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 semi-solid stain for a 227 sqft “new” deck (treated lumber, weathered one year). This includes steps and railings.
The steps and railing are added into the sq footage of 227?
Yes. Decking, railing, steps total 227 sqft.
1-2 gallons.
3400 sq ft of fence. Built 3 years ago. Looking to see how much semi solid I need to cover and the cleaner
Hi Brian,
For The Gemini Restore Kits, you would need 4. For the Semi-Solid Stain, you would need about 15 gallons for 1 coat.
New deck installed 8 months ago. First time staining it is 652 sq ft. How much stain (100 series or 1500) and restore kit?
See this about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
One Gemini Restore Kit and 3-4 gallons of the stain for the 1 coat.
2168 Sq ft of 9 months weathered pressure treated pine. How much twp 100 and retire kits should I order?
3 Gemini Restore Kits and about 10-12 Gallons of stain for the one coat.
How much 1500 do I need to do 180 square feet?
1-2 gallons for 2 coats applied wet on wet.
I have about 400 Sg Ft of deck I need to cover, how much 1501 would I need to order?
For 2 coats applied wet on wet, about 4 gallons.
Thank You.
We have a small deck and 3 stairs totaling 141.64 sq ft. Will one gallon of Total Wood Preservative 1530 Natural be sufficient? Our contractors who rebuilt the deck in Dec 2021 used an inferior product to stain which we plan to have removed/brightened before applying the TWP. We don’t want to buy too much since a previous can we had turned into a solid, unusable mass.
Yes, that will be enough.
How much 1504 will I need for a previously stained 900 sq ft deck that was last stained with 1503, has 18 new PT boards and two new PT staircases? I plan to power wash before applying new stain.
What is the total sq footage added up with the 2 new staircases? Make sure to add in railings as well.
Also, see here about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
And make sure to remove the Dark Oak with this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit
I have a fence 80′ x 6’5″ 520SqFt x 2 =1,040 SqFt. How much Semi-Solid pro will i need?
About 5-gallons if doing one coat. 7-8 gallons if doing 2 coats.
I have a 25’X14′ Covered Deck and a deck board skirt around it. It is made of Green Treated wood and is about 10 months old. What would you use to stain the deck. I am thinking Cedar Tone.
Any color that you like will work here. See some pics:
https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
I stained my fence about 15 years ago with TWMP100, it is now in need of pressure washing and staining again. I called a contractor and he recommended doing a solid color instead of the typical TWP100 I used originally (Redwood) because of the condition of the wood. Does it make more sense to do semi-solid for older wood instead of just TWP100?
You will get better UV protection with the TWP semi-solid color over the 100 Series.
Hello – will you please help me confirm if the estimated number of gallons is 12 for: 311 square feet of pine fencing? My calculations include all of the reachable sides (we have separate neighbors’ fences abutting ours so can’t get to all sides of the fence at every point.
311 sq feet? Are you sure that is correct? For a fence, it is Lenght X Height x 2 for both sides.
Yes, I’m sure of the calculation. I am not able to do both sides for most of the fence so it will not be an even number.
Okay. You will need about 3 gallons for two coats on 311 sq feet.
Thank you very much.
Hello,
I am siding my house with semi solid seafoam on rough sawn cedar Chanel siding, estimated 1600 square ft.
I plan on staining both sides of the board to incapsulate.
How many gallons of stain would you recommend?
Thank you for your time.
Do not encapsulate all sides as you need the wood to breathe. Only stain the exposed wood after installation. About 10-15 Gallons.
So you don’t recommend pre staining boards.
Where I live thats how all contractors do it.
I live in a marine climate and could be difficult to put siding up and be able to stain with in good weather. Is there a benefit to putting up siding then staining?
They are doing it wrong and you have to install, weather for 4+ months, and then prep before staining new wood. This is normal for all stain brands.
https://twpstainhelp.com/need-some-help-with-twp-stains/
I still plan on purchasing TWP semi solid stain, but I have been pre-staining rough cut siding for 20+ years. Learned from my boss, who has been for over 50 years. There is no way you can install, wait 4 months, and then stain in my climate (rain forest Alaska). We receive over 200 inches of rain a year. Again is there a benefit to installing first before staining?
There is a difference between smooth and rough-cut new wood. Everyone installs first, weathers, prep, and then stains new smooth wood since the smooth wood cannot take the TWP yet. Rough-cut wood can be an exception since it is already very porous. You can skip the 4 months of weathering and prep. As for pre-staining rough cut, in theory, you can do that but still do not stain all sides.
total of 560 sqft of 13 year old redwood. sanded and treated 3 years ago – in good shape – live in southern California. how many gallons of TWP 1500
For 2 coats applied wet on wet, about 5-6 gallons.
How much coverage for 1 gallon of 1500 TWP on rough sawn cedar bevel siding (sauna)?
Coverage varies based on porosity. For 1 coat, you will get roughly 200-300 sq feet per gallon. More porous wood can be less.
Any sales for 5 gal. 1501 cedar tone stain
Sorry we do not.
Looking to see how much stain I need for new deck around pool, attached photo. Project has been ongoing for two years so wood needs to be prepped well for sure. Railing is all around pond side only and will have metal spindles railing length is 64’ with width 10” and bottom connection for spindle is a 2”x4”. Top side of pic has deck board fence 9’x4’. There are two open pavilions 16’x22’ and 16’x10’. Big pavillion is A roof that will need stain inside all the way up. Small one only has posts and cross joists. Pump has an enclosure that is 8’x4’x3’ and enclosed on both sides, top, front. The back of the deck has boards running across to enclose area. Deckboards cover an area 3.5’x25’. There are 4 stairs, all one step except one. First is 3.5’x8” x 2, 5.5’x8” x1, 2.5’x8” x1, 4’x8”.
Please add up all square footage to be stained and let us know the total. No picture.
Here is the picture. Sorry forgot to attach. Not sure if I need to sand, pressure wash and cleaning solution. If you can help with steps and amount of stain so I can get it on order. Thank you.
Please add up all wood into a total square footage so we can offer help with the amount needed. We cannot do the math for you. Thanks
But your calculator doesn’t work. Figured you were the experts and could give a good estimate of material as to not have to reorder stain that may or may not match pigment of last properly. Especially since there is a lot of oblong surface area. Seems like a job for the “expert” to find square footage rather than the DIY guy. DIY guy is gonna bitch when not enough material was ordered and now has to order more. Will get it figured out. Thank you?
It is not possible for us to add this up correctly based on your pic and the numbers given. Sorry, but you will need to do the math and add it up to a total sq footage. Once you have this, we can offer advice as to how much product is needed.
Use this for tips:
Flooring Length x width =?
Railing Length x height =?
Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?
Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.
Staining new deck 896 ft with your natural stain color . Don’t know if I need to use 1500 or 100 series and your advice on amount and would be appreciated
Where do you live? See here about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
North Georgia, that gets a lot of sun in summer months and it is attached to a pool
TWP 100 Series or TWP Semi-Solid.
How many gallons
About 5-6 gallons for the 1 coat on new wood. Make sure to weather and prep first.
Have 3 yr old red cedar fence, never been stained. Total of 1340 sq ft. Leaning toward semi-solid cedar gold. How much cleaner, brightener, and stain would I need?
2 each of the Gemini Cleaner Brightener Kits. About 10 Gallons of stain if doing 1 coat. 15 gallons of doing 2 coats applied wet on wet. 1 coat is typically enough with the semi-solids.
I have a new cedar deck in Iowa that is 6 months post construction. Railing balusters are black aluminum. I’m looking to use TWP 100 Pecan. The deck is 23’x14′. Full dimensions are below. What amount of stain do you recommend? I will use the cleaner and brightener first. Any application tips?
One 5-gallon pail and one prep kit should work here.
TWP to stain and weather proof 3500 square feet of wood back yard fencing
For two coats applied wet on wet, about 30-35 gallons:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I have 600 sqft of pressure treated, sanded off the old coat and will wash with deck cleaner before application. This is a 10+ year old deck in pretty decent shape. How much of the TWP 100 would I need, and is multiple coats required or desired? If so, how long between coats?
About 5-6 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
I am staining my rough sawn cedar home. 40 years old. Cleaned with cedar wash and brightener. Sealer will be applied and then stain. Contractor says we have 5000 sq. Ft. I already have 15 gls. Of 1501. How much more? David
For 2 coats applied wet on wet, you would need a total of 40-50 gallons for 5000 sq. feet.
For a newly installed fence 250 feet long, 6 feet tall, how much stain (1501) is required?
For 3000 sq feet, you will need about 25-30 gallons for 2 coats applied wet on wet.
Can you estimate two coats of TWP 100 for me? Is two of the 5-gallons buckets too much for this project? I have 16×20′ deck with pergola above it.
What is the total square footage of all wood to be stained added up?
Around 1,100sqft total with the pergola included. Also, do you have a suggestions for staining that pergola??
10 Gallons would be correct for that amount of square footage. You probably only need one coat though on the vertical wood so you might be able to get by with 6-8 gallons.
Use a stain pad or brush for the pergola.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/application-tools/brushes-stain-pads
Thanks!
One more question. From what you can see… Would you recommend the Gemini Cleaner/Brightener before we stain? Or the R-A-D Stripper/Brightener?
I would like to get as much of the old flaking stuff off the pergola as possible.
Strip and brighten.
Prep is finally done. Time for stain! Is there any reason not to go with 2 coats on everything?
No need.
One more factor: I sanded the deck with 60grit after the stripper and brighter. Pressure washer really raised the wood fibers and I read that they should be sanded before staining.
I want to put two coats on but I’m wondering if I can’t now that it’s sanded to 60grit.
Typically just one coat of the wood has been sanded.
I used TWP 203. What do I need to do before restaining with same stain? I’m guessing I’ll need about 5 gallons
Prep with this kit:
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
new wood do i need a kit ? or just the 1501
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I want to have a cedar fence re-stained after the old stain (different brand) was removed. Do I calculate the amount of product (stripper, brightener and TWP stain needed) by using your calculator and doubling the surface (for the two sides of the fence)? Do you have any coupons for TWP-101 and/or the stripper, brightener? I hope to be notified via email when an answer is posted. Thanks
Fences are measured length x height x 2 for both sides. We do not have any coupons currently.
Thanks. I attached two pictures about segments of the bottom of the fence. Some places have been deteriorating. Can the stripper clean them and can the brightener and stain do what they are supposed to do in the damaged areas to restore them? I would not want to spend a lot of money on the products and labor to learn after the fact that I wasted time and money. Thanks.
It will clean the surface but you have water damage that is internal so you will have some discoloration there. It will look much better.
Thanks. Could you please tell me how much stripper, brightener I need for the fence for the total of 800 sq ft fence and how much TWP 101 stain I need for this fence + 2 gallons for the deck? Please also let me know what’s the shelf life for these products (in case the work cannot be done this fall). I assume that shipping would be free. Please confirm. I appreciate it.
About 8-10 gallons of stain for the fence. 1-2 Bags of Stripper and Brightener. Shelf life if unopened is 3 years. 5-gallon pails ship free. Single gallons do not.
I wanted to place the order, but I realized that there are different strippers (liquid and powder) and brighteners. The fence and deck are cedar. Which specific products should I use and what’s the difference in how they work and ease of using them? If done according to the instructions, for how many years should the job last? Is the shelf life (in a shed) for the stain also 3 years. Thanks.
You want the powders:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
TWP Shelf life:
https://twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
Thank you! Are there any detailed instructions for the stripper and brightener anywhere on the website (how to apply/use, tools needed, time needed between applying the two – if any, drying time needed, etc.)? If the contractor wants to use a power washer, what setting that should be used at for the fence, to avoid damaging the grain of the wood?
Directions are on the product pages and the containers.
Sorry, the only instructions I see are with the product’s picture (https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail) and I cannot read them or enlarge them. Is there anything else that is easily readable? Thanks.
The directions are on the containers when you receive them.
I understand, but the contractor wants to read them now to assess the work involved, timing, requirements, etc.
So no readable instructions on the website?
The pictures with instructions can be enlarged by clicking on the picture then and printed out to read.
You can also save those pictures to your computer and then enlarge them there.
Thanks. Saving and enlarging worked, clicking and enlarging did not.
Do I need the additives or I will be fine without them?
You do not need the additives.
Thanks, I placed the order.
My contractor is late… Now it’s a gamble because of the weather. – Is it OK to do the stripping and wait with the brightener or the brightener needs to be applied immediately?
I purchased all products, including the TWP 101 stain for the fence.
– Do I understand correctly that I need at least 5 days of dry weather to do the the staining after the brightener is applied on the fence (2 days for that to dry, one day to stain and 2 more days for the stain to dry)?
– if the stripper and brightener are applied, how long can I wait for 5 days of nice weather before the stripper has to be applied (and not waste work/products)?
– the total surface of the fence (both sides) is about 800 sq ft? Is it possible to apply the stain in one day? Does the fence need only one layer of stain?
Thanks for the help.
-Brighten right after stripping.
-48 hours after prep to stain. 12 hours after applying for no rain.
-You can still all the wood in one day, it is not that hard. You need 2 coats applied wet on wet:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Thanks a lot for the quick reply. If I do the prep, is there a max amount of time that I can wait without having to redo the prep (if I have to, due to the weather) before applying the stain?
2 weeks.
Thanks! The wet-on-wet link is for decks (not a fence) and it states: “In most cases, a second coat only needs to be applied to horizontals as the verticals will last twice as long”. Do I need a second coat on the fence or not?
Yes, you need 2 coats on a fence.
Thanks.
And one more thing: how many working days from the day I place the order until I get the products (I live in zip 97229, Portland, OR). Thanks.
4-6 business days.
Thanks and have a nice holiday weekend!
I have a new log cabin with hand peeled pine logs I need to stain. The walls are 9′ high and the cabin is 30′ x 40′. The Eaves are 7′ high. The dormers on each side are 5′ high and 15′ long. The eves will have rough cut pine board and batton on them. I’ve used your products before and plan on using TWP 1500 Natural on the logs and B & B. How much stain do I need please and do you have any suggestions for applying to raw wood? Thanks!
We need a total sq footage of all wood (siding) that is being stained added up to help with this. Thanks
1830 square feet
About 20 gallons for the 2 coats applied wet on wet.
Thanks!
My deck is 85 sq ft and is about 40 years old. I have already cleaned the deck and did some sanding with 60 grit paper. The wood has a lot of splintering. I’m trying to preserve the deck the best that I can. It has not been stained in approximately 25 years. It gets late afternoon, setting sun. What stain would you recommend? Thank you
The TWP 1500 Series.
Thank you, I appreciate your recommendation
Please help me calculate: 6′ fence (never stained or sealed – most is one year old – 200′ is much older but I will only seal one side. Total linear feet: 2,577 one side, 1,059 (one side of the 200′ side of yard, both sides of the newer fence). I come up with about 25 gals.
Total sq footage of wood to be stained?
It will be wet on wet
How much TWP for 3000 ft.²
25-30 gallons for 2 coats applied wet on wet.
One of the attaches pages of your website indicates the 1500 is 350 Voc, the other indicates 250 Voc ?
it is 350 VOC.
Can I stain my composite deck? It is at least 12 years old, has no finish on it and has had nothing done to it other than an occasional washing. Another website says I should use TWP semi-solid stain. Also, can I change the original color drastically or should I stay in the same color family? I live in CT
Post a picture of the composite.
I live in New Jersey. My deck, including the landing, is approx 500 sq feet, acccording to the calculater.
How much product in gallons would you recommend?
I sealed my deck 2 years ago. It is an IPE wood deck, which type of twp product, sealer and prep woud you recommend to use? I plan to have it powerwashed, sanded then sealed.
Thank you
One coat with IPE. 2-3 gallons. Do not sand finer than 80 grit. Use the TWP 1500 Series.
where is the calculator
It is currently broken and we are trying to get it fixed or replaced. Let us know the sq footage and we can help with the amount needed.
Flooring
Length x width =?
Railing
Length x height =?
Steps
Width x Depth x #of Steps =?
Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.
Hi. We have a 10-year-old deck, in good condition, was sealed appx 5 years ago, and power washed twice since. There is currently no product on it. Do we need either of these prepping options? Neither really seems to apply. We are power washing and sanding again prior to application of Semi Solid.
Post some pics for prep tips.
If I’m staining my 432 sq. ft. deck for the first time (one year old pressure treated wood), will 3 gallons suffice or should I get 5 gallons? I believe I read that I should use just one coat for the first application vs. wet on wet. Also, would you recommend 100 Series or 1500 Series? I plan to use the Gemini restore a deck kit before stain application.
For 1 coat, 3 gallons should be enough. Which series to use depends on where you live?
Is twp 1515 a good product to use on an older log home. The logs in this home are yellow pine and about 30 years old. We have cleaned and stripped the old finish.
Yes, works great on log homes.
hello; my question is, i have a power washer, do I need your Gemini deck restorer?? Or can I just use the stain with no restorer? I have approx 308 sq.ft. to do.
Thanks joe
Use the Gemini prep while pressure washing for the best results.
Can’t pay what’s in my cart, is your site not taking orders.?
Yes, the site is working and has taken 100s of orders yesterday.
Are there any plans to create a grey color in the 1500 series? I live in Ohio and cannot use the 100 series. I would love to use TWP, but I am going to be forced to use a different brand.
Use the TWP 200 Series in Slate Gray:
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Also, sometime this year we will be adding semi-solid colors that will be VOC-compliant.
New cedar deck last October. It has aged so I’m ready for the Gemini restore kit and my stain. I thought I read somewhere on this site that for the first application I only want one coat. Is that correct?
Correct: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Prep for maintenance coat
https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
How much stain needed for 550 sa ft for maintenance coat
3-4 gallons.
I used 2 coats of Cap Code Gray e years ago on new wood. It still looks fairly good but worn off in sone ares. To apply another coat how much coverage should I get per gallon.
About 200-250 sq feet per gallon.
I just finished a 28×9 PT deck with 6″ deck boards. When would you advise I stain the deck as I understand new PT needs to dry out first? How many gallons should I order? Thank you.
Please see this link: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Hello, the calculator is saying I need two gallons of stain with the following statement:
(assuming 2 coats wet on wet. Use 2/3 amount for 1 coat)
Do I do 2/3 of 2 gallons for the first coat i.e. 1.34 gallons first coat?
Approximately yes.
The customer service on this place is outstanding, I’ve never had a question I couldn’t answer myself with the information provided right on the page itself. The patience shown by the company while answering most of these questions is unprecedented. Good job guys.
Thanks!