Patio Pressure Washing
Pavers, flagstone, and concrete patios cleaned so the backyard is ready for the first warm evening.
Read about patio pressure washing
Deck Washing to Restore Warm, Safe Boards
A deck takes the weather head on. Sun, rain, snow, and falling leaves all land on it, and within a couple of seasons the boards can turn gray, slick, and speckled with mildew.
Gray boards, green slime, and slippery steps
Deck washing brings the wood back toward its natural tone and makes the surface safer to walk on. It also prepares bare wood for a stain or sealer, if you plan to apply one.
Wood fades to silver gray when sunlight breaks down its surface fibers. Mildew then settles on the damp, weathered boards, and the deck becomes slippery in the morning dew and after rain.
Composite decks have their own trouble. They avoid rot, but mildew and dirt still collect in the textured surface and between boards. A proper wash lifts both kinds of buildup.
Scope
What deck washing includes
Deck boards
The walking surface is cleaned in the direction of the grain so the wood is not scored or fuzzed.
Railings and posts
Handrails, balusters, and posts are washed, since these collect as much grime as the boards.
Stairs and landings
Steps are cleaned carefully, because slick treads are the most important surface to get right.
Between the boards
Leaf litter and packed dirt in the gaps are cleared to help water drain properly.
Composite surfaces
Composite boards are washed with a method that protects the textured finish.
Process
How a deck wash goes
- 1
Clear the deck
Furniture, planters, and grills are moved off, and the deck is swept of loose debris.
- 2
Apply a cleaner
A wood safe cleaning solution loosens mildew and graying before any rinsing begins.
- 3
Wash with the grain
Pressure is kept moderate and passes follow the board direction for an even look.
- 4
Rinse and let dry
The deck is rinsed fully, then needs time to dry before staining or putting furniture back.
Before you stain or seal
Wood needs to dry fully before a stain goes on. Depending on weather, that can take a couple of days, so plan the sequence if you are staining.
Soft, rotting boards cannot be cleaned back to health. If you know of weak spots, mention them so they can be avoided, and consider repair first.
Wood is easier to damage than concrete. Keeping pressure moderate protects the grain, which is why deck washing is treated as its own service.
Common questions about deck washing
Can pressure washing ruin a wood deck?
Too much pressure can scar wood. Moderate pressure and a wood safe cleaner clean it without harming the grain.
Should I stain right after washing?
Wait until the wood is fully dry. Rushing a stain onto damp boards can cause it to fail early.
More answers are on the FAQ page.
Related services for your home
Exterior House Washing
A gentle, thorough wash of the walls, trim, and overhangs that gives the whole house a lighter, cleaner look.
Read about exterior house washing
Residential Pressure Washing
A full exterior refresh for the hard surfaces around your home, from siding and steps to walkways and the garage apron.
Read about residential pressure washingAsk about deck washing
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