How this calculator works
Staining a fence is a coverage-and-labor problem, just at a bigger scale than a deck. This tool figures the surface area for you, then prices the finish and the work.
How the area is figured
Fences are deceptively large. We multiply your length × height × sides to get the real square footage — and “both sides” genuinely doubles it. From there it’s the same math as any coating job: area × coats ÷ coverage = gallons (rounded up). Because fence boards are usually rough-sawn, they soak up more than smooth decking, so the coverage rates here are deliberately lower. The first coat on bare, weathered wood is especially thirsty.
DIY vs. hiring out
The product is inexpensive, so the DIY estimate is mostly gallons plus a supplies allowance. The pro estimate adds application labor by the square foot, adjusted for your state — and on a long fence that labor is the whole story. If you DIY, a pump sprayer with a follow-up brush (back-brushing) covers a big fence far faster than brushing alone. Whoever does it, wait for a stretch of dry, mild weather so the finish actually bonds.
2026 fence finish price per gallon
Rough-sawn fence boards drink up more finish than smooth decking, so a gallon covers less here. Coverage assumes typical sawn lumber.
| Option | Low (per gallon) | High (per gallon) | Typical (per gallon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-transparent stain | $25 | $50 | $35 |
| Clear sealer | $20 | $40 | $30 |
| Solid stain / fence paint | $35 | $70 | $48 |
Estimated cost by state
Typical installed range for staining 150 ft of 6 ft fence on both sides (2 coats), professionally applied, adjusted by each state's construction cost index. Your actual project scales with the size and options you enter above.
| State | Estimated low | Estimated high |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,370 | $4,143 |
| Alaska | $1,832 | $5,540 |
| Arizona | $1,530 | $4,625 |
| Arkansas | $1,402 | $4,239 |
| California | $1,784 | $5,395 |
| Colorado | $1,561 | $4,721 |
| Connecticut | $1,705 | $5,155 |
| Delaware | $1,530 | $4,625 |
| District of Columbia | $1,593 | $4,817 |
| Florida | $1,482 | $4,480 |
| Georgia | $1,434 | $4,336 |
| Hawaii | $2,039 | $6,166 |
| Idaho | $1,545 | $4,673 |
| Illinois | $1,832 | $5,540 |
| Indiana | $1,625 | $4,914 |
| Iowa | $1,593 | $4,817 |
| Kansas | $1,498 | $4,528 |
| Kentucky | $1,498 | $4,528 |
| Louisiana | $1,450 | $4,384 |
| Maine | $1,530 | $4,625 |
| Maryland | $1,530 | $4,625 |
| Massachusetts | $1,880 | $5,685 |
| Michigan | $1,609 | $4,866 |
| Minnesota | $1,784 | $5,395 |
| Mississippi | $1,418 | $4,287 |
| Missouri | $1,721 | $5,203 |
| Montana | $1,593 | $4,817 |
| Nebraska | $1,530 | $4,625 |
| Nevada | $1,625 | $4,914 |
| New Hampshire | $1,593 | $4,817 |
| New Jersey | $1,880 | $5,685 |
| New Mexico | $1,434 | $4,336 |
| New York | $1,753 | $5,299 |
| North Carolina | $1,482 | $4,480 |
| North Dakota | $1,609 | $4,866 |
| Ohio | $1,689 | $5,106 |
| Oklahoma | $1,466 | $4,432 |
| Oregon | $1,657 | $5,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,625 | $4,914 |
| Rhode Island | $1,737 | $5,251 |
| South Carolina | $1,498 | $4,528 |
| South Dakota | $1,482 | $4,480 |
| Tennessee | $1,498 | $4,528 |
| Texas | $1,450 | $4,384 |
| Utah | $1,545 | $4,673 |
| Vermont | $1,577 | $4,769 |
| Virginia | $1,466 | $4,432 |
| Washington | $1,737 | $5,251 |
| West Virginia | $1,498 | $4,528 |
| Wisconsin | $1,689 | $5,106 |
| Wyoming | $1,498 | $4,528 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to stain a fence?
For a 150-foot, 6-foot fence stained both sides with two coats, materials run roughly $550–$1,100 to DIY. Hiring it out adds labor and commonly lands in the $1,500–$4,700 range, since fence staining is almost entirely a labor cost.
How many gallons of stain does a fence need?
Multiply length × height × the number of sides to get surface area, then divide by coverage (about 175 sq ft per gallon per coat for rough fence boards) and multiply by coats. A 150-foot, 6-foot fence done both sides at two coats needs roughly 20 gallons — fences are bigger than people expect.
Should I stain one side or both?
Both sides last longer and protect the wood evenly, but it doubles your material and labor. Many people stain only the side they see and the top caps. If the back faces an alley or neighbor, one side is a reasonable budget compromise — this tool lets you price either.
Is it cheaper to stain a fence yourself?
Considerably — the finish is cheap and almost all of a pro's price is labor and the time to coat a large surface. The honest catch is scale — a long fence is a lot of square footage, and a sprayer plus back-brushing beats a brush-by-hand marathon. Switch to DIY for materials-only pricing.
How often should a fence be re-stained?
Every 2–4 years for semi-transparent stain, longer for solid stain or paint. The sun-facing and weather-facing sides wear first. When water stops beading and the wood looks dry and gray, it's time — waiting too long means more prep next round.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for planning only and reflect typical ranges, not quotes. Actual costs vary with site conditions, design complexity, local permits, and contractor availability. Pricing approach: national averages cross-referenced from public cost guides, adjusted by a state construction cost index — see our methodology.
Price data sources: HomeGuide 2026 fence staining and painting guide — $0.50–$2.50 per sq ft or $2–$14 per linear ft; stain $20–$50/gal, sealer $20–$40/gal, solid stain $40–$90/gal: https://homeguide.com/costs/cost-to-stain-paint-fence; Fixr 2026 fence painting guide — $0.35–$0.90 per sq ft all-in with $0.30–$0.70 of that labor; a 6 ft fence runs $3.25–$5.75 per linear ft per side; water-based products $20–$90/gal: https://www.fixr.com/costs/paint-fence; Ergeon 2026 fence staining cost data — $655–$2,118 per project with a $1,298 median; Ready Seal and Behr Premium cover roughly 175 sq ft/gal on rough wood and 250 on smooth: https://www.ergeon.com/blog/post/cost-to-stain-a-fence; Homewyse May 2026 fence staining calculator — $1.33–$2.71 per sq ft including labor and job supplies: https://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_stain_fence.html. Last updated: September 2026.