Wood Stain over Area

The Wood Stain over Area computes the amount of wood stain to finish wood surfaces based size of the area to be stained and the stain product coverage defined by a container size and coverage per container.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (A) Area to be Stained
• (SC) Stain Coverage per Container
• (SV) Stain Volume per Container

Wood Stain (WS): The calculator returns the amount of wood stain needed to stain the area in gallons or quarts and the number of specified containers (cans of stain).    However, these answers can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The surface area of a floor or other area is based on the length and width. The amount of stain needed is based on other factors. 

For outside decks, the surface conditions dictate the amount of stain needed.  400 ft² to 500 ft² of smooth surfaces can be covered with one gallon of stain.  Only 200 ft² to 300ft² of rough surfaces can be covered with a gallon of stain.

Wood stain is a type of finish used to enhance the appearance of wood by adding color while allowing the natural grain to show through. Wood stains consists of pigments or dyes suspended in a solvent, such as water, oil, or alcohol. Stains penetrate the wood fibers rather than sitting on the surface like paint, creating a more natural look.

There are different types of wood stains, including:

• Oil-based stains – Provide deep penetration and durability but take longer to dry.
• Water-based stains – Dry quickly, are low in odor, and are easier to clean up.
• Gel stains – Thicker consistency that prevents blotching, ideal for vertical surfaces.
• Dye stains – Provide vibrant color but can fade faster than pigment-based stains.

Stains are often sealed with a clear finish, like polyurethane, to protect the wood from wear and moisture.

Time to Dry

Stain typically takes four to six hours to dry.  Do not place furniture on newly stained deck for at least twenty four hours.

Preparing the Surface 

Stain only works if it can penetrate into the material.  This means that the material should be free of loose fibers, oils and organic material such as mildew.  For outdoor staining, power washing, sanding or the use of a wire brush or scraper can often effectively remove unwanted material.  However, be sure to sweep off  removed material, and in the event of power washing, allow the material to thoroughly dry to make it permeable to the stain. 

Hardwood Flooring Calculators

• Flooring Cost by Area Dimensions - Computes the cost of flooring based on the dimensions (LxW) of the room and the unit price per square foot of the hardwood flooring.  It also returns the square feet of the room. 
• Floor Area + (Angle Bump-out) - Computes square feet of a room based on the length and width of main room and the front and back width and depth of a bump-out.
• Floor Area + (Squared Bump-out) - Computes square feet of a room based on the length and width of main room and squared bump-out.
• Flooring Cost by Square Feet Covered - Computes the cost of flooring material based on the square feet of the room and unit price per square foot of the flooring.  Use this for cost of flooring with rooms with bump-outs after computing the total area (TA) using the bump-out functions above.
• Cost to Refinish Hardwood Flooring - Estimates the cost of refinishing hardwood flooring.
• Hardwood Flooring Nails Needed - Computes the number of flooring nails needed based on the room dimensions, width of the flooring boards and desired spacing of the nails.
• Wood Stain Calculator - Computes the amount of stain needed for a wood surface (e.g., hardwood floor).