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PaintingFence Stain Calculator — How Much Stain Do I Need?
Enter your fence length and height to estimate stain. Rough pickets soak up more than smooth wood, so coverage runs lower than wall paint.
How this calculator works
We multiply fence length × height for one side, multiply by coats, and divide by about 150 sq ft per gallon — typical for stain on rough fence pickets. Smooth wood covers more; weathered wood covers less.
What changes how much you need
- Staining both sides? Double your fence length before calculating.
- Rough, dog-eared, or weathered pickets drink more — figure 100–150 sq ft/gal.
- Most semi-transparent stains want one thorough coat; over-applying causes peeling.
- A sprayer loses some stain through the gaps between pickets — a brush uses less.
Gallons of fence stain by length and height (one side, one coat)
At about 150 sq ft per gallon, rounded up to whole gallons. Staining both sides doubles the area.
| Fence length | 4-ft fence | 6-ft fence | 8-ft fence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 ft | 1 gal | 1 gal | 2 gal |
| 50 ft | 2 gal | 2 gal | 3 gal |
| 75 ft | 2 gal | 3 gal | 4 gal |
| 100 ft | 3 gal | 4 gal | 6 gal |
| 150 ft | 4 gal | 6 gal | 8 gal |
| 200 ft | 6 gal | 8 gal | 11 gal |
How wood condition changes the count (100 ft × 6 ft, one side)
Most cans list separate coverage for rough and smooth wood — use the figure that matches your fence.
| Wood condition | Coverage | Gallons for 600 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Weathered or very rough pickets | ≈100 sq ft/gal | 6 gal |
| Rough-sawn pickets (typical) | ≈150 sq ft/gal | 4 gal |
| Smooth, planed boards | 200+ sq ft/gal | 3 gal |
Frequently asked questions
How much stain for a fence?
Estimate the one-side area (length × height) and divide by ~150 sq ft/gal. A 50-ft, 6-ft-tall fence is ~300 sq ft per side — about 2 gallons for one side.
Do I count both sides of the fence?
If you’re staining both sides, yes — double the length (or area) in the calculator.
How many coats of fence stain?
Usually one good coat for semi-transparent stain. Follow the can — extra coats can peel on exterior wood.
How much stain do I need for a 100-foot fence?
About 4 gallons for one side of a 6-ft-tall, 100-ft fence (600 sq ft at roughly 150 sq ft per gallon), or 8 gallons for both sides. A 4-ft fence needs about 3 gallons per side.
How much does a gallon of fence stain cover?
Roughly 150 sq ft on typical rough-sawn pickets, dropping toward 100 on weathered wood and rising past 200 on smooth, planed boards. The can’s label is the figure to trust — most list rough and smooth coverage separately.
Should I spray or brush fence stain?
Spraying is far faster but loses stain through the gaps between pickets and to wind, so buy 10–20% more; back-brushing right after spraying works it into the wood. A brush or pad uses the least stain and penetrates best on rough lumber.
How long should a new fence dry before staining?
Pressure-treated lumber usually needs to dry out first — often several weeks to a few months. Sprinkle water on a board: if it beads up, wait; if it soaks in within a few minutes, the wood is ready. Kiln-dried lumber can usually be stained right away.