Fence Staining Cost Calculator

Fence Staining Cost Per Linear Foot

Most contractors quote fence staining cost per linear foot because homeowners measure fences that way. Typical 2025 rates for a 6 ft privacy fence stained on both sides:

• DIY materials only: $0.75 to $1.50 per linear foot
• Pro basic (economy stain, single pass): $2.00 to $3.50 per linear foot
• Pro standard (quality stain, brushed): $3.50 to $5.50 per linear foot
• Pro premium (Cabot / Ready Seal, back-brushed): $5.50 to $8.00 per linear foot

A 150 ft cedar privacy fence stained on both sides at 6 ft tall:

• DIY: 11 gallons of standard stain at $40 = $440, plus $45 supplies = about $485 total
• Pro standard: $440 stain + $3,150 labor = about $3,590 total ($23.90 per linear foot)
• Pro premium: $605 stain + $4,500 labor = about $5,105 total ($34 per linear foot)

Fence Power Washing and Staining Cost

Fence power washing and staining cost is about $0.40 per square foot of fence face when bundled. That adds roughly $720 to an average 150 ft, 6 ft tall, both-sides job (1,800 sq ft face). Most pros require power washing before staining so the stain penetrates cleanly; skipping it usually voids any warranty on the finish.

Stain Coverage for Fences

Fences eat more stain per gallon than smooth interior walls because the wood is rough, porous, and previously weathered:

• Rough / weathered cedar or pine: 150-200 sq ft per gallon
• New, smooth pressure-treated: 200-250 sq ft per gallon
• Semi-transparent oil stain: 150-250 sq ft per gallon
• Solid color stain: 200-300 sq ft per gallon

This calculator uses 175 sq ft/gal as the default, which matches what most DIYers see on a typical weathered 2-5 year old wood fence.

What Affects Fence Staining Cost Per Linear Foot

• Height: staining an 8 ft fence costs about 33 percent more than a 6 ft fence, and a 4 ft fence costs 33 percent less.
• One side vs both: doing both sides doubles the square footage and roughly doubles the cost.
• Stain type: oil-based semi-transparent is the longest-lasting on cedar (3-5 years); solid stain lasts 5-7 but looks like paint.
• Prep needs: heavy mildew, old flaking paint, or nail popping adds $1-2 per linear foot.
• Railings and lattice tops: slow the work by 15-30 percent.

DIY vs Pro

DIY staining cuts total cost by 70-85 percent but takes 2-4 weekends for a typical 150 ft fence. Pros bring a 24-inch stain pad, sprayer with back-brush crew, and tarps that prevent overspray on siding, landscaping, and concrete.