 gallon cans). It also says I should use 2 jars each of the Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Brightener. Since I’ve completely stripped 500 sq ft of deck and 102′ of hand rail, do I need as much stripper and brightener? Any other tips I should know about? Thanks, Dan – Mableton, GA
Hi Dan,
Look at using Pecan color for this. Not sure on the stripper needed. Probably one Stripper/Brighener kit will work.
Do you think I should use 100 or the PRO?
Pecan comes in the 100 Series or the 1500 Series. Either is fine.
How do I remove opaque stain to get down to natural wood surface?
Sand it off. Strippers will not remove solid stains fully.
1 or old PT, southern exposure in northeast. Looks great, minimal discoloration Must I cleaned prior to applying Cedar penetrating product?
Yes, you must clean and brighten for prep: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
How much will a gallon of TWP 103 pro series dark oak cover when staining a previously stained rough sawn cedar fence? ( 6 feet tall board on board)
You will need to remove the current stain unless it is TWP on there now. Coverage is about 150-200 sq feet per gallon.
We have a new (12+ months) deck with 550 sq ft. plus 5 steps that are 5 ft wide. We want to do Thunderbolt semi-solid. And based on reading the blogs and comments, we need to prep the wood. We bought samples. How much stain and Gemini prep do we need and what do we use as promo code for discount for samples we bought?
Total sq footage of all wood floors, rails, steps, etc added up? See about samples https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Can I use the calculator for semi-solid? Assuming semi-solid only needs one coat??
Yes, correct.
I live in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada.
How much TWP 200 would I need to refinish my 1000sq ft deck. Do you recommend 2 coats? How long will it take to get the product delivered?Thank you,SB
One coat should be okay with the 200 Series unless the wood is very dried out. About 5-7 gallons. Shipping to BC takes about 3-7 days.
We live in Mid-Michigan and have 14×14 deck with spindles, steps and railings that is 4 years old, never been stained, with full sun and a swing set we’d like to match. Swing set was stained, just starting to look weathered. I’ll do the calculator for the deck but I’m unsure as to how to go about estimating for the swing set. Please advise on that as well as best bet for longevity in a stain. Thanks!
For prep on the deck, use the Gemini Restore Kit. For prep on swing set, you will need to remove the current stain by stripping and or sanding. You would have to measure all the wood to be stained for the swing set to determine amount needed. For this deck and play set, look at the TWP 100 Series.
I used TPW 100 in 2019 on my deck. It looks good except in a few high traffic areas where it looks almost down to wood. What are the steps I need to do to reapply? I am confused by the need to strip again or just clean and go. I really do not want to have to resend.
Use the for prep for a maintenance coat of TWP: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Why would you need the Gemini Restore Kit for new wood/first time coating? This will be for a new cedar fence using TWP-1530.
See here: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a 2.5 yr old, 20′ x 22′ deck made of pressure treated wood. Southern exposure in mid-Atlantic state. It has never been treated. Other than discoloration and some very minor warping it is in great shape. Not sure what advice to follow on website since it’s not “new wood” but it doesn’t need stripping of of a previous product.
Prep with this kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
3/19/21
We live in Houston, Texas and about a year and a half ago used TWP 101 Cedartone Natural on our treated pine deck that is partly shaded and part in full sun. The shaded area still looks great, but the sun exposed area is beginning to look dry and weathered–clearly it is now time to redo.
Questions:
1. Would there be an advantage to use your new product–Semi Solid Stain rather than the Series 100 since wood takes a beating in the Houston heat and sun? Would it be more durable?
2. If so–hopefully–we wouldn’t have to strip, just power wash, clean/brighten–is that correct????
3. What would we do about the shaded area that still looks good? This area runs continuous with the area that is exposed to sun?
4. Also with this new product–is it recommended to do the wet on wet application or will we even need to do a second coat since we originally used your product?
5. What color of the Semi Solid Stain most closely matches Cedartone Natural?
1. The semi-solid would give better protection.
Ohhh not what I wanted to hear! Very tempting not to change products as the beauty of originally switching to TWP was so we could easily and simply reapply without starting over! With that said and we decide stay with TWP 101?
1. Gemini Restore Kit
I have used twp stain about 3 years ago and ready to do it again. I have about 1400 sq ft of existing redwood previously stained wood with the TWP 15000 California Redwood and 400 feet of new fencing. How much product do I need?
About 15-20 gallons for two coats. Make sure to prep correctly first.
I’m starting to sand and refinish my weather-beaten custom made pergola and plan to use TWP 1500. The underlying wood seems to be in good shape (see pic) and I’ll be caulking the cracks and joints and holes with stainable latex caulk. Since the wood has been there for more than 30 years, after sanding, I plan to do a light power wash, let dry and then apply 2 coats of TWP 1500.
Do not use caulk or wood filler on this. It will not stain to blend and will stand out looking blotchy. For final prep use the Gemini Restore Kit.
Do you have a calculator for standard pressure treated fencing?
Just enter into the calculator the info for the railing height as your fence height and the railing length for your fence length. After it shows the amount, multiply products needed by 2 if doing both sides of fence.
Hi there! We live in Iowa and just put in a new cedar fence with metal posts last June. Approximately 40 panels of 8×6, again metal posts. It’s rough sawn cedar. I can’t find a calculator for a wood fence and I am also confused about if we would do one or two coats since it’s rough sawn. We already have the cedartone 101 we used on our deck, so we would like to stay with that. Can you let me know how many coats, approximately how many buckets we need and if we need to do anything else? I really appreciate it! thanks!
You will need two wet on wet coats. About 30-40 gallons for the 4000 sq feet that covers both sides.
thank you so much!
I have a deck that was built using kdat wood. Do I need to use the stripper or just cleaner to prepare the wood for staining. I have been told we need to remove the mill glaze before staining the wood.
See here about new KDAT wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
Test again
Replying to see if link issue.
New last year pt pine? Deck central Texas use 100? Or 1500? What’s the difference
See here for new wood tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Re-staining 5 yrs old PT pine decking which will be stripped & brightened prior to TWP. Closest retailer to 73170 Oklahoma City please? Can TWP 100 Series be purchased directly from Yukon, OK facilities? Thinking of using 1500 Series versus 100 Series because greater percentage of solids? any real benefit? Thanks – John
Hello, we only sell online as a TWP dealer. You cannot buy directly from the manufacturer.No advantage of the 1500 over the 100. If you want better UV protection, then use the semi-solid colors that will becoming out in the next week or two: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Is the gemini restore kit necessary for a 2 month new cedar fence before applying twp 1500 series. If yes, why?
You cannot stain 2 month old wood yet unless rough sawn. See here for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a newly installed cedar fence with pressure treated pine posts. I installed the fence about 4 months ago. It is about 500 feet of fence and is 6 feet tall. I need to do both sides. How much do I need to purchase of the TWP 100 and do I need to use the restorer and neutralizer?
Yes, you need the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. For both sides, you have 6000 sq feet. Is the wood smooth or rough sawn? That would depend on if you need 1 or 2 coats.
I have a 2700 sq ft barn I’d like to not have to stain often as it’s an extreme project, and my rough- cut pine has weatherized for 2 years easily with nothing on it yet.
1- Is the California redwood darker than the redwood and cedar?
2- Also, I’m not clear on reapplying stain in a couple of years … can I reapply without removing the old stain if I’m reapplying the exact same color again? Is it just when you change stain color you have to remove and apply?
3- Lastly, are these all semi-transparent or do you carry a semi-solid too?
Thought I’d just them all at once :)
1. Lighter than Redwood. Different shade than Cedartone.
2. Clean and recoat as needed when using the same color.
3. Semi-transparent only.
Current deck had TWP Cedartone Natural 100 put on 2 years ago. I am thinking of putting on TWP 1500 Cedartone Natural this year. Is there any problem if I change from 100 to 1500?
Strip and brighten the wood for prep would be needed: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Half of our redwood deck was replaced last year and was never stained. The other half of the deck was stained with TWP 1500 several years ago. Do I need to do two separate prep methods to insure that the deck is the same color after staining? Thanks for the help!
Strip and brighten the stained half: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
Clean and brighten the newer wood: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Thanks for the quick reply!
I live in Chicago IL and I spent the last months replacing some rotten boards on a 13 year old neglected deck. It was “painted” with solid stain about 8 or nine years ago. About 20% of the deck is new treated southern pine (the rest is old treated southern pine).
The first new boards I installed are no longer beading water (it’s only been a month) newer boards are still beading.
I intend to sand the deck and then stain.
1. Do you recommend sanding the new wood as well as the old?
2. Will a need a deck cleaner after sanding?
3. Does this generally sound like a good plan?
Thanks!
See here about new wood first: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Wait until Spring and then clean and brighten all for prep. No need to sand.
What about the old parts that still have solid stain? I should sand that, no?
If yes, sand before the winter or after? If no, am I supposed to use a stripper before winter or in the spring? or not at all? It’s 900 sq ft.
You will have to sand off the solid stain as a stripper will not remove it. Dot his now and then cleaner and brighten all in the Spring.
Thanks!