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=”Charles Roedersheime”]In using your calculator to estimate number of gallons of stain needed, I noted there was no provision for ballisters or posts for deck rails nor indication of whether the rail length would cover both cap rail and bottom rail. Also our deck has inside and outside cap and top rails to connect the ballisters. Our deck has whether the rail measurement was to include the . Our deck railings have square spindles every 3 inches plus 4 by 4 post that will be stained.The The posts are the hiegth of the rail plus 4 inches to the deck. Also our deck has a wooden grating at its base (it is elevated)and the grating is a lattice design with the 1 inch square connectors spaced about 1 inch apart. Measured the average height and length of the grating and divided in half to estimate stain needed.
Suggestions on calculating the parts of the deck not included in measurement and method to average out the stain amount required for the grating.[/quote]
The railing height x the length covers all parts of the railings including spindles, caps, posts etc. Just do a sq. footage calculation for the lattice.
In using your calculator to estimate number of gallons of stain needed, I noted there was no provision for ballisters or posts for deck rails nor indication of whether the rail length would cover both cap rail and bottom rail. Also our deck has inside and outside cap and top rails to connect the ballisters. Our deck has whether the rail measurement was to include the . Our deck railings have square spindles every 3 inches plus 4 by 4 post that will be stained.The The posts are the hiegth of the rail plus 4 inches to the deck. Also our deck has a wooden grating at its base (it is elevated)and the grating is a lattice design with the 1 inch square connectors spaced about 1 inch apart. Measured the average height and length of the grating and divided in half to estimate stain needed.
Suggestions on calculating the parts of the deck not included in measurement and method to average out the stain amount required for the grating.
I have a 1622 square foot pine 2 x 6 deck. We put Ace brand oil based stain on it when we first put the deck up two years ago and the stain did not take.. we left it so now have graying wood along with some mold and some remaining stained areas. We live in a desert climate.. low humidity with high heat and lots of sun.. and cold winters. I would like to put two coats on this time around.. what will we need?? thanks..
[quote name=”Teresa M”]I have been using the wet in wet method of applying two coats of stain. I have one small landing section of stairs, about 4×5 that was missed with second coat. Can I go back and do a second coat since it is dry or do I have to strip it and start over on that section?[/quote]
Best to leave that section alone for a few months, lightly clean, and apply a very thin light coat.
I have been using the wet in wet method of applying two coats of stain. I have one small landing section of stairs, about 4×5 that was missed with second coat. Can I go back and do a second coat since it is dry or do I have to strip it and start over on that section?
[quote name=”Brian Steyer”]we are residing our house in WI with cedar siding. There is 2600 sq feet of siding to stain and we going to stain both sides of the siding before installing it on the house. Should we use the 100 or 1500 and how much stain will should we get?
Thank you[/quote]
There is no advantage to staining both sides. Also you cannot stain new wood right away with TWP unless it is rough cut siding. If smooth cedar, then install, wait 4-12 months, prep and stain.
[quote name=”Witte3767″]I have about 840 SF of Cedar deck to strip, restore, and stain. The deck is 5 years old. The wood is in good condition. The previous stain was a Sikkins Oil based stain for decks. What products do I need and how much do I need of each? Thank you.
David[/quote]
2-3 Restore A Deck Stain strippers.
1 Restore A Deck Brightener
7-10 Gallons of TWP for 2 coats.
we are residing our house in WI with cedar siding. There is 2600 sq feet of siding to stain and we going to stain both sides of the siding before installing it on the house. Should we use the 100 or 1500 and how much stain will should we get?
Thank you
I have about 840 SF of Cedar deck to strip, restore, and stain. The deck is 5 years old. The wood is in good condition. The previous stain was a Sikkins Oil based stain for decks. What products do I need and how much do I need of each? Thank you.
David
[quote name=”F”]I have a 21,876 square feet of fence to stain. How much of the TWP 101 should I purchase to cover this area? If it helps, the panels are full cedar and the rail are pressure treated pine.
Thx,[/quote]
For two coats applied wet on wet, you will need about 200 gallons. If you only do 1 coat it would be about 140 gallons. This can vary about 10-15% depending on the porosity of the wood, wood type, application method, etc.
I have a 21,876 square feet of fence to stain. How much of the TWP 101 should I purchase to cover this area? If it helps, the panels are full cedar and the rail are pressure treated pine.
Thx,
[quote name=”John Adelizio”]I have a older cedar deck, I removed most of the old Behr stain(transparent),but there is still areas mostly verticle wood that has dark areas. The horizontal decking is clean. I dont want to use a power washer anymore because it is damaging the wood.
Should I use the Gemini or the Restore stripper?[/quote]
You will nee the Restore Stripper but you will need to pressure wash after applying. Apply Restore Brightener when done.
I have a older cedar deck, I removed most of the old Behr stain(transparent),but there is still areas mostly verticle wood that has dark areas. The horizontal decking is clean. I dont want to use a power washer anymore because it is damaging the wood.
Should I use the Gemini or the Restore stripper?
[quote name=”Catherine Gallegos”]We will be painting our split rail fence. The length is 356 feet and the height is 4 feet. How much paint will we need for this project?
Thank you,
Cathy[/quote]
For both sides and two coats, about 15-25 gallons. These are hard to judge as they are not “solid” fencing and a lot of gaps between the boards. Hence the big difference. Start with 10-15 gallons and you will know the first few hours how much more you will need to buy.
We will be painting our split rail fence. The length is 356 feet and the height is 4 feet. How much paint will we need for this project?
Thank you,
Cathy
[quote name=”Bill luisi”]I want to try the deck revive product on my railings first and give the product one fill winter summer to see how it hold up. It can get as cold as -27 F in winter and as hot as 100 in summer, and I get a tremendous amount of sun.
I want to coat the upper railing which is 2×6 and the lower railing which has ballusters. So I ould only be coating the railing uppers, not the ballusters. How many linear feet will the product cover 2 coats?[/quote]
Coverage is based on sq. feet, not linear feet. Please convert to sq. feet.
I want to try the deck revive product on my railings first and give the product one fill winter summer to see how it hold up. It can get as cold as -27 F in winter and as hot as 100 in summer, and I get a tremendous amount of sun.
I want to coat the upper railing which is 2×6 and the lower railing which has ballusters. So I ould only be coating the railing uppers, not the ballusters. How many linear feet will the product cover 2 coats?
[quote name=”mikerip”]I applied TWP stain to my deck floor last year, and an unexpected rain storm came through before the stain dried that resulted in some blotchy areas where there is little to no stain. Should I strip the floor completely and start anew … or should I try to apply a maintenance coat over the existing? Thanks.[/quote]
Prep with the Gemini Kit and reapply.
I applied TWP stain to my deck floor last year, and an unexpected rain storm came through before the stain dried that resulted in some blotchy areas where there is little to no stain. Should I strip the floor completely and start anew … or should I try to apply a maintenance coat over the existing? Thanks.
[quote name=”Shawn Jenkins”]I am trying to determine what to do with my deck this year. I pressure washed last weekend and am thinking about sanding some areas as well. There are some areas that still have stain but most of it has peeled off. What are the recommended steps if I do sand the deck and what products would I need to strip/prep the deck before I stain? Is there a preferred method of applying the new stain that would work best?[/quote]
If you have old stain then remove it by pressure washing and the RAD Stripper we sell. If needed to remove some stubborn stain then sand after. Brighten all the wood when done with the RAD Brightener. We like stain pads for applying the TWP:
http://www.twpstain.com/brushes-stain-pads
I am trying to determine what to do with my deck this year. I pressure washed last weekend and am thinking about sanding some areas as well. There are some areas that still have stain but most of it has peeled off. What are the recommended steps if I do sand the deck and what products would I need to strip/prep the deck before I stain? Is there a preferred method of applying the new stain that would work best?
[quote name=”Ryan Wasik”]I just finished building a cedar deck, about 1200 square feet. How long should I wait until i clean and seal the deck? What is your most natural looking stain? I don’t want much tint added to the wood. Can you provide instructions along with quantities of your products I’ll need for this project. Thanks in advance for your help.
On a sperate note, my home is all cedar siding, can I use your products to clean and seal my siding? The house was built in 1998 and I see 5 gallon containers of Sikkens in the shed. Will your products completely strip the siding? Do i need to be careful of windows etc. Lots of questions here, thanks again.
Ryan Wasik
Caro, MI[/quote]
Please read this about new wood:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
No tint means you will have no UV protection from graying. Lightest tint is the Honeytone color. Only one coat is required for new wood. About 6-9 gallons for 1200 sq. feet.
As for the swing, you have to remove the Sikkens if you want to use the TWP. Sikkens has two versions of stain. One is strippable while the other is not. Not sure which version you have.
I just finished building a cedar deck, about 1200 square feet. How long should I wait until i clean and seal the deck? What is your most natural looking stain? I don’t want much tint added to the wood. Can you provide instructions along with quantities of your products I’ll need for this project. Thanks in advance for your help.
On a sperate note, my home is all cedar siding, can I use your products to clean and seal my siding? The house was built in 1998 and I see 5 gallon containers of Sikkens in the shed. Will your products completely strip the siding? Do i need to be careful of windows etc. Lots of questions here, thanks again.
Ryan Wasik
Caro, MI
[quote name=”Teresa M”]I have over 1000 square feet of pressure treated wood ranging from 12-20 years old. I have used Sikkens in the past (probably 3 plus years ago). It did not hold up well. I have deck in full sun and some in complete shade. After pressure washing, it does not appear to have any stain quality left.
This past week, prior to researching products available and your recommendation of a specific cleaner, I had pressure washed with TSP wood cleaner. Is this sufficient or do I need to go over all of it again with a different deck wash? (I hope you say it’s sufficient).
Which is the best choice for me -100 or 1500? I live in southern Illinois: humid summers and winters with snow and some ice.
Thanks.[/quote]
All of the Sikkens has to be removed. If you still have some visibly on the wood then you will need to strip it off and brighten the wood, TWP cannot be applied on top. For IL you have to use the 1500 Series.
I have over 1000 square feet of pressure treated wood ranging from 12-20 years old. I have used Sikkens in the past (probably 3 plus years ago). It did not hold up well. I have deck in full sun and some in complete shade. After pressure washing, it does not appear to have any stain quality left.
This past week, prior to researching products available and your recommendation of a specific cleaner, I had pressure washed with TSP wood cleaner. Is this sufficient or do I need to go over all of it again with a different deck wash? (I hope you say it’s sufficient).
Which is the best choice for me -100 or 1500? I live in southern Illinois: humid summers and winters with snow and some ice.
Thanks.
[quote name=”Scott Retterbush”]I would like samples of 3 of your stains shipped ASAP since I would like to start staining the next weekend if possible. The stains I would like to try are: Cedartone, Honeytone and Pecan. My address is: Scott Retterbush, 4273 Whisperwood Circle, Valdosta, Georgia 31602.
Which stain is the lightest color that will give me just a slighter darker stain look to the wood but still looks natural.
Lastly, the review I read said they used the 5 gallon bucket to stain 800 square feet (2 coats) yet when I use your calculator to calculate how much I will need for 630 sqare feet it say I will need seven gallons. How much will I need?
Lastly, how quick will I get my stain if I order this Monday and how is it shipped?
Thanks,
Scott[/quote]
You can order samples here:
http://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Use our calculator for the amount needed. Shipping takes about 2-3 days to Georgia via UPS.
I would like samples of 3 of your stains shipped ASAP since I would like to start staining the next weekend if possible. The stains I would like to try are: Cedartone, Honeytone and Pecan. My address is: Scott Retterbush, 4273 Whisperwood Circle, Valdosta, Georgia 31602.
Which stain is the lightest color that will give me just a slighter darker stain look to the wood but still looks natural.
Lastly, the review I read said they used the 5 gallon bucket to stain 800 square feet (2 coats) yet when I use your calculator to calculate how much I will need for 630 sqare feet it say I will need seven gallons. How much will I need?
Lastly, how quick will I get my stain if I order this Monday and how is it shipped?
Thanks,
Scott
[quote name=”Denise Cacciatore”]my deck deminsions are:
683 Squqre feet
119 ft railing
17 post
2 wooden flowerboxes
how much should I purchase?[/quote]
Please use calculator above for floor, steps, and railings then add and round up for the flower boxes and posts.
my deck deminsions are:
683 Squqre feet
119 ft railing
17 post
2 wooden flowerboxes
how much should I purchase?
[quote name=”Teri Avery”]I am staining a pergola; how much stain do I need? Dimensions are: 13′ x 13′[/quote]
Hello, we would need a total amount of wood in a sq. footage to give a proper answer. It could be anywhere for 2-5 gallons depending on how much wood you have.
I am staining a pergola; how much stain do I need? Dimensions are: 13′ x 13′
[quote name=”Sylvia Murphy”]My covered front porch measures 33ft 2.5 inches for length and 7ft 9 inches for width. Rails are painted white so don’t need to calculate them for amount of stain. First of all, How much stain do I need to buy ? We had TWP on the porch for 8 years in TWP101 cedar tone natural and now it needs a new coat. Should we put on 2 coats ? If so, how many gallons are needed?Is this color still available. Can’t find your product locally.[/quote]
Apply 2 coats of the TWP 101 wet on wet. You will need 3 gallons for this. We have this on our site here:
http://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series-1-gallon
My covered front porch measures 33ft 2.5 inches for length and 7ft 9 inches for width. Rails are painted white so don’t need to calculate them for amount of stain. First of all, How much stain do I need to buy ? We had TWP on the porch for 8 years in TWP101 cedar tone natural and now it needs a new coat. Should we put on 2 coats ? If so, how many gallons are needed?Is this color still available. Can’t find your product locally.
We just need TWP for the floor of the porch. Railings are painted white. We used your product almost 8 years ago and it is now ready for a new coat. Can’t find it locally for sale. Our old gallon can says TWP101 Cedartone Natural. Is that still available and how much do I need for the size
listed below?
Our covered front porch length is 33 feet and 2.5 inches
Our covered front porch width is 7feet and 9 inches
[quote name=”Gloria”]Wondering what the best color is for tigerwood deck. Would like as little color additive as possible but still have UV protection.[/quote]
Look at the Honeytone
Wondering what the best color is for tigerwood deck. Would like as little color additive as possible but still have UV protection.
[quote name=”Gerald Woodson”]I have a dock (not deck) that I am refinishing. I took apart an old pine wood deck, flipped the 5 1/2 inch X 4 feet boards, had them planed and am now ready to stain/seal. I live on a small no wake lake in Central Wisconsin. What is your recommendation?[/quote]
Use the 100 Series.
I have a dock (not deck) that I am refinishing. I took apart an old pine wood deck, flipped the 5 1/2 inch X 4 feet boards, had them planed and am now ready to stain/seal. I live on a small no wake lake in Central Wisconsin. What is your recommendation?
[quote name=”Erick”]Last year in June I applied TWP100 redwood stain and my wife doesn’t like the color. This was the 1st coat on my 1 year old deck. It’s time to clean and stain again and she wants to change to a darker brown color. Any ideas?[/quote]
Use the Restore A Deck stripper and pressure washing for the prep. Brighten the wood when done. Stain with the Dark Oak.
Last year in June I applied TWP100 redwood stain and my wife doesn’t like the color. This was the 1st coat on my 1 year old deck. It’s time to clean and stain again and she wants to change to a darker brown color. Any ideas?
[quote name=”Ron Landers”]I have completely sanded the old stain on my covered screen porch cedar deck built in 2008. Do I need to use both bottles from the Gemini Restore kit? Also I don’t have a sprayer, will I still get good results.[/quote]
Yes you should both. You can get a pump sprayer for $30 at a local hardware store. Much easier then scrubbing it on.
I have completely sanded the old stain on my covered screen porch cedar deck built in 2008. Do I need to use both bottles from the Gemini Restore kit? Also I don’t have a sprayer, will I still get good results.
[quote name=”Al Turnauer”]i had a new cedar deck in 2013. I made the mistake of putting Sherwin Williams Deckscape sealer/stain on it after waiting 12 months and following powerwashing. The SW product started peeling off during the winter following its application in August 2014. So, the deck was just powerwashed again this week to remove the SW stain/sealer and most, but not all the stain came off. The only places it remains adhered to the deck is on the knots in the cedar.
Question is, should I use a wood prep product before applying your oil based stain/sealer? If so, which one? How long should I wait to apply sealer/stain after wood prep, if needed? Is TWP 1500 the best product for cedar deck stain/sealing and if yes, should I do 2 coats or 1 coat? And, lastly, how often (1 year, 2 years, etc) will I need to re-apply the TWP product to maximize protection of the deck?[/quote]
Yes try the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep. Apply 2 light coats of the TWP 1500 but apply wet on wet method. Reapply every 2 years.
i had a new cedar deck in 2013. I made the mistake of putting Sherwin Williams Deckscape sealer/stain on it after waiting 12 months and following powerwashing. The SW product started peeling off during the winter following its application in August 2014. So, the deck was just powerwashed again this week to remove the SW stain/sealer and most, but not all the stain came off. The only places it remains adhered to the deck is on the knots in the cedar.
Question is, should I use a wood prep product before applying your oil based stain/sealer? If so, which one? How long should I wait to apply sealer/stain after wood prep, if needed? Is TWP 1500 the best product for cedar deck stain/sealing and if yes, should I do 2 coats or 1 coat? And, lastly, how often (1 year, 2 years, etc) will I need to re-apply the TWP product to maximize protection of the deck?
[quote name=”Dale Gjerning”]I have a wood deck that has not been treated for several years and is in need of a good treatment. What type of Restore application do you recommend for cleaning the surface? I am not sure what type of wood was used for the deck.
I do plan to use the TWP Dark Oak stain (1503) on the deck.
Thank you.[/quote]
Does it have an old stain or just dirty?
I have a wood deck that has not been treated for several years and is in need of a good treatment. What type of Restore application do you recommend for cleaning the surface? I am not sure what type of wood was used for the deck.
I do plan to use the TWP Dark Oak stain (1503) on the deck.
Thank you.
[quote name=”Mr. X”]I have a deck that was stained with a cedar oil based stain many years ago. I ordered the Gemini kit along with the TWP 100 cape cod gray. Can I use the Gemini kit or should I return it for the Restore-A Decj stripper and brightener? Thanks[/quote]
The Gemini Kit is not a stripper but it “may” remove a very old semi-transparent oil based stain if it has been many years. Hard to say yes or no if it will do the proper prep.
I have a deck that was stained with a cedar oil based stain many years ago. I ordered the Gemini kit along with the TWP 100 cape cod gray. Can I use the Gemini kit or should I return it for the Restore-A Decj stripper and brightener? Thanks
[quote name=”joe Ricci”]wish to order 15 gallons of two wood deck stain to use on a grey but cleaned cedar deck. Can i order in Canada[/quote]
TWP is not allowed in Canada.
wish to order 15 gallons of two wood deck stain to use on a grey but cleaned cedar deck. Can i order in Canada