Exterior
Fence panel and shed treatment
- where
- area to treat (m²)
- number of fence panels
- panel width (m)
- panel height (m)
- sides treated
- other area (m²)
- treatment needed (L)
- number of coats
- spreading rate (m²/L)
- tins to buy
- tin size (L)
Explain this equation
Works out fence or shed treatment for a number of panels plus any other timber.
Each panel is width times height, times the sides treated. Other areas such as sheds, posts or gravel boards are added. Area times coats divided by the spreading rate gives litres, and dividing by the tin size, rounded up, gives tins.
Coverage arithmetic: litres equal area times coats divided by spreading rate.
Sense check: eight 6 × 6 ft panels both sides is about 54 m²; two coats at 6 m²/L needs about 18 litres, four 5 litre tins.
Watch out: rough sawn panels soak up treatment; check the rate on the tin for sawn timber.
Works out fence or shed treatment for rough sawn timber from the number and size of panels.
Enter your values to see the result.
Good to know
Standard UK fence panels are 6 ft wide (1.83 m) in heights from about 0.9 to 1.83 m. Rough sawn treatments cover far less than planed-timber stains: Sadolin Shed & Fence up to 6 m²/L, 2 coats; Ronseal Fence Life Plus 4–6 m²/L per coat. Overlap and featheredge panels have more surface than their face area: use the lower rate.
Common mistake
Forgetting the second side and the posts, which nearly doubles the job.
Limits
Face area only; no allowance for overlaps or framing beyond the spreading rate.
Sources
- Sadolin Shed & Fence Woodstain data sheet (up to 6 m²/L; 2 coats; 5 and 10 L)
- Ronseal Fence Life Plus technical data sheet (4–6 m²/L/coat depending on substrate; 2 coats rough sawn, 3 coats planed)
- Geometry: rectangle and cylinder surface areas, prism volumes
Results are calculations from the published methods and figures shown, and depend on the data you enter. Coverage depends on the product, surface and application. Always follow the paint and wallcovering manufacturers’ data sheets and BS 6150 / BS 8000-12. Check prices and VAT with your own records and HMRC.