How Much Wood Stain Do I Need?
Quick Answer
~10–15m²/L coverage for exterior wood stain
Based on: smooth planed timber, 2–3 coats of exterior wood stain. A standard 6-panel fence (6 × 1.83m × 1.8m) needs ~5L.
How We Calculated This
Wood stain coverage varies significantly depending on the timber type and whether it has been previously treated:
- Smooth planed timber: 12–15m²/L
- Sawn / rough timber: 6–10m²/L
- Previously stained timber: 12–15m²/L
- Example: 6 fence panels (both sides) = 6 × 1.83 × 1.8 × 2 = 39.5m²
- At 10m²/L × 2 coats: 39.5 ÷ 10 × 2 = ~8L
Types of Wood Stain
- Water-based stain: Quick drying (1–2 hours), low odour, easy clean-up. Good for interior use.
- Oil-based stain: Deeper penetration, richer colour, longer drying (6–8 hours). Better for exterior use.
- Spirit-based stain: Very fast drying, can be tricky to apply evenly.
Common Applications
- Fence panels (6 panels, one side): ~3–4L for 2 coats
- Garden shed (2.4m × 1.8m): ~3L for all 4 walls, 2 coats
- Decking (4m × 3m): ~2.5L for 2 coats
- Front door: ~0.5L for 2 coats
- Window frames (per window): ~0.25L for 2 coats
Tips
Always sand bare wood lightly before staining. Apply wood stain with the grain using a brush or lint-free cloth. For fences and sheds, a garden sprayer saves time but use more stain. Stain on a dry, mild day (10–25°C). Avoid staining in direct sunlight or when rain is forecast within 6 hours.