Deck Stain Calculator

Results

  • Deck Area: 0 sq ft
  • Stain Needed: 0 gallons
  • Material Cost: $0
  • Labor Cost: $0
  • Additional Materials: $0
  • Total Cost: $0
  • Project Duration: 0 days

Understanding Deck Stains

Choose the right stain for your deck.

  • Solid Color Full coverage with rich color.
  • Semi-Transparent Moderate color with wood grain visible.
  • Clear Natural wood look with minimal color.
  • Oil-Based Maximum protection against moisture.

Cost Factors

Stain Type

Different types, different costs.

Deck Condition

Affects preparation needs.

Coverage

Varies by stain type.

Preparation

Essential for best results.

Stain Technology

  • Chemical Composition Solids content: 20-45%. Pigment volume: 15-30%. Vehicle ratio: 65-80%. Penetration depth: 2-4mm. Molecular weight: 200-800 Da. pH stability: 7-9.
  • Performance Properties UV resistance: 92-98%. Water repellency: >85%. Vapor permeability: 10-15 perms. Mildew resistance: ASTM G21 rating 0. Color retention: ΔE <2.0/year.
  • Durability Metrics Service life: 2-4 years vertical. Weather resistance: 2500 hrs QUV-B. Abrasion resistance: CS-17, <0.1g/1000 cycles. Impact resistance: 140 in·lb.

Application Science

  • Surface Requirements Moisture content: <15%. Surface profile: 80-100 grit. pH range: 6.5-7.5. Extractive content: <6%. Temperature: 50-90°F. Cleanliness: SSPC-SP1.
  • Environmental Controls Relative humidity: <85%. Dew point spread: >5°F. Wind speed: <10 mph. UV index: <6. Precipitation probability: <10%. Surface temp: >50°F.
  • Application Parameters Coverage rate: 200-400 ft²/gal. Wet film: 3-6 mils. Absorption rate: 6-10 min. Recoat window: 2-4 hrs. Full cure: 24-48 hrs. VOC: <250 g/L.

Material Interaction

  • Wood Species Factors Softwood absorption: 8-12%. Hardwood absorption: 4-8%. Grain angle effect: ±15%. Density impact: -0.2%/pcf. Extractive interference: 10-20% reduction.
  • Previous Treatments Sealer compatibility: 85-95%. Coating adhesion: 4B-5B. Chemical resistance: pH 4-9. Stripping efficiency: 95-98%. Residual effect: <5% interference.
  • Aging Characteristics Color fade rate: 0.5-1.0 ΔE/year. Chalking resistance: 8-9 rating. Checking width: <1/32". Film erosion: 0.1-0.2 mils/year. Maintenance cycle: 2-3 years.