| Total Area: | "+area.toLocaleString()+" sq ft |
| Gallons Needed: | "+gallons+" |
| Material Cost: | $"+matCost.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2})+" |
| Labor Cost: | $"+labCost.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2})+" |
1. Area = "+l+"ft x "+h+"ft x "+s+" sides = "+area+" sq ft
2. Gallons = ceil("+area+" / "+cv+") = "+gallons+"
3. Total = ("+gallons+" x $"+cg+") + ("+area+" x $"+lr+")
How to Use the Cost to Stain a Fence Calculator
Estimating your project budget is the first step in home maintenance. This cost to stain a fence calculator helps homeowners and contractors accurately predict the total investment required for protecting a wooden fence. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional crew, knowing the square footage and material requirements is essential for preventing mid-project supply runs or budget overruns.
To get the most accurate results, follow these input descriptions:
- Fence Length (ft)
- Measure the total linear distance of your fence line. For a standard backyard, this usually includes three sides of the property.
- Fence Height (ft)
- The vertical height of the boards. Standard residential fences are typically 4, 6, or 8 feet tall.
- Sides to Stain
- Input '1' if you are only staining the interior facing your yard, or '2' if you are staining both the interior and exterior sides.
- Stain Cost per Gallon
- Quality stains typically range from $35 to $65 per gallon. Premium oil-based semi-transparent stains often fall at the higher end.
- Coverage (sq ft/gal)
- Check the label on your stain container. Newer wood is more porous and absorbs more liquid, while older, pre-treated wood might offer higher coverage (usually 150-250 sq ft).
How the Calculation Works
The cost to stain a fence calculator uses a multi-step mathematical model to determine your estimate. First, it calculates the total surface area by multiplying length by height and the number of sides. Then, it determines the volume of stain required by dividing that area by the manufacturer's coverage rate. Since you cannot buy partial gallons, the calculator rounds up to the nearest whole gallon.
Total Cost = [(Total Sq Ft / Coverage) x Price per Gallon] + (Total Sq Ft x Labor Rate)
- Area Calculation: Length × Height × Number of Sides.
- Material Rounding: Always round up to the next gallon to ensure you don't run out during the job.
- Labor Inclusion: Professional labor is typically calculated per square foot, ranging from $1.00 to $2.50 depending on your region and the fence's condition.
Calculation Example
Example: A homeowner has a 150-foot long privacy fence that is 6 feet high. They want to stain both sides using a mid-range stain that costs $50 per gallon and covers 200 square feet. They are also considering hiring a local contractor who charges $1.25 per square foot for labor.
Step-by-step solution:
- Total Area: 150ft (Length) x 6ft (Height) x 2 (Sides) = 1,800 square feet.
- Stain Needed: 1,800 sq ft / 200 sq ft per gallon = 9 gallons exactly.
- Material Cost: 9 gallons x $50.00 = $450.00.
- Labor Cost: 1,800 sq ft x $1.25 = $2,250.00.
- Total Project Cost: $450.00 + $2,250.00 = $2,700.00.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to stain a fence professionally?
On average, professional fence staining costs between $1,500 and $3,500 for most residential properties. This typically includes pressure washing, minor repairs, and two coats of high-quality stain. Professionals often charge by the square foot, though some may quote by the linear foot if the height is standard.
Is it cheaper to paint or stain a fence?
Staining is generally more cost-effective over the long term. While high-quality stain can be more expensive per gallon than paint, stain does not chip or peel. When it comes time to refresh the fence, you typically only need to clean and re-apply stain, whereas paint requires extensive scraping and sanding before a new coat can be applied.
How long does wood stain last?
Transparent and semi-transparent stains usually last 2 to 4 years. Solid stains can last up to 5 or 7 years but hide more of the natural wood grain. Horizontal surfaces (like the tops of rails) usually wear faster than vertical pickets due to sun exposure and water pooling.
How many coats of stain do I need?
For most modern penetrating stains, one heavy coat is often sufficient if the wood is thirsty. However, for maximum protection and color depth, two coats are often recommended. If you use our cost to stain a fence calculator for two coats, simply double your "Sides to Stain" input or adjust the "Coverage" input to be half of the manufacturer's rating.