Enter patio or path details
Sample coverage plans
| Area (ft) | Soil | Mode | Ratio | Waste | Solution Needed | Bottle Size | Bottles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 × 10 | Moderate | Concentrate | 1:10 | 8% | ~1.17 L | 946 mL | 1 (concentrate-based) |
| 20 × 8 | Heavy | Ready-to-use | — | 10% | ~2.29 L | 750 mL | 4 |
| 10 × 4 | Light | Concentrate | 1:5 | 5% | ~0.25 L | 500 mL | 1 (concentrate-based) |
How coverage is calculated
- Gross area:
Area = Length × Width - Obstacle adjustment (optional):
Usable = Area × (1 − Obstacles% / 100) - Waste / overlap:
Used = Usable × (1 + Waste% / 100) - Ready-to-use solution:
Solution(mL) = Used(sq ft) × Rate(mL per sq ft) - Concentrate split: for ratio
c:w,Concentrate = Solution × c/(c+w),Water = Solution × w/(c+w) - Bottles:
Bottles = ceil(Target mL / Bottle mL)(or nearest, if selected)
Steps for accurate planning
- Measure the patio or path in feet and enter length/width.
- Pick a soil level to get a suggested application rate.
- Subtract obstacles if planters or benches block cleaning.
- Choose concentrate or ready-to-use based on your product.
- If concentrated, enter the label’s mixing ratio (e.g., 1:10).
- Enter bottle size and optional price for budget estimates.
- Click Calculate Coverage, then export CSV or PDF.
Coverage planning for outdoor grout lines
Outdoor grout around pavers, greenhouse tiles, and garden steps collects algae, soil, and fertilizer residue. Coverage planning helps you mix the right amount of cleaner, reduce runoff, and finish before the surface dries. This calculator converts measured area into ready-to-use volume and then estimates bottles based on your product size.
Inputs that change real-world consumption
The two biggest drivers are surface area and soil level. Light soils often need a single pass, while heavy soils may require reapplication and brushing. Obstacle removal accounts for benches, planters, and fixed pots. Waste percentage covers overlap, edges, and spray drift, which is common in windy garden zones.
Understanding rates and dwell time
Application rate is expressed as milliliters per square foot of ready-to-use solution. A higher rate does not always mean better results; dwell time and agitation matter. If your label recommends a longer soak for biological growth, keep the same rate and increase dwell time rather than flooding the joint lines.
Concentrate dilution and mixing accuracy
For concentrates, the calculator splits total solution into concentrate and water using a ratio such as 1:10. Accurate measuring improves repeatability across sections, especially when cleaning multiple beds or walkways. Use a marked bottle or measuring cup and mix in small batches to maintain consistent strength.
Budgeting, staging, and safe workflow
Bottle estimates are rounded up by default to prevent shortages mid-job. Add your bottle price to forecast spend and decide whether concentrate provides better value. Stage tools like a stiff brush, rinse water, and a catch bucket for runoff. Always spot-test on a hidden corner before full coverage.
FAQs
1) What does “ready-to-use solution” mean here?
It is the total mixed liquid applied to the grout lines. For ready products, it equals product volume. For concentrates, it equals concentrate plus water after mixing.
2) Should I base bottles on solution or concentrate?
This calculator bases bottles on concentrate volume when you choose concentrate mode. In ready mode, bottles are based on total solution needed.
3) How do I choose a good waste percentage?
Use 5–8% for small, sheltered patios and 8–15% for long paths, edges, or windy areas. Increase it if you expect heavy re-spraying.
4) Why does soil level change the rate?
Heavier soils often require more liquid to keep grout joints wet during dwell time and brushing. You can override the rate if your product label specifies one.
5) Can I enter ratios like 1/10 or “1 to 10”?
Yes. The ratio field accepts common formats and treats them as concentrate-to-water parts. If you leave it blank in ready mode, no mixing is applied.
6) How can I improve accuracy for irregular shapes?
Break the space into rectangles, calculate each, and add the areas. Or measure the longest length and average width, then increase waste slightly to cover curves.