Calculator

These calculations will help you determine the square footage for the proper amount of stain and prepping supplies needed to refinish your deck or fence using TWP 100 or TWP 1500 Series.

This is intended to provide you with an approximate estimate only. Material requirements may vary according to application method, surface condition, and weather conditions.

Prepping Options

  • Gemini Restore Kit. This will be used for new, gray, dirty decks and for applying TWP over an intact older coating of TWP.
  • Restore-A-Deck Stripper and Restore-A-Deck Brightener. This is used for removing old coatings of stain. Use this if you are switching from a different brand to TWP or if you have a neglected coating of TWP that has failed unevenly.

Deck Sq. Footage

Flooring Length x width =?

Railing Length x height =?

Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?

Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.

Fence Sq. Footage

Length x height =?

Multiply x 2 for both sides = Total Sq. Footage

If you have questions, please ask below.

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  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Shawn Paskevic · 05/09/2021
    We have a new (12+ months) deck with 550 sq ft. plus  5 steps that are 5 ft wide.   We want to do Thunderbolt semi-solid.  And based on reading the blogs and comments, we need to prep the wood.    We bought samples.  How much stain and Gemini prep do we need and what do we use as promo code for discount for samples we bought?
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    Shawn Blaquiere · 04/25/2021
    I live in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada.
    How much TWP 200 would I need to refinish my 1000sq ft deck.  Do you recommend 2 coats?  How long will it take to get the product delivered?Thank you,SB
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/25/2021
      One coat should be okay with the 200 Series unless the wood is very dried out. About 5-7 gallons. Shipping to BC takes about 3-7 days.
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    Brian Connolly · 04/17/2021
    We live in Mid-Michigan and have 14x14 deck with spindles, steps and railings that is 4 years old, never been stained, with full sun and a swing set we’d like to match. Swing set was stained, just starting to look weathered. I’ll do the calculator for the deck but I’m unsure as to how to go about estimating for the swing set. Please advise on that as well as best bet for longevity in a stain. Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/17/2021
      For prep on the deck, use the Gemini Restore Kit. For prep on swing set, you will need to remove the current stain by stripping and or sanding. You would have to measure all the wood to be stained for the swing set to determine amount needed. For this deck and play set, look at the TWP 100 Series.
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    Susan M · 04/15/2021
    I used TPW 100 in 2019 on my deck. It looks good except in a few high traffic areas where it looks almost down to wood. What are the steps I need to do to reapply? I am confused by the need to strip again or just clean and go. I really do not want to have to resend. 
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    Dave · 04/09/2021
    Why would you need the Gemini Restore Kit for new wood/first time coating?  This will be for a new cedar fence using TWP-1530.
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    Elizabeth · 04/04/2021
    I have a 2.5 yr old, 20' x 22' deck made of pressure treated wood. Southern exposure in mid-Atlantic state. It has never been treated. Other than discoloration and some very minor warping it is in great shape. Not sure what advice to follow on website since it's not "new wood" but it doesn't need stripping of of a previous product.
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    Debbie · 03/29/2021
    3/19/21
    We live in Houston, Texas and about a year and a half ago used TWP 101 Cedartone Natural on our treated pine deck that is partly shaded and part in full sun. The shaded area still looks great, but the sun exposed area is beginning to look dry and weathered--clearly it is now time to redo.
    Questions:
    1. Would there be an advantage to use your new product--Semi Solid Stain rather than the Series 100 since wood takes a beating in the Houston heat and sun? Would it be more durable?
    2. If so--hopefully--we wouldn't have to strip, just power wash, clean/brighten--is that correct????
    3. What would we do about the shaded area that still looks good? This area runs continuous with the area that is exposed to sun?
    4. Also with this new product--is it recommended to do the wet on wet application or will we even need to do a second coat since we originally used your product?
    5. What color of the Semi Solid Stain most closely matches Cedartone Natural?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 03/29/2021
      1. The semi-solid would give better protection.
      2. Strip and brighten if you switch.
      3. Strip and brighten all.
      4. Starting from scratch now.
      5. Any color you like will work, none will match the 101 Cedartone. Close would be Super Cedar, ect.
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        Debbie Walker · 03/29/2021
        Ohhh not what I wanted to hear! Very tempting not to change products as the beauty of originally switching to TWP was so we could easily and simply reapply without starting over! With that said and we decide stay with TWP 101?
        1. What would be the order of our prep steps
        2. Should we just reapply over the shaded area that still looks good since there is no obvious stopping point between the sunny and shaded portions?
        3. Will we still do wet on wet application or just one coat?
        This forum is so helpful--thank you very much!
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          TWP Stains · 03/30/2021
          1. Gemini Restore Kit
          2. No, do all.
          3. Most likely wet on wet coat.
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    Rick · 03/28/2021
    I have used twp stain about 3 years ago and ready to do it again. I have about 1400 sq ft of existing redwood previously stained wood with the TWP 15000 California Redwood and 400 feet of new fencing. How much product do I need?
    thanks

    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 03/29/2021
      About 15-20 gallons for two coats. Make sure to prep correctly first.
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    Bob Yee · 03/25/2021
    I'm starting to sand and refinish my weather-beaten custom made pergola and plan to use TWP 1500. The underlying wood seems to be in good shape (see pic) and I'll be caulking the cracks and joints and holes with stainable latex caulk. Since the wood has been there for more than 30 years, after sanding, I plan to do a light power wash, let dry and then apply 2 coats of TWP 1500.
    Q: Do I need any prep after the sanding and caulking? Any other advice?
    Thank you very much!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 03/26/2021
      Do not use caulk or wood filler on this. It will not stain to blend and will stand out looking blotchy. For final prep use the Gemini Restore Kit.
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    Katy Carley · 03/17/2021
    Hi there! We live in Iowa and just put in a new cedar fence with metal posts last June. Approximately 40 panels of 8x6, again metal posts. It's rough sawn cedar. I can't find a calculator for a wood fence and I am also confused about if we would do one or two coats since it's rough sawn. We already have the cedartone 101 we used on our deck, so we would like to stay with that. Can you let me know how many coats, approximately how many buckets we need and if we need to do anything else? I really appreciate it! thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 03/17/2021
      You will need two wet on wet coats. About 30-40 gallons for the 4000 sq feet that covers both sides.
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    Nancy Robinson · 03/08/2021
    I have a deck that was built using kdat wood. Do I need to use the stripper or just cleaner to prepare the wood for staining. I have been told we need to remove the mill glaze before staining the wood.
    Please advise
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    Doug Martin · 03/01/2021
    New last year pt pine? Deck central Texas use 100? Or 1500? What’s the difference
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 03/01/2021
      See here for new wood tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/

      Use the TWP 100 series for Texas.
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    John · 02/28/2021
    Re-staining 5 yrs old PT pine decking which will be stripped & brightened prior to TWP. Closest retailer to 73170 Oklahoma City please? Can TWP 100 Series be purchased directly from Yukon, OK facilities? Thinking of using 1500 Series versus 100 Series because greater percentage of solids? any real benefit? Thanks - John
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 03/01/2021
      Hello, we only sell online as a TWP dealer. You cannot buy directly from the manufacturer.No advantage of the 1500 over the 100. If you want better UV protection, then use the semi-solid colors that will becoming out in the next week or two: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
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    Connie · 02/22/2021
    Is the gemini restore kit necessary for a 2 month new cedar fence before applying twp 1500 series. If yes, why?

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      TWP Stains · 02/23/2021
      You cannot stain 2 month old wood yet unless rough sawn. See here for tips: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/

      Yes, you have to prep.
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    Marshall · 11/02/2020
    I have a newly installed cedar fence with pressure treated pine posts. I installed the fence about 4 months ago. It is about 500 feet of fence and is 6 feet tall. I need to do both sides. How much do I need to purchase of the TWP 100 and do I need to use the restorer and neutralizer?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 11/02/2020
      Yes, you need the Gemini Restore Kit for prep. For both sides, you have 6000 sq feet. Is the wood smooth or rough sawn? That would depend on if you need 1 or 2 coats.
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    Terry · 09/19/2020
    I have a 2700 sq ft barn I'd like to not have to stain often as it's an extreme project, and my rough- cut pine has weatherized for 2 years easily with nothing on it yet.

    1- Is the California redwood darker than the redwood and cedar?

    2- Also, I'm not clear on reapplying stain in a couple of years ... can I reapply without removing the old stain if I'm reapplying the exact same color again? Is it just when you change stain color you have to remove and apply?

    3- Lastly, are these all semi-transparent or do you carry a semi-solid too?

    Thought I'd just them all at once :)
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 09/20/2020
      1. Lighter than Redwood. Different shade than Cedartone.
      2. Clean and recoat as needed when using the same color.
      3. Semi-transparent only.
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    Ron · 09/14/2020
    Current deck had TWP Cedartone Natural 100 put on 2 years ago. I am thinking of putting on TWP 1500 Cedartone Natural this year. Is there any problem if I change from 100 to 1500?
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    Tim · 09/09/2020
    Half of our redwood deck was replaced last year and was never stained. The other half of the deck was stained with TWP 1500 several years ago. Do I need to do two separate prep methods to insure that the deck is the same color after staining? Thanks for the help!
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    Michael · 08/26/2020
    I live in Chicago IL and I spent the last months replacing some rotten boards on a 13 year old neglected deck. It was "painted" with solid stain about 8 or nine years ago. About 20% of the deck is new treated southern pine (the rest is old treated southern pine).

    The first new boards I installed are no longer beading water (it's only been a month) newer boards are still beading.

    I intend to sand the deck and then stain.

    1. Do you recommend sanding the new wood as well as the old?
    2. Will a need a deck cleaner after sanding?
    3. Does this generally sound like a good plan?

    Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 08/26/2020
      See here about new wood first: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/

      Wait until Spring and then clean and brighten all for prep. No need to sand.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Michael Fiddler · 08/26/2020
        What about the old parts that still have solid stain? I should sand that, no?
        If yes, sand before the winter or after? If no, am I supposed to use a stripper before winter or in the spring? or not at all? It's 900 sq ft.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 08/27/2020
          You will have to sand off the solid stain as a stripper will not remove it. Dot his now and then cleaner and brighten all in the Spring.
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    bob · 08/20/2020
    Hi. Just did samples of twp 1501, 1515, 1530 on a sample cedar fence board. I like the 1515 as it's the lightest (per neighbor request). The new fence (aged one month so far) is approx 30 feet and 6' tall and I will stain both sides. On your calculator I put in 60' (2 x 30) so as to cover both sides. Output is 4 gallons to do the 1.5 coats. My questions as follows:

    1) I think I read on this site that that new rough hewn fence boards only require one thin coat. Correct?

    2) If true, than I probably only need 2.5 gallons. Second question: Does this product store well such that I can use it again for a second coat sometime later? If so, I will buy 5 gallon pale...I can store in a fairly cool/dry location.

    3) When do you think that 2nd coat would need to go on? I live in SoCal south of LA and about 10 miles from ocean.

    Much appreciated...great website...glad I found you as I was getting increasingly frustrated with the myriad of (poorly reviewed!) products out there!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 08/20/2020
      1, No, two light coats for rough sawn wood.
      2. You would need about 3-4 gallons fo the two coats. Shelf life if opened is 12 months.
      3. For a fence, about 3-6 years.

      You need the 1500 Series for your area.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Bob · 08/20/2020
        Now I'm really confused...below is verbatim from your site: Says "one coat for most instances". I'm happy doing two if needed. If so, is it the "wet on wet"...as in within 30 minutes. Or two light coats within a week or so? Or something else? The samples I put on (one coat) this morning went into the wood very nicely. If shelf life is only 12 months then I wouldn't want to order more than needed if I'm not recoating for 3+ years. That said, I'm not really worried about the $, I primarily want to do the application correctly. If I have extra stain I have older fences that I'm sure my wife would love for me to get to as well! Thx! And especially for rapid reply!


        "Note: New Rough Sawn vertical wood/fencing can be stained right away with no wait and with no prep as it does have mill glaze and is very absorbent. Just make sure the wood is fully dry. If Rough sawn wood has aged or oxidized (grayed) then it will need to be prepped with Gemini Restore Kit. One coat for most instances of newly installed Rough Sawn wood."
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 08/20/2020
          For fences rough sawn wood needs two light coats applied wet on wet. Very absorbent.
          • We will reply to your comment shortly
            Bob · 09/17/2020
            My wife says the 1515 that i put down on my side of the new cedar fence is "orange". My side actually isn't visible from the street or our back yard as it's just a small portion (25') of my front to back property line. So I'm fine with the way it looks on my side. That said, I'm trying to keep my neighbor happy as that's the entrance his guests take for their backyard pool parties. Can i mix 1500 with this in order to tone down the orange? I realize my uv protection would be diminished but due to the proximity of my neighbor's house to the fence his side is kept in shade most of the day and year. What ratio do you think I'd need to make the fence not look so "orange". I have some leftover boards that I could experiment with.
            • We will reply to your comment shortly
              TWP Stains · 09/17/2020
              Yes, you can mix but hard to say how much as the wood itself has a lot to do with the final color.
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                Bob · 09/17/2020
                That makes sense. But if it’s right now just a little too orange now wouldn’t you think a 50-50 mix would bring it to an acceptable tone? As in towards the right direction? Maybe a different question would be does the 1500 (ie clear) impart an orange tone of its own to cedar? My neighbor (in a grouchy tone) said “he doesn’t care what color” but I could tell he was perturbed as my gate with the 1515 on it is visible to him. Just trying to keep the peace with him!
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                  Gina · 09/19/2020
                  Bob, u could do a smaller amount on any extra board you may have or a small area less visable (maybe the side of a step) to see how it turns out?
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                  TWP Stains · 09/17/2020
                  Try 50/50 and work from there.
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                    bob · 09/19/2020
                    Final question...regarding the little bit of recently applied 1515 on my new fence that shows from the street (~8 feet)...what would be the best way to stain with the 50/50 mix (assuming I like that color)? Would a pressure washer work or would I need to sand? I'm guessing the pressure washer wouldn't work and I don't want to sand so 2nd best would be to wait until I need to restain years from now? I have a fence/gate combo on the other side of the house that I'd like to put the 50/50 down with. I don't think I stained it when it was put up 12 years ago (its just gray) so figure pressure treat and brightener would do there? I would like the two sides to match if possible.
                    • We will reply to your comment shortly
                      TWP Stains · 09/20/2020
                      You would need to strip and brighten to remove any TWP stained wood that you want to apply the mix. Clean and brighten for the gray wood.