Fence and decking stain calculator: litres and tins
The calculator needs JavaScript. The worked example, formula and figures below show exactly how it works, so you can do the sum yourself. A guide, not advice. Check your supplier's or maker's figures before ordering.
Short answer
Worked example
| You enter | Value |
|---|---|
| What are you treating? | Fence panels |
| Number of panels | 10 |
| Panel width | 1.83 m |
| Panel height | 1.83 m |
| Sides to treat | Both sides |
| Surface | Rough sawn |
| Coverage per coat | 4 m²/L |
| Coats | 1 |
| Waste allowance | 0% |
| Tin sizes you can buy | 1, 2.5, 5, 10 L |
Order: 1 × 10 L + 1 × 5 L + 2 × 1 L (16.74 L)
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Stain, oil or fence paint needed | 16.74 L |
| Least left over | 1 × 10 L + 1 × 5 L + 2 × 1 L |
| Fewest tins | 1 × 10 L + 1 × 5 L + 1 × 2.5 L |
| Area to treat (all sides, one coat) | 66.98 m² |
Show the working
- Panels: 10 × 1.83 m × 1.83 m × 2 sides = 66.98 m²
- Litres: 66.98 m² × 1 coat ÷ 4 m²/L = 16.74 L
- Tins with the least left over: 1 × 10 L + 1 × 5 L + 2 × 1 L (0.26 L spare)
- Fewest tins: 1 × 10 L + 1 × 5 L + 1 × 2.5 L (0.76 L spare)
How it works
- Panels: area = panels × width × height × sides; deck: area = deck m²
- Litres = area × coats ÷ coverage per coat (m²/L, from the tin) × (1 + waste)
- Tins: the combination of tin sizes with the least left over, and the one with the fewest tins
Rough-sawn timber soaks up far more than planed timber, so use the tin's figure for your surface. The first coat on bare wood often covers less than later coats.
Our default (adjustable)
These are typical planning figures and our own allowances, not facts about your product. Change any of them in the calculator to match your bag, pack or tin.
| Figure | Our default (adjustable) | Kind | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel width | 1.83 m | Common UK size Not yet checked against the source | From your product 6 ft panel. |
| Coverage per coat: Rough sawn | Enter from the bag, pack or tin | Typical value Not yet checked against the source | From your product From the tin (brief v2 D1: null; the user enters it). |
| Coverage per coat: Smooth (planed) | Enter from the bag, pack or tin | Typical value Not yet checked against the source | From your product From the tin (brief v2 D1: null; the user enters it). |
| Coats | 2 coats | Our assumption Not yet checked against the source | Our choice: change it to suit your job Two coats is our starting point; new plaster or a colour change may need more. |
| Waste allowance | 10 % | Our assumption Not yet checked against the source | Our choice: change it to suit your job Allowance for rollers, trays and touch-ups. |
| Tin sizes you can buy | 1, 2.5, 5, 10 L | Common UK size Not yet checked against the source | From your product Common UK tin sizes; not every paint comes in every size. |