The copied URL contains your inputs so you can reopen or share the same scenario.
Switching units also converts the numbers you have entered.
Measure the deck length and depth. Subtract cut-outs like planters or hatches.
Split L-shapes or steps into rectangles. Add rows for each zone.
Already know the paintable deck area? Enter it directly and skip deck/railing details.
Area mode disables deck type, surface detail, gap, and railing inputs because the area is taken as-is.
Processing stays in your browser. Start with the sample values and adjust before ordering paint.
Net area applies your surface detail factor, board gap, and added railing area.
Deck paint workflow
Use this page to estimate paintable deck or terrace area, convert ft/m units, and turn coverage settings into gallons or liters before buying primer, deck stain, solid paint, or clear sealer.
How it works
The calculator starts with a rectangle, multiple zones, or a known area. It subtracts cut-outs, adjusts for board gaps and surface detail, adds railing or trim area, then applies coats, waste allowance, primer settings, and coverage overrides from the product label.
Finish choice
Use stain or clear sealer when you want the wood grain to remain visible. Use solid paint when you want a more opaque color layer. Bare wood, porous concrete, and recoats over an existing film can need different coverage and primer assumptions, so check the specific product label before ordering.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving board gap above zero for concrete or tile terraces.
- Counting railing area twice when it was already included in a known-area estimate.
- Using topcoat coverage for primer when the can lists a different spread rate.
- Ignoring extra absorption from rough boards, end grain, repairs, washing, or a third coat.
Worked estimate check
For a 6 m by 3 m deck with 10% board gaps, 1.8 m² of railing, two topcoats, and 12% waste, review the net paintable area first. Then compare suggested cans with the coverage and container sizes printed on the product you plan to use.
See also
Notes & FAQ
How does the board gap adjustment work?
The calculator subtracts the entered percentage from the rectangular floor area before applying coats. Wood and composite decks often have 3–8 mm gaps, roughly 5–10% as a planning value. Leave the gap at 0% for concrete or tile terraces.
What is the difference between deck stain, solid paint, and clear sealer?
Deck stain adds color while keeping more wood grain visible, clear sealer focuses on protection with little or no color, and solid paint creates a more opaque color layer. Coverage can look similar on the label, but absorption, existing coating, and coat count can change the amount needed.
Should I include primer?
Include primer for bare wood, porous concrete, repaired areas, or surfaces where the coating system calls for it. For recoats with a self-priming product, disable primer or set primer coats to 0 only when the product label supports that use.
How do I include railings or steps?
For simple railing or trim, multiply height by run and add the area here. For pickets, stairs, lattice, or other detailed members, estimate the paintable area in the Fence Paint calculator and paste that value into the railing/trim field.
Can I enter coverage from the product label?
Yes. Enter the label value in the advanced topcoat coverage or primer coverage fields. Product spread rates vary by substrate, finish, and brush, roller, or spray application, so label values should override the presets.
Can I use the result as the final purchase quantity?
Treat the result as a planning estimate. Keep the waste allowance and can-size rounding in the result, then check whether rough boards, end grain, repairs, or an extra coat require more material before buying.
Comments
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