| Total Surface Area: | '+totalSqFt+' sq ft |
| Stain Required: | '+gallonsNeeded+' gallons |
| Material Cost: | $'+matCost.toFixed(2)+' |
| Labor Cost: | $'+labCost.toFixed(2)+' |
';out+='1. Area = '+L+'ft × '+H+'ft × '+S+' sides = '+totalSqFt+' sq ft
';out+='2. Gallons = '+totalSqFt+' / '+C+' (coverage) = '+gallonsNeeded+' (rounded up)
';out+='3. Materials = '+gallonsNeeded+' × $'+P+' = $'+matCost.toFixed(2)+'
';out+='4. Labor = '+totalSqFt+' × $'+R+' = $'+labCost.toFixed(2)+'
';out+='5. Total = $'+matCost.toFixed(2)+' + $'+labCost.toFixed(2)+' = $'+total.toFixed(2)+'
Calculator Use
The cost to stain a fence calculator is a professional-grade tool designed to help homeowners and contractors estimate the financial requirements for a fence restoration project. By inputting specific dimensions and local price rates, you can generate a breakdown of material needs and labor expenses in seconds.
Whether you are staining a brand-new cedar fence or reviving an aged pine perimeter, this tool accounts for wood porosity and coverage variations to ensure you don't overbuy supplies or underbudget for professional help.
- Fence Length & Height
- The total linear footage of the fence and its vertical height. This determines the base square footage.
- Sides to Stain
- Choose "Two Sides" if you are staining both the interior and exterior of the fence line.
- Stain Price
- The cost per gallon of your chosen product. Premium stains often cost between $40 and $65 per gallon.
- Labor Rate
- Professional labor typically ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot depending on your region and the complexity of the fence.
How It Works
When calculating the cost to stain a fence, the primary variable is the total surface area. Unlike interior painting, fence wood is highly absorbent. The formula used by our cost to stain a fence calculator is:
Total Cost = ((Length × Height × Sides) / Coverage × Gallon Price) + (Total Area × Labor Rate)
- Coverage: New wood typically allows 175-200 sq ft per gallon. Aged, dry wood may absorb more, reducing coverage to 125-150 sq ft per gallon.
- Rounding: We always round "Gallons Needed" up to the nearest whole number because stain is sold by the gallon.
- Labor: This includes prep work like power washing or light sanding, though heavy repairs may require a separate quote.
Calculation Example
Example: A homeowner has a 150-foot long backyard fence that is 6 feet high. They want to stain both sides using a mid-range stain ($50/gallon) and hire a local pro charging $1.25/sq ft.
Step-by-step solution:
- Total Area = 150 (Length) × 6 (Height) × 2 (Sides) = 1,800 sq ft
- Gallons Needed = 1,800 / 150 (Avg. Coverage) = 12 Gallons
- Material Cost = 12 × $50 = $600
- Labor Cost = 1,800 × $1.25 = $2,250
- Total Estimated Project Cost = $2,850
Common Questions
Is it cheaper to spray or roll stain?
Spraying is significantly faster, reducing labor costs, but it wastes more material due to "overspray." Rolling or brushing uses less stain but takes 3-4 times longer in labor hours. For most large residential projects, professional spraying followed by "back-brushing" is the most cost-effective balance of quality and speed.
How often should I restain my fence?
Typically, a fence should be restained every 2 to 3 years for transparent stains, or 4 to 5 years for solid-color stains. Factors like direct sun exposure and heavy rain can accelerate the need for maintenance. Using a high-quality oil-based stain can extend the life of the wood and the color.
Does the cost include power washing?
In most professional quotes, the labor rate includes basic cleaning. However, if your fence has heavy mold, mildew, or old failing paint, contractors may charge an additional prep fee ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot to properly restore the surface before the stain can be applied.