A 5-gallon pail of Sherwin-Williams WoodScapes generally costs about $250-$500 before tax, with many standard purchases near $350. The final price depends on the specific exterior stain, local store pricing, color, sales or account discounts, and whether the project also needs primer, preparation, or paid labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WoodScapes 5-gallon pail | $250 | $350 | $500 | Product and store pricing vary |
| Equivalent price per gallon | $50 | $70 | $100 | Calculated from a 5-gallon pail |
| Stain for a 1,000-sq-ft project | $250 | $350 | $700 | About 5-10 gallons, depending on coverage |
| Professional application | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Typical small-to-medium exterior job; prep changes total |
Assumptions: U.S. retail estimates before sales tax; actual quotes depend on product formulation, region, surface condition, and coverage.
What a 5-gallon WoodScapes pail usually costs
For budgeting, allow $250-$500 per 5-gallon pail, or roughly $50-$100 per gallon. A practical midpoint is around $350, but Sherwin-Williams prices can change by store, product variant, color, and promotion. The store can confirm the current price for the exact WoodScapes label and tint.
WoodScapes includes exterior stain options with different finishes and formulations. A price quoted for one variant should not automatically be applied to another. Contractor accounts, limited-time promotions, and negotiated discounts may reduce the shelf price; sales tax is additional.
How stain, prep materials, and labor shape the quote
For a complete job, product is only one part of the bill. Scraping, washing, sanding, masking, and access equipment can add more than the stain itself, especially on peeling or hard-to-reach siding.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| WoodScapes stain | $250-$500 | Per 5-gallon pail | Variant, tint, discount |
| Cleaning and surface preparation | $0.50-$2.50 | Per sq ft | Loose coating, mildew, repairs |
| Brushes, rollers, masking | $40-$180 | Per project | Surface texture and masking needs |
| Application labor | $1.50-$4.50 | Per sq ft | Height, detail, and coat count |
| Lift or access equipment | $150-$600 | Per day or delivery | Building height and rental period |
Assumptions: Typical U.S. residential work with standard access; contractor minimums and regional labor rates may raise small-job totals.
Which WoodScapes formula and surface change the price?
Product selection affects both pail price and quantity. Transparent, semi-transparent, and solid-color finishes do not perform identically on every substrate, and the correct option depends on the existing coating and the manufacturer’s application directions. Confirm compatibility before buying, particularly when changing from paint or a different stain type.
Coverage is commonly around 200-400 sq ft per gallon, but actual spread varies with wood porosity, texture, application method, and condition. A rough or weathered surface may absorb more product than smooth, previously coated siding. Measure the paintable area and use the label’s coverage guidance for the selected product; do not assume one pail covers every 1,000-sq-ft exterior.
Color changes can also affect ordering. A tinted product may have different availability or pricing than a standard option, and special colors may require additional store processing. Ask whether the quote includes tinting and confirm the exact product name and finish on the order.
How many gallons does a 1,000-square-foot wall need?
At 200-400 sq ft per gallon, one coat over 1,000 sq ft can require about 2.5-5 gallons. Two coats could need roughly 5-10 gallons, before allowance for waste or unusually absorbent wood. That makes one or two 5-gallon pails a reasonable starting budget, not a guaranteed quantity.
Count siding area rather than the home’s floor area, and account for trim separately. Openings such as doors and windows reduce paintable area, while gables, complex trim, and surface texture can increase use. Buy based on measured coverage and the label’s coat requirements, and check the store’s return policy for unopened containers.
What professional application adds to the WoodScapes price
Painting or staining contractors may quote by the square foot, by the project, or by labor hours. Application labor often falls around $1.50-$4.50 per sq ft, while preparation may be priced separately. A basic accessible wall can sit near the lower end; extensive scraping, repairs, or ladder and lift work can push the quote higher.
As a cross-check, crews may charge roughly $45-$85 per worker-hour, with the total also covering setup, cleanup, insurance, and business overhead. Request a written scope that identifies washing, scraping, sanding, priming if needed, number of coats, and disposal. Otherwise, two bids may not describe equivalent work.
Why WoodScapes prices differ by region and store
Prices and installation bids tend to be higher in expensive metro areas and regions with strong seasonal demand. A reasonable planning adjustment is about 10%-25% above a national-style estimate in high-cost urban markets; rural areas may be 5%-15% lower, though fewer nearby contractors can offset that difference.
Store-level promotions and account discounts can matter more than the regional average for the stain itself. Compare the same WoodScapes product, finish, tint, and container size at nearby stores, and ask whether a quoted price is before or after discounts. Compare like-for-like product labels rather than pail prices alone.
How to lower the bill without compromising coverage
Measure carefully, reduce unnecessary overbuying, and avoid adding coats unless the product directions or surface condition call for them. Ask the store about current promotions or contractor pricing, and compare the final five-gallon price rather than relying on a percentage-off claim.
For hired work, obtain at least three itemized estimates and clarify who supplies the stain. Completing simple clearing and access preparation can reduce labor time, but leave pressure washing, scraping, or coating removal to the contractor when improper work could damage siding. Keep the scope consistent across bids so a lower quote does not simply omit essential preparation.
If the existing finish is sound and compatible, targeted maintenance may cost less than stripping and recoating the entire exterior. If it is peeling widely or the wood is damaged, confirm the repair and preparation plan before selecting a product quantity; stain alone will not correct failing substrate or adhesion.