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.
[quote name=”Sara W.”]I have a new deck that was built in late May/early June of this year, with presure treated wood. Do we have to wait any longer before staining it, and do we need to apply anything for prep or can we just go ahead and apply the stain?
Thank you.[/quote]
You should be good to go after prep. Please read this:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I have a new deck that was built in late May/early June of this year, with presure treated wood. Do we have to wait any longer before staining it, and do we need to apply anything for prep or can we just go ahead and apply the stain?
Thank you.
[quote name=”glen 2″]what does wet on wet mean? I am thinking about twp100 for a dock approx. 1000 sq ft[/quote]
Please read this:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
what does wet on wet mean? I am thinking about twp100 for a dock approx. 1000 sq ft
[quote name=”Ryan Kephart”]I am trying the twp for the first time on a new deck . After two years am I correct that I do not have to strip the original coat of twp 1500 .i just have to clean ,brighten and reapply another coat of twp. Thanks[/quote]
Yes that is correct.
I am trying the twp for the first time on a new deck . After two years am I correct that I do not have to strip the original coat of twp 1500 .i just have to clean ,brighten and reapply another coat of twp. Thanks
[quote name=”Michael Cone”]will be staining a 8 to 10 year old boad house, I once treated the would with Thomas Water seal. It’s 800 square feet, would 5 gallons do the job? also I do not want a stain that has a redish color would a semi transparent Natural work and what is a popular semi transparent stain? I’m in Garland, Texas do i order on line or call someone?
Thanks
Michael Cone[/quote]
For one coat a 5 gallon should work. If you do two coats then you will need closer to 7-8 gallons but this does very on the absorption rate of the wood. Please read this about colors:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/tips/need-help/twp-color-tips/
You can order here or call us.
will be staining a 8 to 10 year old boad house, I once treated the would with Thomas Water seal. It’s 800 square feet, would 5 gallons do the job? also I do not want a stain that has a redish color would a semi transparent Natural work and what is a popular semi transparent stain? I’m in Garland, Texas do i order on line or call someone?
Thanks
Michael Cone
[quote name=”Noel Lorenzo”]I am replacing my whole fence next week 228 linear ft. How many 5 gallons TWP 1500 do I need…I’ll be spraying both sides of the fence. Do I need a cleaner before staining? Tnx.[/quote]
We need a total sq. footage for both sides to give a proper answer. Is the wood smooth or rough sawn?
I am replacing my whole fence next week 228 linear ft. How many 5 gallons TWP 1500 do I need…I’ll be spraying both sides of the fence. Do I need a cleaner before staining? Tnx.
[quote name=”Brian T. Wilson”]What does “wet on wet” mean?[/quote]
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
What does “wet on wet” mean?
[quote name=”schrterr”]I have a cedar fence that was installed about 15 months ago. I have done nothing to it yet. I was looking at applying TWP 1500 stain. Do I need the Restore-A-Deck Brightener? Can I spray both the Brightener and Stain from a standard sprayer? I live near Minneapolis, MN so the fence has been through all seasons once.
Thanks.[/quote]
You need the Gemini Restore Kit which contains both the cleaner and the brightener for the prep.
I have a cedar fence that was installed about 15 months ago. I have done nothing to it yet. I was looking at applying TWP 1500 stain. Do I need the Restore-A-Deck Brightener? Can I spray both the Brightener and Stain from a standard sprayer? I live near Minneapolis, MN so the fence has been through all seasons once.
Thanks.
I have a log home, in the past I have use skim kens cedar 077. If I clean this with trisodium phosphate can I apply the cedar tone 1501 over the old stain or will it have to stripped?
[quote name=”Timothy Marlowe”]I have a 6 foot redwood cedar shadowbox fence that’s 215 feet long. How many gallons will I need to stain both sides of fence? I want to use TWP 1500 Black Walnut stain.
Thank you.[/quote]
For 1 coat you will need 15-20 gallons. For two coats you will need 25-30 gallons. This of course varies depending on how absorbent the wood is and your application procedure. Your total sq. footage for both sides is about 2600 sq. feet.
I have a 6 foot redwood cedar shadowbox fence that’s 215 feet long. How many gallons will I need to stain both sides of fence? I want to use TWP 1500 Black Walnut stain.
Thank you.
[quote name=”thomas k”]looking for a stripper and semi-transparent stain for my deck.[/quote]
TWP stains are semi-transparent and our best stripper is the Restore A Deck Stripper.
looking for a stripper and semi-transparent stain for my deck.
[quote name=”Nancy DiBiano”]To prepare my new cedar deck for staining do I have to use the brightener after the cleaner
Thank you[/quote]
Yes you need to brightener after the cleaner.
To prepare my new cedar deck for staining do I have to use the brightener after the cleaner
Thank you
[quote name=”Bill Thanel”]Where can I get or see sample on pressure treated wood.[/quote]
You can get samples on this link:
http://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Where can I get or see sample on pressure treated wood.
[quote name=”Jay Burdette”]I am applying the stain to a deck that is 8 years old and nothing ever applied. What should I use to clean it first? thanks[/quote]
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep.
I am applying the stain to a deck that is 8 years old and nothing ever applied. What should I use to clean it first? thanks
[quote name=”Jeff Whiteman”]Which TWP stain is the clearest? My deck is a slightly weathered yellow cedar and I would like to find something that preserves it but does not add any additional color to it.[/quote]
The Clear has no tint.
Which TWP stain is the clearest? My deck is a slightly weathered yellow cedar and I would like to find something that preserves it but does not add any additional color to it.
[quote name=”Ruth V.”]I live in Washington state near the Puget Sound. Which TWP stain/sealer is best for a new cedar fence and how long do I wait to stain it? What weather conditions are needed to apply the stain?[/quote]
If the cedar is rough sawn (fences usually are) then you can stain right away. If smooth wood like a deck, you will need to wait 4-12 months and prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit. Use the 100 Series and with temps between 55-90 with no rain.
I live in Washington state near the Puget Sound. Which TWP stain/sealer is best for a new cedar fence and how long do I wait to stain it? What weather conditions are needed to apply the stain?
[quote name=”stacey t”]I stripped my deck over 2 weeks ago. Becuase it has rained on it several times since then, do I still need to use a deck brightner or has the stripper neutrialized with the time lapse?[/quote]
Yes you should still neutralize if you have not.
I stripped my deck over 2 weeks ago. Becuase it has rained on it several times since then, do I still need to use a deck brightner or has the stripper neutrialized with the time lapse?
[quote name=”Sharon Kurmaniak”]Hi. I live in Commerce Township, Michigan. My deck is mostly in the shade. It is several years old and was last stained two years ago. It is graying. Not a lot of mold[/quote]
Sharon, probably would be best to come into our store for help:
2388 Franklin Rd
Bloomfield Hills Mi 48302
Hi. I live in Commerce Township, Michigan. My deck is mostly in the shade. It is several years old and was last stained two years ago. It is graying. Not a lot of mold
[quote name=”Asher Vilensky”]Hi. I live in Atlanta, GA. My deck is mostly in the shade. It is stripped and clean. I calculated 412 sq feet of deck + railing. How many gallons of stain-sealer do I need and which one is recommended?
Thanks.[/quote]
Did you use the calculator above for total sq. footage? Use the 100 Series.
Hi. I live in Atlanta, GA. My deck is mostly in the shade. It is stripped and clean. I calculated 412 sq feet of deck + railing. How many gallons of stain-sealer do I need and which one is recommended?
Thanks.
[quote name=”Jonathan Libber”]I stained the deck with a Cabot translucent stain 4 years ago. I power washed my deck with water, and it got rid of the dirt, mildew and lose stuff. Do I need to do more prep before re-staining? If I need more prep, what do I need to do?[/quote]
You need to remove the cabot with the Restore Stain Stripper we sell and pressure wash. Once removed you will need to neutralize with the Restore A Deck Brightener. This removes the Cabot and this is vital for the TWP to work well.
I stained the deck with a Cabot translucent stain 4 years ago. I power washed my deck with water, and it got rid of the dirt, mildew and lose stuff. Do I need to do more prep before re-staining? If I need more prep, what do I need to do?
[quote name=”Debra Edgington”]I have a combination issue with a deck that I need some advice on, please. I replaced the entire floor of the deck but left the intact railing since it was in good repair as was a portion of the flooring but thought this was the best option for preparing my house for market. When should I apply any treatment to the pressure treated wood decking and what kind of cleaner/stripping agent could I use prior to the old existing wood to achieve a uniform look for stain and/or color to the entire deck? I live in the Gulf Coast area of the South and we typically deal with a lot of mildew and mold issues. Any help that you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thank you[/quote]
[quote name=”Debra Edgington”]I have a combination issue with a deck that I need some advice on, please. I replaced the entire floor of the deck but left the intact railing since it was in good repair as was a portion of the flooring but thought this was the best option for preparing my house for market. When should I apply any treatment to the pressure treated wood decking and what kind of cleaner/stripping agent could I use prior to the old existing wood to achieve a uniform look for stain and/or color to the entire deck? I live in the Gulf Coast area of the South and we typically deal with a lot of mildew and mold issues. Any help that you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thank you[/quote]
[quote name=”Debra Edgington”]I have a combination issue with a deck that I need some advice on, please. I replaced the entire floor of the deck but left the intact railing since it was in good repair as was a portion of the flooring but thought this was the best option for preparing my house for market. When should I apply any treatment to the pressure treated wood decking and what kind of cleaner/stripping agent could I use prior to the old existing wood to achieve a uniform look for stain and/or color to the entire deck? I live in the Gulf Coast area of the South and we typically deal with a lot of mildew and mold issues. Any help that you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thank you[/quote]
What brand of stain and type is on the rails?
I have a combination issue with a deck that I need some advice on, please. I replaced the entire floor of the deck but left the intact railing since it was in good repair as was a portion of the flooring but thought this was the best option for preparing my house for market. When should I apply any treatment to the pressure treated wood decking and what kind of cleaner/stripping agent could I use prior to the old existing wood to achieve a uniform look for stain and/or color to the entire deck? I live in the Gulf Coast area of the South and we typically deal with a lot of mildew and mold issues. Any help that you could provide would be very much appreciated. Thank you
[quote name=”Martin Krievs”]I turned the deck boards over on a 12 yr old deck- look good.
What do I do to prep before applying your 1500 series stain.. or the 100 if you so recommend.[/quote]
Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I turned the deck boards over on a 12 yr old deck- look good.
What do I do to prep before applying your 1500 series stain.. or the 100 if you so recommend.
[quote name=”Mary M”]Lakefront, VT, cedar siding. Restored and stained with TWP 7 years ago. Now mildew, dirt and uneven fading. What needs to be done to get best results with TWP 1500 series?[/quote]
Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit and a light pressure washing.
Lakefront, VT, cedar siding. Restored and stained with TWP 7 years ago. Now mildew, dirt and uneven fading. What needs to be done to get best results with TWP 1500 series?
[quote name=”David McDonough”]Two years ago I used Cabot’s oil based sealer on our deck. It has now worn off. Water does not stand on the wood after a rain which it should do if protected. Can I stain over this old coating without having to strip it off? I have done that job before and will not do that again.[/quote]
No you need to remove the Cabot if you want to switch brands of stain. Beading water is not needed for outside wood and is a myth. You need to shed water and allow the wood to breathe.
Two years ago I used Cabot’s oil based sealer on our deck. It has now worn off. Water does not stand on the wood after a rain which it should do if protected. Can I stain over this old coating without having to strip it off? I have done that job before and will not do that again.
[quote name=”Alex S”]Hi,
I just built a ~1,100 sq feet pool deck with 160 linear feet perimeter surrounded by 4 feet tall fence. The fence is composed of 4X4 posts spaced 6 feet each. Each section has 2 horizontal 2X4 ribs on top and bottom and 18 2X2 vertical planks.
It is a little difficult to use the calculator to figure out the necessary amounts I need to buy.
Please help me figure this out.[/quote]
What is the total sq. footage of the wood?
Hi,
I just built a ~1,100 sq feet pool deck with 160 linear feet perimeter surrounded by 4 feet tall fence. The fence is composed of 4X4 posts spaced 6 feet each. Each section has 2 horizontal 2X4 ribs on top and bottom and 18 2X2 vertical planks.
It is a little difficult to use the calculator to figure out the necessary amounts I need to buy.
Please help me figure this out.
[quote name=”Scott Thomas”]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]
Please read this about wet on wet application:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Use the 100 Series for Atlanta.
[quote name=”Larry Smith”]Just completed new pressure treated deck. We live in GA. The deck gets overhead sun about 8 hours a day in summer. Would you suggest 100 or 1500. I have grandkids that play on the deck. Also what color would you suggest for letting the grain shoe through? One more question…one or two coats for first application? Thanks[/quote]
Use the 100 series and all the colors will allow the grain to to show through. Just one coat. Please read this about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Just completed new pressure treated deck. We live in GA. The deck gets overhead sun about 8 hours a day in summer. Would you suggest 100 or 1500. I have grandkids that play on the deck. Also what color would you suggest for letting the grain shoe through? One more question…one or two coats for first application? Thanks