";out+="1. Square Footage: "+sqft+" sq. ft.
";out+="2. Stain Required: "+galNeeded+" gallon(s) (approx. 200 sq.ft./gal)
";out+="3. Material Subtotal: "+galNeeded+" * $"+costGal.toFixed(2)+" = $"+matCost.toFixed(2)+"
";out+="4. Labor Subtotal: "+sqft+" * $"+laborRate.toFixed(2)+" * "+prep+" (prep factor) = $"+laborTotal.toFixed(2)+"
";out+="5. Grand Total: $"+total.toFixed(2)+"
How to Use the Deck Staining Cost Calculator
A well-maintained deck adds significant value to your home, but budgeting for maintenance can be tricky. This deck staining cost calculator is designed to provide you with a realistic estimate for both DIY projects and professional hires. By inputting your deck's specific dimensions and the quality of materials, you can avoid financial surprises.
To get the most accurate result, you should have a basic understanding of your deck's current condition and the local market rate for labor.
- Deck Size (Sq. Ft.)
- The total surface area of your deck floor. To calculate this, multiply the length by the width. If you have multiple levels, add the area of each level together.
- Stain Price (per Gal)
- Standard wood stains range from $30 for economy brands to over $80 for premium, high-solid oil-based stains.
- Labor Rate
- Professional painters typically charge between $2.00 and $5.00 per square foot for deck staining. If you are doing it yourself, enter 0.
- Prep Complexity
- The amount of work required before the first drop of stain is applied. Stripping old, peeling stain takes significantly more time than a simple wash.
How It Works: The Cost Formula
Our calculator uses industry-standard coverage rates and labor multipliers. Most exterior wood stains cover approximately 200 to 300 square feet per gallon on the first coat, and slightly more on the second coat. We use a conservative 200 sq. ft. per gallon to ensure you don't run out mid-project.
Total Cost = (Materials Cost) + (Labor Cost × Prep Multiplier)
- Material Cost: Calculated by rounding up the square footage to the nearest gallon and multiplying by the price per gallon.
- Labor Cost: Based on the square footage multiplied by your local labor rate.
- Prep Multiplier: A factor of 1.0 (Basic), 1.25 (Advanced), or 1.6 (Heavy Stripping) applied to labor hours to reflect the increased effort.
Calculation Example
Example Scenario: You have a 400 square foot deck that has some old peeling stain and requires power washing and light sanding. You want to use a premium stain priced at $60 per gallon and hire a professional charging $3.00 per sq. ft.
Step-by-step solution:
- Materials: 400 sq. ft. / 200 coverage = 2 gallons. 2 gal × $60 = $120
- Base Labor: 400 sq. ft. × $3.00 = $1,200
- Prep Adjustment: $1,200 × 1.25 (Prep Multiplier) = $1,500
- Total: $120 + $1,500 = $1,620
Common Questions
How often should I stain my deck?
Most experts recommend staining every 2 to 3 years. If you use a solid stain, you might get 5 years, while transparent stains usually require annual or biennial maintenance to keep the wood protected from UV damage.
Does the calculator include the cost of railings?
Railings are significantly more labor-intensive than the deck floor. If your deck has extensive railings, it is recommended to increase the "Labor Rate" or "Square Footage" input by 20-30% to account for the intricate work required to stain balusters and handrails.
What is the cheapest time of year to stain?
Late spring and early fall are peak seasons for deck professionals. You may find lower labor rates in the "shoulder seasons" or late summer, provided the weather remains dry. Always ensure the wood moisture content is below 19% before applying any product.