How the gallons are worked out
Area = length × height × sides. Gallons = area ÷ coverage for the first coat + area ÷ coverage for each extra coat.
Example: a 200 ft fence, 6 ft tall, one side, is 1,200 ft². At 200 ft² per gallon you need 6.0 gallons, so buy 6.
Stain or paint needed at a glance
Worked out with the same settings as the calculator above, changing only the length.
| Length | Surface | Gallons | Painter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 ft | 900 ft² | 4.5 | $900–$2,700 |
| 200 ft | 1,200 ft² | 6.0 | $1,200–$3,600 |
| 300 ft | 1,800 ft² | 9.0 | $1,800–$5,400 |
Coverage on the label
| Product | Coverage per gallon |
|---|---|
| Behr Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain | 1st coat 200–400 ft², 2nd coat 250–500 ft² |
| Behr Barn & Fence Paint | 200–500 ft² |
Use the low number for rough-sawn or dry wood. Hiring a painter costs about $1 to $3 per ft² (HomeAdvisor).
Common questions
How much fence will a gallon of stain cover?
Behr lists its solid color house and fence stain at 200 to 400 ft² for the first coat and 250 to 500 ft² for the second. Rough or dry wood uses more.
Do I need two coats?
Solid stains and paints often need two coats on new or weathered wood. Semi-transparent stains are usually one coat.
What does it cost to hire someone?
HomeAdvisor puts professional fence painting or staining at $1 to $3 per square foot.
Sources
- Behr, Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain: https://www.behr.com/pro/products/exterior-products/exterior-wood-stains-and-finishes/wood-stains-and-finishes/behr-solid-color-house-and-fence-wood-stain
- Behr, Barn & Fence Paint: https://www.behr.com/pro/products/exterior-products/exterior-paints-and-coatings/specialty-paints/behr-barn-and-fence-paint
- HomeAdvisor, Paint or stain a fence (repair costs): https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/painting/paint-stain-fence/