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.
I have a new 500 sq ft Deck. What do I need to prepare before applying the stain
[quote name=”Bob Blades”]I only see twp 101 in a sample not 100. I am looking for the most natural look for a cedar deck[/quote]
The 100 Clear is on the sample options. Clear will not provide UV protection/graying of the wood.
I only see twp 101 in a sample not 100. I am looking for the most natural look for a cedar deck
[quote name=”Ralph Brescia”]For my deck I need a full kit and one 1/4 kit. For color uniformity, will both kits fit in one 5 gallon bucket when fully mixed with all parts? If not how do I mix the two kits together?[/quote]
Yes you will be able to mix both in the same bucket.
For my deck I need a full kit and one 1/4 kit. For color uniformity, will both kits fit in one 5 gallon bucket when fully mixed with all parts? If not how do I mix the two kits together?
[quote name=”RSS”]I live in Minnesota. Installed a 1,200 sq ft PT pine fence mid last summer. Plan to stain (dark Oak)this spring. What prep should I do? Is TWP 100 allowed in MN? If yes, should I use 100 or 1500 series? I have a Graco airless sprayer. Is that overkill or should I use a pump sprayer? Back brushing recommended? Thanks ![/quote]
Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit. Stain with two light coats of the TWP 100 Series. Lightly spray on the first coat then back brush or paid the second coat. Grace or pump should work.
I live in Minnesota. Installed a 1,200 sq ft PT pine fence mid last summer. Plan to stain (dark Oak)this spring. What prep should I do? Is TWP 100 allowed in MN? If yes, should I use 100 or 1500 series? I have a Graco airless sprayer. Is that overkill or should I use a pump sprayer? Back brushing recommended? Thanks !
[quote name=”Brian M”]Regarding the 5 gallon and the 1 gallon as I need somewhere between 5-7 gallon of stain for my deck. Do you recommend that I mix all of it in some massive container or are the colors (semi-transparent) pretty close when using the single gallon after the 5 gallon?[/quote]
It is always best to mix together but in general, the colors will be exactly the same.
Regarding the 5 gallon and the 1 gallon as I need somewhere between 5-7 gallon of stain for my deck. Do you recommend that I mix all of it in some massive container or are the colors (semi-transparent) pretty close when using the single gallon after the 5 gallon?
[quote name=”Phyllis Lazaro”]Only want stain – don’t need stripper or restorer. Can I get just stain? Is there anywhere in Dallas Ft Worth area that I can get this without shipping?[/quote]
Of course you can buy just the stain. See here:
http://www.twpstain.com/twp-100-series
We are an online dealer.
Only want stain – don’t need stripper or restorer. Can I get just stain? Is there anywhere in Dallas Ft Worth area that I can get this without shipping?
[quote name=”cecil moore”]we have a cedar deck with @ 300 sq feet floor/steps + railings seriously neglected no stain or finish left, and has algae and mold. Should we use gemini or stripper. Some sun mostly shade, what type stain? Older kinda lazy homeowners. :-*[/quote]
Use the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. You can use either the 100 or 1500 series.
we have a cedar deck with @ 300 sq feet floor/steps + railings seriously neglected no stain or finish left, and has algae and mold. Should we use gemini or stripper. Some sun mostly shade, what type stain? Older kinda lazy homeowners. :-*
I built a 16’x 20′ pergola out of untreated pine thinking we were going to paint it white but my wife and I both changed our minds after we finished it. now we want to stain it a dark brown color. what product do you recommend and approx. how much. I’m not sure on square footage because its a pergola. im guessing about 700 square ft because im staining top bottom and edges of all boards used. Im thinking that using untreated was a big mistake now but im stuck with it. and how long can the stain be stored indoor before its now good (it may determine how much I buy)
[quote name=”whomever”]I used TWP 100 Pecan about three years ago. It is on a deck that receives a lot of sun and we had an outdoor rug as well. It has faded differently from where the rug was etc. Should I use the Stripper or Gemini?[/quote]
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper to ensure that it is is prepped evenly and the new stain applies evenly. Make sure that the brightener is used after the stripper to neutralize.
I used TWP 100 Pecan about three years ago. It is on a deck that receives a lot of sun and we had an outdoor rug as well. It has faded differently from where the rug was etc. Should I use the Stripper or Gemini?
You can order samples here: http://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
Hi, the stain we received is quite a lot darker than what we have on the house already – can you send samples of colors so we can match up better. It was on your recommendation we went with a TWP 1530 Natural. Thanks sorry wrong email – this is correct
Hi, the stain we received is quite a lot darker than what we have on the house already – can you send samples of colors so we can match up better. It was on your recommendation we went with a TWP 1530 Natural. Thanks
[quote name=”Anna Huisman”]July 2014 our large deck was cleaned brightened and two coats of TWP 1500 clear was applied. Deck has some mildew and algae but in general still looks pretty good. Can I wait till next early spring or should I redo same procedure this fall(2015). We;re living in North Virginia. If I would go ahead redoing can I only do one coat to seal or do you always need to apply two coats ( wet on wet)? Thank you.[/quote]
I would just wait until Spring. Clean and reapply two very light coats.
July 2014 our large deck was cleaned brightened and two coats of TWP 1500 clear was applied. Deck has some mildew and algae but in general still looks pretty good. Can I wait till next early spring or should I redo same procedure this fall(2015). We;re living in North Virginia. If I would go ahead redoing can I only do one coat to seal or do you always need to apply two coats ( wet on wet)? Thank you.
[quote name=”william merchant”]hello I have just bought 5 gallons of your 1500 series stain and I was wondering the day time temperature is good about 78 to 80 degrees but the night are getting cool, which means that there is due on the deck in the mornings will that effect the stain from curing(drying)should I wait until early summer to stain my deck thank you for the input! William merchant[/quote]
It should not affect the stain so go ahead and apply this Fall.
hello I have just bought 5 gallons of your 1500 series stain and I was wondering the day time temperature is good about 78 to 80 degrees but the night are getting cool, which means that there is due on the deck in the mornings will that effect the stain from curing(drying)should I wait until early summer to stain my deck thank you for the input! William merchant
[quote name=”Donna123″]Hi we have a pressure treated pine deck that we had built 3 summers ago and have never stained it or put any product on it. It is in good shape, just looks real light colored now (almost white looking). I was planning on using one of your cleaners first and then using the 1500 stain. What cleaner and steps would you recommend? The deck is 9×30 (full sun) and attached to a smaller enclosed 7.5×21 deck (screened in porch). I estimated with steps, a total of 488 sq feet using your calculator with the amount of steps I have. I read in your blog too, that it may take more stain with a dry and untreated deck. Thanks for any help![/quote]
Use the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing for the prep and cleaning. You will need about 4-5 gallons for 2 coats.
Hi we have a pressure treated pine deck that we had built 3 summers ago and have never stained it or put any product on it. It is in good shape, just looks real light colored now (almost white looking). I was planning on using one of your cleaners first and then using the 1500 stain. What cleaner and steps would you recommend? The deck is 9×30 (full sun) and attached to a smaller enclosed 7.5×21 deck (screened in porch). I estimated with steps, a total of 488 sq feet using your calculator with the amount of steps I have. I read in your blog too, that it may take more stain with a dry and untreated deck. Thanks for any help!
[quote name=”Bill Strickland”]I pressure washed all three decks.
total, flat deck area = 1053 sq. ft.
i have one, flat seating bench = 162 sq. ft.
railing is minimal for two stair entry points with four steps, each.
Do I really need restore-a-deck brightener? The old stain is embedded into the wood pretty deep. I will pick the redwood color=same existing color.
I live in 46031 zip code. Any nearby dealers?[/quote]
If using the same TWP stain as before then no you do not need to use the brightener. If you are switching to TWP then you have to remove the previous coating by stripping/sanding with pressure washing. Brighten all when done. Can you advise as to which scenario is correct so we can recommend the proper materials needed?
I pressure washed all three decks.
total, flat deck area = 1053 sq. ft.
i have one, flat seating bench = 162 sq. ft.
railing is minimal for two stair entry points with four steps, each.
Do I really need restore-a-deck brightener? The old stain is embedded into the wood pretty deep. I will pick the redwood color=same existing color.
I live in 46031 zip code. Any nearby dealers?
[quote name=”Rube Junes”]1. How do you calculate amount of stain needed for application to log home after corn blasting removal of existing stain product (approx 2,000 square feet of log surface including deck area)?
2. Is one coat of stain sufficient or is two recommended?[/quote]
Two coats applied wet on wet is best. You will need 15-20 gallons for the 2000 sq. feet.
1. How do you calculate amount of stain needed for application to log home after corn blasting removal of existing stain product (approx 2,000 square feet of log surface including deck area)?
2. Is one coat of stain sufficient or is two recommended?
[quote name=”Bruce Berryman”]We live in northern VT (long, cold, snowy winters). I installed new siding of rough cut cedar 10-12 years ago on house and garage, including a cedar entrance gate (total: 3300 sq. ft.). When I did it, I immediately put on one coat of wood preservative from the local hardware store. Of course by now it is in pretty poor shape (dirt, mildew, brittle, discolored dark gray, etc.). I want to cover it in clear stain now (using a sprayer). I assume I need to clean it, whiten it, and stain it (with two coats of stain?). Right? Which of your products do you recommend and how much of each? Thanks![/quote]
Do you still have old stain left on the siding? If so you will need the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing to prep. Use the brightener after to neutralize. 4-5 of each. If there is not any old stain on the wood then prep with the Gemini Restore A Deck kit. You will need about 4-5 kits for this.
Use the TWP 1500 Series for the stain and apply two light coats with the “wet on wet” application. You will need about 25-35 gallons for two coats and 3300 sq. feet of wood to cover.
We live in northern VT (long, cold, snowy winters). I installed new siding of rough cut cedar 10-12 years ago on house and garage, including a cedar entrance gate (total: 3300 sq. ft.). When I did it, I immediately put on one coat of wood preservative from the local hardware store. Of course by now it is in pretty poor shape (dirt, mildew, brittle, discolored dark gray, etc.). I want to cover it in clear stain now (using a sprayer). I assume I need to clean it, whiten it, and stain it (with two coats of stain?). Right? Which of your products do you recommend and how much of each? Thanks!
[quote name=”Ernest Covington”]How much TWP 1500 needed for 888 sq. ft.(74 linear foot of 6 foot pickets, both sides) of untreated cedar fence?
Fence installed 5/2013
Denver, Colorado weather[/quote]
For two coats applied “wet on wet” you will need between 7-9 gallons.
How much TWP 1500 needed for 888 sq. ft.(74 linear foot of 6 foot pickets, both sides) of untreated cedar fence?
Fence installed 5/2013
Denver, Colorado weather
[quote name=”Rob C.”]I HAVE AN OLDER REDWOOD DECK..last stained with Cabot redwood decking stain 5 yrs. ago. Would like to use TWP 1500 (redwood)this time… please advise on prepping, etc.[/quote]
You will need to remove the Cabot stain first. How depends on the type of Cabot that it is. Do you know if it is a solid or semi-transaparent? If semi-transparent then you should use the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper and pressure washer to remove. Follow this with the Restore A Deck Brightener.
I HAVE AN OLDER REDWOOD DECK..last stained with Cabot redwood decking stain 5 yrs. ago. Would like to use TWP 1500 (redwood)this time… please advise on prepping, etc.
[quote name=”eaerhard”]I have a new treated wood deck, the last section has about 3 months of very dry weather and 8-10 hours of full sun exposure dry time on it. The rest has been 4-12 months of dry time. I am using the Restore-a-Deck 2 step kit to prep for stain but not sure on the amount of stain to buy to cover the 375-400 sq ft. I used the calculator but not sure if that is providing 2 coat coverage or one for a new deck as you recommend elsewhere on your site. Can you give me a better idea of how much to purchase for the initial staining?[/quote]
2-3 gallons will cover for the first coat on the deck.
I have a new treated wood deck, the last section has about 3 months of very dry weather and 8-10 hours of full sun exposure dry time on it. The rest has been 4-12 months of dry time. I am using the Restore-a-Deck 2 step kit to prep for stain but not sure on the amount of stain to buy to cover the 375-400 sq ft. I used the calculator but not sure if that is providing 2 coat coverage or one for a new deck as you recommend elsewhere on your site. Can you give me a better idea of how much to purchase for the initial staining?
[quote name=”kmf”]HI
we are replacing t&g mahogany decking boards that have rotted out then refinishing remaining decking.
would like to sand off spar finish and apply 1500 series to entire porch deck.
porch id covered 600 sqft.
please advise regards Kevin[/quote]
You would need about 5 gallons for 2 coats of the TWP. If you only do one coat then you would about 3-4 gallons.
HI
we are replacing t&g mahogany decking boards that have rotted out then refinishing remaining decking.
would like to sand off spar finish and apply 1500 series to entire porch deck.
porch id covered 600 sqft.
please advise regards Kevin
[quote name=”mike gumbinger”]I have a deck that is just 5 months old and it is recommended to just put one coat one after I clean it. How long will the 1501 last if I purchase 5 gallons?[/quote]
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/shelf-life-of-twp/
I have a deck that is just 5 months old and it is recommended to just put one coat one after I clean it. How long will the 1501 last if I purchase 5 gallons?
[quote name=”kpmullins”]I am planning on staining a new fence. How long should I wait to stain and do I need to do any prep prior to using your product to stain?[/quote]
Is the fence wood rough cut? If so you can stain right away with no prep as long as it is dry. If the wood is smooth then you will need to wait. See here:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I am planning on staining a new fence. How long should I wait to stain and do I need to do any prep prior to using your product to stain?
[quote name=”Nancytodd”]I received a sample of your deck stain and really like the color. My deck will require two coats of stain. The deck is 600 sq ft. and will need two coats. It is your 1500 series. Can this stain be used for staining trim of the cedar home as well as the deck? Should the underside of the deck be stained as well as the top, rails and spindles?[/quote]
Only exposed wood should be stained so no need for the undersides. You can use the TWP for the trim as long as the wood is unfinished.
I received a sample of your deck stain and really like the color. My deck will require two coats of stain. The deck is 600 sq ft. and will need two coats. It is your 1500 series. Can this stain be used for staining trim of the cedar home as well as the deck? Should the underside of the deck be stained as well as the top, rails and spindles?
[quote name=”Hal Waite”]I purchased 5 gallons of 1500 clear and applied one coat this summer to my 1 yr old pressure treated deck after allowing it to dry for 1 yr. My deck faces east northeast and is sun from sunrise to 4pm. I realize I want UV protection. Can I use 1501 for the second coat and expect good UV protection?
Also installed a cedar fence a month ago around the pool same sun light issue. which production can I use twp 100 or twp 1500?[/quote]
You can only use the 1500 Series for NY. You cannot apply the 1501 Cedartone over the clear now. Best to prep well and apply it next Spring so it will properly take.
I purchased 5 gallons of 1500 clear and applied one coat this summer to my 1 yr old pressure treated deck after allowing it to dry for 1 yr. My deck faces east northeast and is sun from sunrise to 4pm. I realize I want UV protection. Can I use 1501 for the second coat and expect good UV protection?
Also installed a cedar fence a month ago around the pool same sun light issue. which production can I use twp 100 or twp 1500?
[quote name=”Phil Sprute”]i have a 3600 sqft cedar shake roof in the Seattle area. How many gallons of the cedar tone TWP do I need)[/quote]
25-35 gallons depend on how porous the roof is and the application method.
i have a 3600 sqft cedar shake roof in the Seattle area. How many gallons of the cedar tone TWP do I need)
[quote name=”Linda Pierce”]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]
Prep first to remove all old Ace stain with the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing. Brighten the wood after the stripping. Apply two light coats of the TWP with the “wet on wet” method.
3-4 of the RAD Stain Strippers
2 of the RAD Brighteners
About 15 gallons of stain give or take a couple of gallons as it varies on your wood and application method.