How many gallons you actually need — including railings. The part everyone under-buys.
New/bare wood always needs 2 coats. Previously stained in good condition may only need 1.
Measure total linear feet of all railing sections
This is why most people run out of stain — the railings add up fast. We've included them in your gallon count.
Based on the dimensions on the left — edit them to match your project and this updates as you type.
4 gallons · 352 sq ft — one trip
1 bottle — remove dirt, mildew, and gray oxidation before staining
Tip: Apply with a stiff brush or pump sprayer, let sit 15 min, scrub, rinse thoroughly. Deck must dry 48 hours before staining.
1 bottle — neutralizes cleaner and opens wood grain for better stain penetration
Tip: Brightener is the step most DIYers skip — it makes a huge difference in how evenly stain absorbs. Apply after cleaner rinses.
4 gallons at 250 sq ft/gal — covers 352 sq ft in 2 coats
Tip: Let first coat dry completely (2–4 hours) before applying second coat. Don't rush this.
For spindles and balusters — spraying is 3-4x faster than brushing individual spindles
Tip: Spray spindles first, then back-brush immediately to work stain in and catch drips. One person sprays, one person brushes.
For edges, detail work, and back-brushing after spraying spindles
Tip: Chip brushes are cheap and disposable — much easier than cleaning stain out of a good brush.
For flat deck surface — rolling is much faster than brushing the floor
Tip: Roll in the direction of the boards, not across them. Work one board width at a time for consistent penetration.
Liners make cleanup instant — swap instead of wash
Protect plants, furniture, and concrete below and around the deck
Tip: Move furniture completely off the deck — stain on fabric is permanent.
Protect house siding and trim where deck meets the home
Stain doesn't wash off skin — nitrile is chemical-resistant
For cleaning oil-based stain from brushes and sprayer. Skip for water-based stains.
Before you start
•Check the forecast: need 24–48 hours of dry weather after application, and temps between 50–90°F
•Start early in the morning — staining in direct afternoon sun causes lap marks and uneven drying
•Sand rough spots with 80-grit before cleaning, especially board ends and splintered areas
•Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain, not across it
•Wipe up any puddles — don't let stain pool in low spots or between boards
• Floor area: 192 sq ft (length × width)
• Railing area: 160 sq ft (open spindles × 4 sq ft per linear ft)
• Coverage rate: 250 sq ft/gallon for semi-transparent on weathered / grayed
• Total: 352 sq ft ÷ 250 = 2 gallons per coat × 2 coats = 4 gallons total