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
    John · 05/29/2020
    1. We have a 300 sq ft pine deck which has been power washed per TWP specs.

    2. it was sealed 4 years ago with TWP 1530.

    3. At the time we purchased a 5 gallon bucket. I estimate there are approximately
    2 1/2 gallons left. The bucket has been stored in a heated basement.

    4. Should I use what’s left over or buy new.

    5. If I buy new, how many gallons should I buy for the 2 coats?

    6. The wood is quiet dry. Should I put on 3 coats.

    Thank you for your assistance.

    John
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/29/2020
      It has gone bad by now. About 3 gallons for the 2 coats. Do not put on 3 coats.
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        John · 05/29/2020
        Thank You!!!!
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    Midge · 05/26/2020
    800 sq foot deck that is quite old but looks good. All cleaned and powerwashed.

    1. Should we use TWP 100 series?

    2. Does "CLEAR" have slight tint?

    3. How many coats to apply?

    3. How much TWP to purchase for 800 sq ft deck?

    Thanks
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/26/2020
      1. 100 or 1500 based on your state laws.
      2. No. Use a tinted color.
      3. 2 coats
      4. 7-8 gallons
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    Darrell · 05/14/2020
    Just had a new rough-sawn redwood fence with rough-sawn privacy lattice but then PT Doug fir 4x4 posts installed last week in the SF Bay Area. How long should I wait before applying TWP 1500? Do I need to apply cleaner and then brightener after the weathering period even though the fence will still be "new"?
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    Jordan · 05/14/2020
    Cedar fence built in June of 2019. Looking at the 1515 Honeytone. Fence is 6' tall and 245' per side. does it need 2 coats? How many gallons am I looking at?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Sue Meriwether Burkhalter · 05/13/2020
    I have a quick question. I am about to order cleaner and stain for my deck and when I calculate the sq footage I am coming up with 564 before the railing and steps. I used the calculator and it is coming up with 1780 sq feet (after adding railing and steps) and is telling me I need 18 gallons of stain!!! Is it that much more for a railing?? The railing is not solid, spindles several inches a part. I just want to make sure I order enough product without having too much. Initially I was going to order a 5 gallon container thinking that was adequate but not I am really not sure.
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      TWP Stains · 05/13/2020
      You must be entering your info correctly to get that big of a difference. Length x width for the deck floor. Railings are the length of rails x height. Add that all up and add in any sq footage for stairs. What does that come to?
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Sue Meriwether Burkhalter · 05/13/2020
        Oh goodness...I am a dingbat, when I plugged my numbers into your online calculator I put the inches for the railing height...hahaha, not wonder it wanted me to get 18 gallons, I made it look like I had a 30 foot railing! After re-doing the railing calculation it came back with 7 gallons recommended which sounds perfect. Thanks for your speedy reply, I can't wait to get my products ordered and get started on this project. Thanks again.
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    Craig · 05/11/2020
    I am considering this stain for recently built wood shed doors. These were made from pressure treated lumber but the wood had dried considerably in the store before installation (so not wet/green). A simple water drop test showed the water absorbing within 10 minutes. Do I still need to wait 9-12 months to stain since it's new wood?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/11/2020
      Yes, 4+ months and the prep.
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    Bo McGinty · 05/10/2020
    Definitely want the 1515 Honeytone for new fence. Trying to figure out how much for 300’ of 6’ height??
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/10/2020
      Both sides? About 30-35 gallons for two coats and 3600 sq feet.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Mary · 05/09/2020
    I have a 7 yr old cedar deck in MN. Whatever product was used to stain pealed almost immediately. It was a grey stain. I have now power washed and sanded some parts where the stain remained. Do I need to still do a deck wash? (Parts where it is shaded and more prone to mold didn't wash as well) Or just the brighter? I'm interested in the Cottage Grey 100 series but worried about peeling again. Do you think I could still go with it? What is the best way to apply?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/09/2020
      Your prep looks okay to stain. You can use the the TWP gray now.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Mary · 05/09/2020
        Thank you! How many days after rain and pre rain do you recommend to apply?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 05/09/2020
          48 hours after rain. 24 hours before rain can come on a stained deck.
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    Doug · 05/09/2020
    I have used TWP 101 on my log home since it was built in 1999. I read in your specs that the 1500 series has better UV protection. Can it be applied over the previously applied TWP 100 stain?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/09/2020
      You would have to strip it. Best to stick with the 101.
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    Eric · 05/04/2020
    I had a pressure treated pine deck installed in August of 2019. I recently cleaned and brightened the deck with the purpose of staining it after it dried but unfortunately it unpredictably rained the night I cleaned and brightened my deck. I changed gears and did some research and now I plan to use Twp 1500 natural (nj). So my questions : do I need one coat on this new deck or two coats wet on wet? Also do I need to clean and brighten again? I sent a picture of deck after the cleaning when it was raining and then the next night when it dried. Looks a lot lighter (white).. your thoughts ?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/05/2020
      One coat for new wood. You do not need to prep again.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    David · 05/01/2020
    I have 1,232 square feet of cedar deck in Michigan that was sealed with another product in the Fall of 2017. I believe I can still use 100 in Michigan. Would you please let me know what the correct prepping and seal options are for this installation as well as the quantity needed. Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 05/01/2020
      We would need pictures for help with current prep.
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        David · 05/01/2020
        There’s a variety of conditions.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 05/01/2020
          Strip and brighten for prep. TWP 100 for stain. You can pick up in Bloomfield Hills, MI at our location if you want.
          • We will reply to your comment shortly
            David · 05/01/2020
            Thanks. Bloomfield is too far for me. Would you please let me know your thoughts on quantities of each product prep and stain for 1,232 sq ft?
            • We will reply to your comment shortly
              TWP Stains · 05/01/2020
              2 Stripper/Brightener kits and about 10-15 gallons of stain.
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    Chad · 04/29/2020
    300' of yard fence to stain, 42" is height and doing both sides. 100 series be best? How much will it need
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/29/2020
      100 or 1500 based on where you live. About 20-25 gallons for two coats.
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    Ryan · 04/24/2020
    Hi. I have new 30'x18' deck that was built in July and November (half at a time) 2018 with treated lumber. I am looking to stain it for the first time. The deck has roughly 60' of railing, 4' tall.

    The product calculator states I need 2 kits of Restore a Deck, and 9 gallons of stain.

    Is this accurate? Should I apply one coat or two of stain?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/24/2020
      Yes, that is the correct amount for applying two coats wet on wet.
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        Ryan · 04/24/2020
        Thanks. I was advised before (on this site - I lost the thread) that only one coat is needed for new wood. I’m not sure which to go by.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 04/24/2020
          Your wood is not new anymore when built in 2018.
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    Jess · 04/18/2020
    Hi. I stained using the 100 series 2 years ago. Now I am planning to re-coat and will treat with the Gemini restore kit first. Last time I sanded the wood to prep it and the deck took about 1 and 3/4ths of a gallon to stain. So do you think 1 gallon would be adequate now to re-coat it?

    Also, when I re-coat--should I do one coat or two?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/18/2020
      No, you will need the same as last time.
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        Jess · 04/20/2020
        Ok. Makes sense. For a re-coat (the original is in decent shape)...do you recommend 1 or 2 coats?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          TWP Stains · 04/20/2020
          Probably just one will be needed.
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    Marty Wallingford · 04/17/2020
    I have a new pressure treated deck that was built in November 2019. When should I start to think about staining it? Also, since it is new, what preparation do I need to do before staining? I like the look of the Rustic color.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Toni Mawhirter · 04/16/2020
    If I have a well-maintained redwood deck, previously Treated with Sikkens cetol, Is it a necessity to go beyond ordinary cleaning and pressure washing to be able to use the TWP 1500
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/16/2020
      You will have to fully remove the Sikkens to be able to use the TWP.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Chris · 04/15/2020
    What is the square footage per single coat for a five gallon can of 1500
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 04/16/2020
      It depends on the porosity, the age of the woo, and the type of wood. About 750-1000 per coat for a 5-gallon pail but that can vary.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Paul T. Burnett · 03/01/2020
    How many gallons on 1501 cedartone needed for 440 square ft.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 03/02/2020
      About 4-4 if doing two coats.
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    JoElla · 11/18/2019
    Do you have a calculator to determine how many gallons will be needed to stain a house of the 100 series (120 Pecan). It was stained (when siding was put on new) 6 years ago with TWP Pecan and has held up great but wanting to stain again due to fading and weathering. I am assuming only one coat since this is second staining. Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 11/18/2019
      Just measure width x height for each side and add up for a total sq footage. Sq footage for 1 gallon and 1 coat is about 150-200 sq feet per gallon.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Andrew · 10/19/2019
    Hello TWP, I have about 175' of linear cedar fence that was done using 1x6 cedar milled boards (finished all sides). I believe the wood was kiln dried prior to sale. The fence was installed this summer, approximately 3 months ago.

    I would like to finish all sides of the fence (about 2000 SF), should I do 1 coat or 2 coats of TWP 1500?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      TWP Stains · 10/19/2019
      One coat for new smooth wood.