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.
Hello, Our horizontal deck surface is artificial decking, so we will only be using TWP 100 on the railing support posts and the top and bottom horizontal rails which between which run the vertical tubular metal pieces. The wood posts and rails are a lighter cedar which we stained in both the first and second years. The cedar looks pretty “thirsty.” Do I really need to use the “Restore” or can I just use the TWP-100 with the Brightener added? It is a pain in the neck to treat these rails, so I don’t really want to also apply the “Restore,” if it not absolutely necessary. Please comment, asap, as I want to do this over the Labor Day weekend. Thanks much. Gary Kavalar
[quote name=”Smew”]Which color is closest to the natural/clear.[/quote]
Honeytone is the lightest tint.
Which color is closest to the natural/clear.
[quote name=”J. Christianson”]What do you mean by “wet on wet?”[/quote]
See this for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
What do you mean by “wet on wet?”
[quote name=”Brandon Drury”]I’m trying to estimate stain needed for a four-board cedar fence, standing about 50″ tall. The boards are 16′ x 5″ x 1″, and we have 360′ feet total.
Further, we have 45 treated 5″ round posts. Would we be able to stain those since they are treated?
PS – I saw the question about the cedar fence below, and mine is definitely rough sawn (not smooth at all!) What has been your experience with using the pump sprayers for TWP stains?[/quote]
Total length x height x 2 for the fence sq. footage. Let us know what this equates to.
You can pump spray on the first coat and back brush in the second coat.
I’m trying to estimate stain needed for a four-board cedar fence, standing about 50″ tall. The boards are 16′ x 5″ x 1″, and we have 360′ feet total.
Further, we have 45 treated 5″ round posts. Would we be able to stain those since they are treated?
PS – I saw the question about the cedar fence below, and mine is definitely rough sawn (not smooth at all!) What has been your experience with using the pump sprayers for TWP stains?
[quote name=”Chris Griffin”]I had a new fence installed last week (Western Cedar) thats 55′ long and 5′ tall. I did not see any concrete guidelines but it sounds like maybe (sanding required?) power wash and stain after 3 months. Is this correct? Does new cedar tend to only require 1 or 2 coats?
I think I will probably order 2 samples before purchasing the 1500 (required in my state) however I was wondering if you had pictures from customs posted anywhere showing the colors?
Thanks!![/quote]
You do not sand for prep but use the Gemini Restore Kit. New smooth wood needs to weather for 4+ months and prepped with the Gemini Restore Kit and 1 coat of stain. If the wood is rough sawn cut, you can stain now with 2 coats..
I had a new fence installed last week (Western Cedar) thats 55′ long and 5′ tall. I did not see any concrete guidelines but it sounds like maybe (sanding required?) power wash and stain after 3 months. Is this correct? Does new cedar tend to only require 1 or 2 coats?
I think I will probably order 2 samples before purchasing the 1500 (required in my state) however I was wondering if you had pictures from customs posted anywhere showing the colors?
Thanks!!
[quote name=”ron anderson paintin”]Can I get TWP 1500 in a semitransparent reddish tone? I’m doing a deck with an old redwood stain color on it.[/quote]
It comes in a Redwood color and a Rustic Color that are reddish: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series-5-gallon
To use the TWP, you will need to prep by removing the prior stain.
Can I get TWP 1500 in a semitransparent reddish tone? I’m doing a deck with an old redwood stain color on it.
[quote name=”John Clark”]Hi,
We have 600 running feet of three-rail solid-picketed pine fence, 6 foot tall. It surrounds our group home on three sides. A band of volunteers is coming to stain the side with the rails this go-round. The fence is older, in fair shape, pressure-washed and thirsty. Will be applied by roller and brush. How much 100 Series do you recommend we order? Many thanks.[/quote]
600 x 6 x 2 (both sides) = 7200 Sq. feet. For the two coats applied wet on wet you will need about 60-70 gallons.
Hi,
We have 600 running feet of three-rail solid-picketed pine fence, 6 foot tall. It surrounds our group home on three sides. A band of volunteers is coming to stain the side with the rails this go-round. The fence is older, in fair shape, pressure-washed and thirsty. Will be applied by roller and brush. How much 100 Series do you recommend we order? Many thanks.
[quote name=”Richard Dollens”]How much stain for a 16×16 deck with rails and spindles around the deck. Deck has been cleaned extensively.[/quote]
Please enter your numbers into the calculator above.
How much stain for a 16×16 deck with rails and spindles around the deck. Deck has been cleaned extensively.
[quote name=”Richard Francisco”]The deck in question is of treated pine. The wood has been exposed to the elements of Ohio since November 2016. My question is relative the need to use the cleaner prep. and pressure wash. If cleaner is required is a standard hose wash acceptable?[/quote]
[quote name=”Richard Francisco”]The deck in question is of treated pine. The wood has been exposed to the elements of Ohio since November 2016. My question is relative the need to use the cleaner prep. and pressure wash. If cleaner is required is a standard hose wash acceptable?[/quote]
Hello, see this about new wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
It will explain the correct steps.
[quote name=”michael reck”]how many gallons of twp 1500 do I need to cover 1,050 sq ft[/quote]
For two coats applied wet on wet, about 8-10 gallons.
how many gallons of twp 1500 do I need to cover 1,050 sq ft
[quote name=”Tom T”]Our deck is pressure treated built in 1985 and located in a wooded north exposure. Get about 1 hour of direct sun per day. The last time I stained it was over ten years ago. I pressure wash it about every 2 – 3 years with a 2800 PSI 7.5HP unit. Power Washed 3 days ago and the deck still looks great. Thinking about twp101, it’s bright. Deck surface 400 sf, wood walkway 130sf, and built in benches 60 sf. Last time I sealed the deck was ten years ago and I rolled it. All stain and sealer seems to be going after 3 – 4 power washings during that time. Happy with brightness and cleanliness. Do I still need additional prep? Was thinking 1 5 gallon can. Thoughts?[/quote]
Sound like your prep is good. Make sure it is clean and all old coatings are removed. For two coats, you will need about 5-6 gallons.
Our deck is pressure treated built in 1985 and located in a wooded north exposure. Get about 1 hour of direct sun per day. The last time I stained it was over ten years ago. I pressure wash it about every 2 – 3 years with a 2800 PSI 7.5HP unit. Power Washed 3 days ago and the deck still looks great. Thinking about twp101, it’s bright. Deck surface 400 sf, wood walkway 130sf, and built in benches 60 sf. Last time I sealed the deck was ten years ago and I rolled it. All stain and sealer seems to be going after 3 – 4 power washings during that time. Happy with brightness and cleanliness. Do I still need additional prep? Was thinking 1 5 gallon can. Thoughts?
[quote name=”Alex H”]Hi I have a red cedar fence which was stained with 1500 3 years ago. I want to do a maintenace coat the stain is still holding up good. Do I still need to use the cleaner and brightener before I re stain? Or is cleaner good enough[/quote]
Cleaner for sure, Brightener can be used as well.
[quote name=”David Mullins”]I have a western red cedar fence that is unfinished and about 18 months old. It is six feet tall and 185 linear feet. Id like to use TWP 100 semi-transparent. How much should I order?[/quote]
For two coats applied wet on wet to both sides of the fence, you will need about 20-22 gallons. make sure to prep the wood first with the Gemini Restore Kits.
I have a western red cedar fence that is unfinished and about 18 months old. It is six feet tall and 185 linear feet. Id like to use TWP 100 semi-transparent. How much should I order?
[quote name=”WilliamRob.”]We live in Iowa. Green treated deck, 200 sq. ft. in full sun. Stripped all old finish off and used Woodsman Brightner. We would like to stain it with the Cape Cod color. What is your advice about how to proceed?[/quote]
All of the old stain does need to be removed first. Woodsman brightener is not a stain stripper. Did all of the old stain come off? If so, you should be good to stain.
We live in Iowa. Green treated deck, 200 sq. ft. in full sun. Stripped all old finish off and used Woodsman Brightner. We would like to stain it with the Cape Cod color. What is your advice about how to proceed?
[quote name=”Tom Russo”]We have a new mahogany porch deck in full sun. Is the TWP 1500 the right product for this application? Any color recommendations for mahogany? Thankms[/quote]
TWP Rustic color is what most use.
We have a new mahogany porch deck in full sun. Is the TWP 1500 the right product for this application? Any color recommendations for mahogany? Thankms
[quote name=”charles Jones”]I treated a new 12X24 treated wood deck with 5gals of 1500 in natural (1530) a little over 3 yr ago. I live in Virginia and need to retreat. Would 1500 work and will I need any pre-treatment? I plan to pressure wash it first.[/quote]
Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and pressure washing. Stain with the TWP 1500 Series.
I treated a new 12X24 treated wood deck with 5gals of 1500 in natural (1530) a little over 3 yr ago. I live in Virginia and need to retreat. Would 1500 work and will I need any pre-treatment? I plan to pressure wash it first.
[quote name=”staceysearcy”]buying a cedar house that was last stained using the 100 series. Should I use the same color and series?[/quote]
Yes that would be the easiest thing to do.
buying a cedar house that was last stained using the 100 series. Should I use the same color and series?
[quote name=”Dave Faeth”]I’m re-decking with new kiln-dried 5/4 x 6 western red cedar and want to use oil-based semi-transparent cedartone – which TWP do I use? In Michigan and VOCs are ok[/quote]
The TWP 100 Series. Wait a month after install to stain. Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I’m re-decking with new kiln-dried 5/4 x 6 western red cedar and want to use oil-based semi-transparent cedartone – which TWP do I use? In Michigan and VOCs are ok
[quote name=”Drew Harvey”]I have ~ 1000 sq ft of decking that I stripped and coated last year with TWP 1500 Redwood stain. The deck was a mix of old and new wood. Looks good but I want to now put down an additional coat. Do I need cleaner? Is 5 gal adequate?[/quote]
Lightly clean to remove any dirt first. The coverage will be about 150-200 sq. feet for the maintenance coat. About 5-7 gallons.
I have ~ 1000 sq ft of decking that I stripped and coated last year with TWP 1500 Redwood stain. The deck was a mix of old and new wood. Looks good but I want to now put down an additional coat. Do I need cleaner? Is 5 gal adequate?
[quote name=”Glenn J Mancini”]I have 210 square feet of cedar siding. Please recommend your best semi transparent stain.[/quote]
Where do you live?
I have 210 square feet of cedar siding. Please recommend your best semi transparent stain.
[quote name=”Richard Allee”]I need to redeck a pontoon boat , your product was suggested by some one who has done so, it will be new 3/4 plywood , any suggestion on which stain to use and which plywood would be best ? marine grade is very expensive at 131 dollar a sheet , so was wanting to use something less so.[/quote]
Use the TWP 1500 Series. Sorry, but we are not experts on types of plywood for pontoon boats. The marine grade sounds like it would be the best wy to go.
I need to redeck a pontoon boat , your product was suggested by some one who has done so, it will be new 3/4 plywood , any suggestion on which stain to use and which plywood would be best ? marine grade is very expensive at 131 dollar a sheet , so was wanting to use something less so.
[quote name=”Ron Sitka”]I have a large deck that was treated with Thompson’s Water Seal about a year ago. Can I go over that with TWP 1500 now? What prep?[/quote]
You will need to remove the Thompsons first using this:
https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a large deck that was treated with Thompson’s Water Seal about a year ago. Can I go over that with TWP 1500 now? What prep?
[quote name=”Steve Butler”]I’m staining a new pressure treated pine deck in San Antonio, TX. It will have a roof over it. 598 sq ft according to your site’s calculator. The calculator says estimates for “refinishing.” Do new decks require more or less stain than older decks.[/quote]
Please see this about new decks:
http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I’m staining a new pressure treated pine deck in San Antonio, TX. It will have a roof over it. 598 sq ft according to your site’s calculator. The calculator says estimates for “refinishing.” Do new decks require more or less stain than older decks.
[quote name=”Gary Nabors”]I’m staining a new cedar fence for a customer. The customer has researched and selected your product. The fence was built approx. 4 months ago. There is no noticable graying, but we will still start with the Restore-A-Deck, as directed for new wood. There is staining below the nail heads (not rust stains, the nails are plated, I assume is is from the vinyl coating on the nails). Will the Restore-A-Deck take care of this, or will I need to try bleaching this stain out?
Thank you,
Gary[/quote]
Hard to say. If it is black, then it is rust and the brightener will help to remove.
I’m staining a new cedar fence for a customer. The customer has researched and selected your product. The fence was built approx. 4 months ago. There is no noticable graying, but we will still start with the Restore-A-Deck, as directed for new wood. There is staining below the nail heads (not rust stains, the nails are plated, I assume is is from the vinyl coating on the nails). Will the Restore-A-Deck take care of this, or will I need to try bleaching this stain out?
Thank you,
Gary
[quote name=”Sharron Mckeever”]I live in Ontario Canada and am considering using a high quality oil deck stain and waterproofer. Can KWP be purchased here? Can I buy it in a store or does it have to be ordered?[/quote]
TWP is not legal to be used or sold in Canada.
I live in Ontario Canada and am considering using a high quality oil deck stain and waterproofer. Can KWP be purchased here? Can I buy it in a store or does it have to be ordered?
[quote name=”EJ”]I am looking for a sample of the 1511 to use on my fence, help[/quote]
http://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
I am looking for a sample of the 1511 to use on my fence, help
[quote name=”Luis Cantu”]I have a 400 sqft deck no stairs and the railing has metal balusters so no need to stain them.
The deck was installed at the beginning of April and i want to stain it before the winter is here
This is on the second floor and I want to stain both the upper and lower part of the deck as well as the posts.
Can you let me know which products and quantities should i buy for this job?
thks
Luis[/quote]
If you are doing upper and lowers you will need to double the sq. footage and then add on extra for the framing and posts. Total sq. footage could be in the 900-1000 sq. foot range. Prep first with the Gemini Restore Kit and you will need about 6-7 gallons for the one coat. Use the TWP 100 or 1500 Series depending on what your state allows.