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Fence Stain Calculator
Quick answer: Multiply fence length by height, by the number of sides and by coats to get the area to coat, add 10–20% for rough or thirsty wood, then divide by the coverage printed on the can. A 150 ft, 6 ft fence stained on both sides is 1,800 sq ft per coat before waste.
How it works
Area = length × height × sides × coats × (1 + extra %). Gallons = area ÷ coverage. Coverage varies a lot: rough-sawn, new or weathered wood absorbs more than smooth or previously coated boards, and sprayers lose some to overspray. Read the product's own label and data sheet for coverage, dry times and temperature limits.
Worked example
Figures below are illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.
Assumptions: 150 ft × 6 ft, two sides, one coat, 150 sq ft/gal, 15% extra. Area 2,070 sq ft; about 13.8 gal, so buy 14. Two coats would need about 28. Board-on-board fences have more exposed edges, so add extra.
FAQ
Oil or water based?
See the fence stain guide.
When can I stain new wood?
Follow the stain maker's guidance on moisture and weather.
Need fence dimensions?
Start with the fence calculator.
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