Fence Stain Calculator
How much stain a fence takes, for one side or both, by fence style (solid privacy, shadowbox, picket or split rail), rough or smooth wood, and coats.
Fence area = length × height × sides, plus about 15% on a privacy fence for posts and rails. A 150 ft privacy fence 6 ft high, stained on both sides, is about 2,070 sq ft: roughly 14 gallons for one coat of semi-transparent stain on rough wood.
Stain for common fences (6 ft, both sides, semi-transparent, rough wood)
| Fence length | Area | One coat | Two coats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 690 sq ft | 5 gal | 7 gal |
| 100 ft | 1,380 sq ft | 10 gal | 14 gal |
| 150 ft | 2,070 sq ft | 14 gal | 21 gal |
| 200 ft | 2,760 sq ft | 19 gal | 28 gal |
| 300 ft | 4,140 sq ft | 28 gal | 42 gal |
Frequently asked questions
How much stain do I need for my fence?
Multiply length × height × the number of sides you are staining, add about 15% for posts and rails on a privacy fence, and divide by the coverage: about 150 sq ft per gallon for semi-transparent stain on rough new wood.
How many gallons of stain for a 100 ft fence?
A 6 ft privacy fence 100 ft long, both sides, is about 1,380 sq ft, roughly 9–10 gallons for one coat on rough wood, or 5–6 gallons on smooth wood.
Should I spray or brush fence stain?
Spraying is fastest; back-brushing right after spraying works the stain into the wood and evens it out. Protect plants and neighbors from overspray.
How long should a new fence dry before staining?
Pressure-treated wood is often wet from the plant and may need weeks to dry; do a water test. Cedar can usually be stained sooner.
Does a picket fence use less stain?
Yes, the gaps mean less surface per foot. Count about 75% of the length × height for a spaced picket fence, but both faces and edges still take stain.
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Coverage ranges reflect typical manufacturer label figures; style factors: privacy 1.15 (posts and rails), shadowbox 1.4 (overlapping boards), spaced picket 0.75, split rail 0.35. Your stain's label takes priority.