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.
Hi. Installing a new cedar deck and your product has come highly recommended. The lumberyard says the wood is kiln dried but still has mill glaze on it. TSP wash was suggested. Is the TSP okay to use? How soon after install can it be stained? Also, the calculator says I’d need 5 gallons for a 400 square foot deck. That isn’t too much? If there is a lot left over how long will it be good for? Thanks for the help.
See this about new wood and kiln dried.
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
About 3-4 gallons for one coat.
And is TSP a good cleaner/prep?
No. See the link for the proper prep.
I power washed and sealed my dock over the winter with Rain Guard, something I bought at Orchard Hardware before they closed. It’s water based similar to Thompsons. Can I just powerwash to clean the dock or do I need strip and brighten before applying TWP?
You will need to stip and brighten for prep.
We have aluminum balusters so we only need to Stan the top and bottom of the railing and the posts. Our deck is 700 square feet and has one step . This is the first time so we are only doing one coat . Will 5 gallons be enough?
Does the 700 account for the railings, sides of the deck, and the stairs?
The “calculator is for deck measurement. Do you have calculator for house measurement.??
Just do length x height for each side of the house.
Have a new 12&18 pergola not sure how much I would need?
See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I’m in Northern New Mexico, and built a new privacy fence last year, so it has been up for a little over a year. I would like to treat it with your product, what do you suggest and what is the time frame I can figure on receiving the product. I have about 104′ of fence at a little over 6′ high?
Prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
Stain with the TWP 1500 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-1500-series
Takes about 3-5 days to arrive in the NM. About 10 gallons for the fence.
We put one coat of dark oak 103 on our deck floor this week. we think a second coat would give it a richer look, is that okay to do? We live in Charleston SC
As long as the wood is still absorbent than it should be okay. One very light coat.
thank you for your quick response – I’ll post pics once we are done with the project! Love the product
If I have 750 sq ft of decking, do I add in an additional 375 sq feet for the wet on wet application? Actually, what I need to know is how much TWP 100 series I need to purchase for Houston, TX after stripping and brightening.
The calculator tells you how much to use when you input your numbers for two coats applied wet on wet. 7-8 gallons.
I have a cedar fence that is one year old. I have never stained or sealed it before. What stain do you recommend if i’m looking for the color of the cedar to be the same as if it’s “wet”?
Look at Honeytone in the 100 or 1500 Series.
Does your calculator account for 2 sides of a fence or do i need to double it?
This a deck calculator, not for fences. Fence math is very easy. Length x Height x 2 for both sides. Divide that by 100 and you will get the gallons needed for 2 coats applied wet on wet to both sides of the fence.
Please define “wet on wet” Thanks…Michael
See this: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-wet-on-wet-application/
Last year I stained my deck with the 1503 Dark Oak (love it). This year I plan on staining my fence, also with the Dark Oak. It is a 6′ pine fence that is exactly one-year old. The fence is 250′ long, so I will need to cover 3000 sq ft (250*2*6). I know the stain covers approximately 150-300 sq ft / gallon, but should I expect to be on the low or high end of that given that it’s a one-year old pine fence that has never been stained? Also, I’m hoping that, again because of it’s age, I can just lightly pressure wash and then stain without needing any type of pre-treatment. Is that correct? Thanks!
For two coats applied wet on wet, you will need about 25-30 gallons for 3000 sq feet. You will need to prep with the Gemini Restore Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
You cannot just lightly prep. You have to remove mill glaze and oxidation.
Thanks for the reply. Given the amount of stain required and the need for 3000 sq ft worth of prep kit, I’m thinking I’d like to put this off for another year so I’m better prepared for the cost. Would one more year of unprotected exposure (I live in Central Ohio) be so terrible? That is, would I do any damage or somehow make the job even harder more expensive by waiting an additional year? Thanks again!
It will not harm the wood but it will make it harder to prep. More oxidation/graying to remove.
One last question…would there be any downside to prep/staining the outside of the fence this year, and then doing the inside of fence next year? Would this lead to any strange aging effect (like warping)?
We would not suggest that. You will have issues with drips on the opposite side.
I like a medium golden oak. Can your dark oak be mixed with natural in the 1500 series? Or do you know a better combination and what ratio? Also can this stain be applied with a lambs wool pad?ThankYou
You can mix TWP colors of the same series but you will have to test the ratios on your end. No, on the lambswool applicator.
Can I use a roller with TWP 100? Can it be sprayed using air sprayer, hand sprayer?
TWP is best applied with a stain brush or a stain pad. It can be sprayed as well with an airless or pump sprayer.
Can any of your solid stains be used in a sprayer or must they be painted or rolled?
TWP does not come in a solid stain.
I’m redoing my decks. I originally put down Behr solid color all-in-one stain sealer. It pealed after a few years I have two decks 13 x 18 and 30 steps.
I had used a large floor sander and some boards are very difficult to get the remaining stain off. It very hard to remove using a hand powered belt sander. Any suggestions such as power washing to remove or use the stripper to remove the remaining remnants of stain. Then re-sand. I haven’t started sanding the decks since I will need to use the power sander 60=80 grit hoping to find a better anwer to removal. I read on your website that your stripper will not remove solid stain.
Most of the saned deck that is seen in the picture will take water and not bubble, but some boards have left over stain and water will bead up so the deck is not ready to finish.
Also, I have 275 wooden spindles and I can’t sand each one. Should i use a solid stain on the deck and match the spindles. would semi look good on the floor and solid on spindles.
The only way to remove the solid stain is to continue to power sand. A stripper will not work. If you want to do a two toned deck then use a solid stain for the railings and the TWP for the floors once you have 100% sanded off the solid stain that is currently there.
I have a red cedar fence that was installed in Missouri in October 2017. It is a total of 293 feet, is 4 feet high, and has 2 inches between pickets. How much stain do I need to do both sides of the fence?
Thanks.
20-25 gallons to do both sides. Sq footage is about 2400 sq feet for all.
Just got a 800 sq ft cedar deck installed about 2 months ago. The color of the cedar has changed a little already. Do I have to wait longer to apply the 101 stain and do I need to use a cleaner first?
Yes. See this about new wood: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
How long after using Gemini Restore-A-Deck, can TWP 100 stain be applied?
About 48 hours after the prep.
I have 289′ of 6′ privacy fence that was installed 10 months ago. The wood has a rough finish. I was looking at using the 1500 stain. Do I need to clean with the brightener first or can I just go with the bleach and water as per the instructions on the data sheet for the 1500? Also, is it required that 2 coats be used? Since the wood is rough I think that an airless sprayer might be the easiest and best way to go- any thoughts? How much stain should I purchase (289x6x2= 3468′) to do both side of the fence? Thank you, Linda
Best to use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep. 2 coats wet on wet will be needed. Spray on your first coat and back brush your second coat to ensure an even application with no drips. About 30-35 gallons for the two coats applied wet on wet.
Our deck is 1400 sq ft. We will be using the TWP 1500 stain in Dark Oak.
The deck is 20 yrs. old and has never been stained.
We have power washed and jomaxed it,
will follow through with deck brightener,
is this the correct procedure?
On your TWP stain info is says 150-200 sq ft per gallon.
When we click on the Product Data link it says 300-400 sq ft per gallon.
Which coverage amount should we use, how many gallons do you suggest for the 2 coats wet on wet?
Thank You,
Gail
Yes, the prep sounds good. For 1400 Sq feet and the two coats applied wet on wet. You will need about 13-15 gallons.
I would like to refinish my PT deck in my NC mountain home with TWP 100 Cedartone. The deck is 9 years old and half of it is in the afternoon sun and other half is under an overhang. The part in the sun is more weathered. Here are pictures of both (first is not covered and second is covered). Do I need to strip and brighten or do you recommend I must use an orbital sander and sand it down to bare wood first? I would appreciate your advice on what I need to do.
Strip and brighten for the prep with this: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have an 800 foot cedar fence and want to stain both sides. It has never been stained before and is about 8 months old. I hope to stain the posts a darker shade than the fence boards. How much of the 1500 series should I buy to complete this job? Do I need the prep kit since it has not been stained before? I am looking at the black walnut and rustic for the colors.
Thanks
For a fence sq footage, you need to do this math: Lenght x Height x 2 (for both sides) = ?
Let us know what that comes to for the amount of prep and stain products needed. Yes, you have to prep. Thanks!
I need 15 gallons of twp 200 stain shipped to Vancouver Canada, what are the shipping costs?
Hello,
Please add the 3 pails to the cast and enter your shipping info on the checkout page. It will update automatically with shipping costs and province taxes.
https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
I was online searching for best stains when I came across your product. I have a cedar deck at my home in western Washington State which had semi-transparent staining many years ago. I have prepped with pressure washing and am about to sand. Would I still need to apply RAD Brightener or other prep prior to TWP? And how many coats are recommended?
Please post a picture of your prep. TWP us applied 2 coats with wet on wet application.
I will say, I used Thompsons on our two decks and it did not last 2 years. I use TWP Stain & Sealer and we get 5 years out of it. It takes 10 gallons to cover our decks that get about 7 or 8 hours of sun aday.
How many square feet of deck would you say you covered with TWP? Ours is approximately 600 square feet. How many gallons do you think it would take? We are putting down brand new cedar.
FYI, you cannot stain new wood right away: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
You will need about 4 gallons for 600 feet and the first coat.
So you’re saying we should build the deck, let it sit raw for 4-12 months, then use the prepping kit mentioned in the link?
That is correct.
Can I use TWP stain on the inside siding (preserved wood) of a screened-in porch that is open to all elements year round? Rain and humidity produce mildew here in Maryland. It was first stained 6-7 years ago with a semi-transparent stain by Cabot.
Yes as long as you prep correctly by removing the Cabot.
I stained my deck approximately 5 years ago, do I need to use the stripper or just the cleaner and brightner? I will be restaining using the same color.
The Cleaner and Brightener should work for the prep.
Are the prices on the website in US dollars? Ordering into Canada and before I check out my cart I want to see if it’s worth with the exchange rate
Yes. All prices are USD.
I just had a six foot, 350 feet long Red Cedar privacy fence installed. I would like to stain both sides. How many gallons of 100 Series stain should I purchase and how long should I wait to apply the stain?
Thank you
Is the fence wood rough sawn or smooth cut?
It is rough cut. Thank you.
You can stain now as long as the wood is clean and dry. For 4200 sq feet, you will need about 7-8 of the 5-gallon pails for the two coats applied wet on wet.
I have a southern facing deck and live in Michigan. Which product offers the best coverage/longest lasting/UV Protection, etc. 100 or 1500 series?
Was considering the Black Walnut or Dark Oak.
Either series would last the same so choose the color you like.
I used TWP #1530 Natural a couple of years ago, it has held up well. However I would now like to stain with #1503 Dark Oak. Which prep kit should I use for the best results.
Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit: https://www.twpstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit-detail
I have a recently stained pressure treated wood deck that was prepped and then stained with TWP 103 dark oak. There are a few shiny spots on the ends from too much stain and it has been 24 hours. Is there a way to fix this?
See this please: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/twp-stain-is-spotty-or-shiny/
I have a privacy fence that is about 5 months old. 225 feet long by 6 feet tall. How many gallons of would i need to coat both sides?
About 25 Gallons for the 2 coats applied wet on wet for 2500 sq. feet.
I am considering using your product to stain our 2-year-old cedar deck. It has not been previously stained, but has been thoroughly cleaned and prepped this spring. What is the difference between the 100 and 1500 series? Are both oil-based? Are the colors transparent or semi-transparent? We live in MN, and are looking for something that will weather as well as possible through our winters.
Both are oil based with the main difference being the VOC compliancy for certain states. They are semi-transparent. Most use the 100 Series in MN.
We are thinking of using your product on our deck of 6years that has never had anything done to it,what do you recommend we do,
Hello,
Prep with this first: https://www.twpstain.com/gemini-s-restore-a-deck-cleaner-and-brightener-kit
I’m confused. I have a new, but well-seasoned,
yellow cedar sided house. The wood for this house was seasoned by manufacturer. It then sat under roof on pallets for a year before being erected. It has now stood 8 months and we’re ready to stain with recommended TWP and RAD. Here, however, it says Gemini for new, RAD for old, previously stained. Please clarify.
For wood that is unstained, you need the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep.
I am using TWP on a deck that was constructed 1 year ago and did not receive any treatment. It has some small amount of mold staining. If I use the Gemini Restore Kit do I need to use the Restore-A-Deck Stripper?
No need for the Stripper. Just prep with the Gemini Restore Kit.
I have a recently installed western cedar fence. Will one coat suffice?
If rough sawn wood, use the 2 coats wet on wet. If smooth boards, treat like a new deck by weathering, prepping, and applying only one coat. See this for more info:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
what kind of wood is used in the sample color pictures? I’m staining some pine and put a single medium coat of TWP redwood on a sample (see attached, stained vs not stained). I know it’s semi-transparent but I was surprised at how translucent it ended up compared with the sample color picture. I waited a few days for it to dry thoroughly and put on a second coat to try to darken the color but it wasn’t absorbed at all. 24 hours later it was still wet and it all came off when I wiped it down. Is there a way to get the redwood or rustic in a semi-solid instead of a semi-transparent?
Sorry but no. TWP only comes in semi-transparent colors.
Staining a 4 month old cedar fence. Which stain and how many gallons. 1 or 2 coats Should I powerwash or garden hose spray down.
[quote name=”Ellie”]We have a second story deck. Is it recommended to stain the bottom as well?[/quote]
No need unless you want for aesthetic reasons.
We have a second story deck. Is it recommended to stain the bottom as well?
[quote name=”Faye”]With the side boards and deck, I have 1,273 square feet – how much twp do I need?[/quote]
For two coats applied wet on wet, about 11-13 gallons.
With the side boards and deck, I have 1,273 square feet – how much twp do I need?
[quote name=”paul dietz”]The 100 series is available in my state. Is there any reason to use the 1500 rather than the 100 for a new constructed deck made with kiln dried pressure treated lumber?[/quote]
No. Use the 100 Series. See this about kiln dried wood:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/kdat-and-twp-wait-period-for-new-wood/
The 100 series is available in my state. Is there any reason to use the 1500 rather than the 100 for a new constructed deck made with kiln dried pressure treated lumber?
[quote name=”Don Peterson”]I have stripted my cedar siding and am ready to restain. I have about 1800 sq ft is the 100 2 coat. how to apply 2 coat so how much would I need[/quote]
Fro two coats you will need about 15-20 gallons for 1800 sq. feet. For info on application, see this:
https://www.twpstainhelp.com/tips/application-instructions/how-to-apply-twp-100/
I have stripted my cedar siding and am ready to restain. I have about 1800 sq ft is the 100 2 coat. how to apply 2 coat so how much would I need
[quote name=”Reenie Kavalar”]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]
Yes, you have to prep.
TWP cannot be applied on top of a stain if a different brand. The old stain must be removed first with the prep. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kit. If the old stain is TWP, then use the Gemini Restore Kit for the prep.
FYI, Brightener is part of the prep and is not “added” into the TWP. Brightener alone is not proper prep.
Hope this helps!