'+'- Total Area: '+area+' sq. ft.
'+'- Coverage Needed (inc. coats): '+totalCoverageArea+' sq. ft.
'+'- Gallons Required (approx 250 sqft/gal): '+gallonsNeeded+' gal
'+'- Stain Cost: $'+materialCost.toFixed(2)+'
'+'- Labor Cost: $'+laborTotal.toFixed(2)+'
'+'- Misc Supplies: $'+supplies.toFixed(2);}else{breakdownDiv.style.display='none';}}
Calculator Use
The deck stain cost calculator is a professional-grade tool designed to help homeowners and contractors estimate the total investment required to refresh a wooden deck. By inputting specific dimensions and material costs, you can avoid over-purchasing supplies or underestimating labor expenses.
To get the most accurate result, measure the length and width of your deck's floor surface. If you have railings, stairs, or lattice, you may want to increase your square footage estimate by 20-30% to account for the additional surface area.
- Deck Length & Width
- The primary dimensions of your deck floor in feet.
- Number of Coats
- Most semi-transparent stains require one coat, while solid stains or older wood often require two for full coverage.
- Stain Price per Gallon
- The retail price of your chosen product. Premium stains typically range from $40 to $70 per gallon.
- Labor Cost per Sq Ft
- The local rate for professional deck staining, typically between $2.00 and $5.00 depending on prep work needed.
How It Works
Our deck stain cost calculator uses a standardized formula to calculate material needs based on the average coverage rate of 250 square feet per gallon. Note that porous, older wood may soak up more stain, reducing coverage.
Total Cost = ((Area × Coats / 250) × Price) + (Area × Labor) + Supplies
- Area: The footprint of the deck (Length × Width).
- Coverage Rate: Assumed at 250 sq. ft. per gallon for standard applications.
- Labor: Professional application fees per square foot of floor space.
- Misc Supplies: Includes cleaners, brighteners, sandpaper, tape, and brushes.
Calculation Example
Example: A homeowner has a medium-sized deck (16ft x 20ft) and wants to apply two coats of a mid-range stain ($50/gal) themselves.
Step-by-step solution:
- Area: 16 × 20 = 320 sq. ft.
- Total Surface to Cover: 320 × 2 coats = 640 sq. ft.
- Gallons Needed: 640 / 250 = 2.56 (Round up to 3 gallons).
- Stain Cost: 3 × $50 = $150.
- Supplies: $50 (Brushes and cleaner).
- Total DIY Cost: $200.00.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to stain a 12×12 deck?
A 12×12 deck (144 sq. ft.) typically requires 1 gallon for one coat or 2 gallons for two coats. DIY costs usually range from $100 to $150. Professional costs, including labor and materials, usually range from $450 to $800 depending on the level of cleaning and sanding required.
Is it cheaper to stain or paint a deck?
Staining is generally cheaper upfront because it requires less primer and fewer coats than a high-quality paint job. However, stain needs to be reapplied every 2-3 years, whereas paint can last 5-7 years. In the long run, the deck stain cost calculator shows that stain is more labor-intensive over the lifetime of the deck.
Does the type of stain affect the price?
Yes. Transparent and semi-transparent stains are often slightly cheaper and cover more area but offer less UV protection. Solid stains are more expensive, behave like thin paint, and provide maximum protection but require more rigorous surface preparation.
Tips for Reducing Your Estimate
If the deck stain cost calculator produces a number higher than your budget, consider these cost-saving measures:
- Do the Prep Yourself: Labor costs are high because power washing and sanding take time. Doing the cleaning yourself can save 40% of professional fees.
- Buy in Bulk: 5-gallon buckets of stain often cost 15-20% less per gallon than individual 1-gallon cans.
- Maintain Regularly: Staining every 2 years avoids the need for heavy sanding and chemical stripping, which adds significant material and labor costs.