Affordable Deck and Fence Stain That Lasts in NZ: Cost per Square Metre and Recoat Times
The cheapest stain isn't always the one with the lowest price on the pail. Work out the cost per square metre (price divided by litres, times coverage, times coats), then divide by how long the finish lasts. On Mitre 10's listed prices in November 2026, two coats of AQUAMAX works out at roughly $2.78 to $3.70 per square metre, and two coats of DECKMAX at roughly $3.73 to $4.97.
The Cost per Square Metre
These figures use 10 litre pail prices from Mitre 10 (DECKMAX, AQUAMAX and TIMBERMAX) and each product's stated coverage. Prices vary by colour and change with promotions, so check the current price before you buy.
Pail price (10 L) | Coverage | Cost per m², two coats | Reapply | |
DECKMAX stain | $149 | 6 to 8 m² per litre | $3.73 to $4.97 | When heavily weathered, typically every 2 to 3 years |
AQUAMAX stain | About $111 | 6 to 8 m² per litre | $2.78 to $3.70 | About 3 to 5 years with two coats |
TIMBERMAX paint | $180 to $189 | 8 to 16 m² per litre | $2.25 to about $4.70 | Generally lasts longer than stain |
ULTRAMAX stain | Check at your store | 6 to 10 m² per litre | One coat on most timbers | Every 2 to 5 summers |
Worked Examples
A 60 m² deck in DECKMAX needs two coats, so 120 m² of coverage. At 6 to 8 m² per litre, that's 15 to 20 litres, or two 10 L pails at about $298.
A fence with 30 m² of face in AQUAMAX needs 60 m² of coverage over two coats. At 6 to 8 m² per litre, that's 7.5 to 10 litres, so one 10 L pail at about $111 should do it.
Over time, AQUAMAX on a fence works out at roughly $0.56 to $1.23 per square metre per year, and DECKMAX on a deck at roughly $1.24 to $2.48, if you recoat at the intervals above.
Those yearly figures are rough. Real lifespans depend on your prep, your timber and how exposed the surface is.
Choosing for a Deck or a Fence
For decks, choose DECKMAX, ULTRAMAX or TIMBERMAX. MASTERMAX doesn't recommend AQUAMAX for decks because it cures slowly.
For fences, gates and pergolas, AQUAMAX has strong, solid colours and is the more affordable option. DECKMAX can also be used as a semi-transparent fence stain.
If you want paint instead, TIMBERMAX is a 100% acrylic that works as a finish coat, undercoat and primer. Our guide to AQUAMAX vs TIMBERMAX vs MULTIMAX compares them for fences.
How to Make Stain Last Longer
Prepare properly. Poor prep is the most common reason stain fails early, and you pay for the work twice. See How to Stain a Fence.
Apply only as much as the timber can absorb. Over-applying wastes stain and can leave a tacky surface.
Clean annually. A yearly wash with GET-GONE removes grime and mould before it takes hold.
Recoat before the timber is bare. It's cheaper to refresh a weathered stain than to strip and start again.
Buy a test pot first. A test pot of AQUAMAX costs about $7, and it can save you from repainting a colour you don't like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to stain a deck in NZ?
For a DIY job, materials are roughly $3.73 to $4.97 per square metre for two coats of DECKMAX at Mitre 10's November 2026 price. A 60 m² deck needs about 15 to 20 litres, or two 10 L pails at around $298.
What is the cheapest way to stain a fence?
AQUAMAX is the more affordable option, at roughly $2.78 to $3.70 per square metre for two coats on Mitre 10's listed price. One 10 L pail covers about 30 to 40 m² of fence face in two coats.
How long does fence stain last?
With thorough prep and two coats, AQUAMAX can protect a fence for about 3 to 5 years, and some fences go longer. Exposure, timber and prep all affect lifespan, so check the fence each year.
Is it cheaper to paint or stain a deck?
Per square metre, TIMBERMAX paint ranges from about $2.25 to $4.70 for two coats, depending on coverage and colour, which overlaps with stain. Paint generally lasts longer between coats, so compare the cost per year, not just the pail price.
Can I use deck stain on a fence?
Yes. DECKMAX can be used as a semi-transparent fence stain, and AQUAMAX is designed for fences, gates and pergolas. Prepare the timber, treat any mould first, and test your colour on a hidden section.
How can I make my stain last longer?
Prepare the surface properly, apply only as much stain as the timber can absorb, and clean the surface once a year. Recoat when the timber starts to look weathered, before it goes bare.
