Does pressure washing damage decks?

Wooden decks are highly vulnerable to severe damages when you subject them to power washing. The pressure that the pressure washer exerts on the deck surface leads to splintering. This problem mainly occurs when there is a section on your deck where the woods show the signs of split apart.

Why you should not pressure wash your deck?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibres. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

Is it OK to pressure wash a wood deck?

For cleaning a wooden deck, you'll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that's still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi. Choose the right tip to use as well.

Is it better to power wash a deck or use deck cleaner?

Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result. A good deck cleaner can remove the gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew and other impurities deep in the wood.

How do I protect my deck after pressure washing?

The best way to protect a wood deck is to give it 2 to 3 thin coats of a quality decking oil. You need 2 coats of oil if your deck is undercover but you'll need 3 coats if your deck is exposed to the weather. Make sure you use a deck brush applicator to apply the oil, not a roller or lambs wool applicator.

Can Power Washing Damage Your Wood Deck?

What time of year should you power wash your deck?

Power-wash your deck in spring before the warm season begins to remove the buildup of winter grime, mildew, and debris. Get your deck ready for your next BBQ by power-washing your deck on a warm summer day. Fall is also a great time to wash your deck.

Can you clean a deck with just a pressure washer?

Begin pressure washing the deck, moving with the grain of the wood in wide sweeping motions. Keep the nozzle about two feet away from the surface and move closer as needed. Don't get closer than 6 inches, or you could damage the wood.

What can I use instead of power washing a deck?

Add half a cup of baking soda to one gallon of water; Mix in 1/8 of dish-washing detergent; Spray on your concrete deck and allow it to sit for half an hour; Scrub thoroughly and rinse with a hose.

What surfaces should not be pressure washed?

What is the best thing to clean a deck with?

Vinegar and baking soda are a powerful couple when it comes to natural cleaners. To clean your deck, combine 240 ml vinegar with 3.8 litres of water. Sprinkle baking soda on any mildewed timber and use the vinegar and warm water to scrub over all the boards.

Should you power wash your deck every year?

Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck once a year. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.

Why is my deck fuzzy after pressure washing?

Why does my wood appear fuzzy after pressure washing it? Pressure washing removes the outer layer of dead wood, and can sometimes make it look like it has short fuzzy hairs. This is caused by the tearing of the wood fibers. This is normal, and does not indicate damage.

Do I have to seal my deck after pressure washing?

Once the wood is prepared, you need to seal it. This will keep the wood from warping, cupping, or cracking. A clear sealant is usually your best bet as this will last longer. You may choose a tinted sealant or stain, but if your deck gets a lot of foot traffic, then it will likely fade.

Will a 2000 psi pressure washer clean a deck?

HGTV recommends working with the lowest pressure that cleans your deck materials gently: about 500 to 600 psi for soft woods like cedar or pine, and up to 1200 to 1500 psi for pressure-treated wood. Amabile likes a 2000 psi machine, which Home Depot rents for $38 per day. You'll need a wide nozzle of 15 or 18 degrees.

What happens if you stain a deck without power washing?

Your deck may not have grime on it, but the color of the stain may wear away. While you can apply a new layer of the stain without power washing, a pressure wash can help prepare the wood to absorb the stain. It will last longer afterward, and you won't have to worry about dirt getting stuck under the stain.

Should you use soap to pressure wash a deck?

The only materials you'll need are a broom, a hose, a bristle brush, and a biodegradable cleaning solution. Dish soap should work fine on your deck, although some homeowners use a mixture of powdered laundry detergent (without bleach) and water.

Does powerwash remove deck stain?

Pressure washing is a quick way to remove a deck finish, but it requires some care so as not to damage the deck. A pressure setting of 1500 psi should be strong enough to clean away deck stain. Hold the sprayer about 3 inches off the surface and move the sprayer as you work in the same direction as the grain.

How long to let wood dry after pressure washing?

How long should you wait for your deck to dry after you power wash it? The short answer is 48 hours. You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.

Can I clean my deck with Dawn?

Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water.

How much does it cost to powerwash a 12x12 deck?

Power washing helps to remove dirt and grime from a deck's surface, improving its appearance and extending its lifespan. Homeowners can expect to pay between $90 and $770 to power wash their deck, with the average pressure-washing cost coming in at $150.

How much is it to powerwash a deck?

House power washing usually costs between $220 to $380, pressure washing a driveway costs $130 to $220, and a deck or patio costs $250 to $420. The price depends on any cleaning chemicals that might need to be used and the size of the surface.

How long do you have to wait after power washing a deck to stain it?

A basic rule of thumb for DIY deck builders, homeowners, and professional contractors is that roughly 48 hours is an adequate drying time for a newly washed deck.

What is the best temperature to power wash deck?

Generally speaking, a good principle is to have the deck pressure-washed when the temperatures remain above 52 degrees both at night and during the day without rain or other condensation for several days. This allows the deck to dry as quickly as possible.

What is the cheapest way to clean a deck?

To avoid damaging your decking, create a gentle cleaning solution with warm water and liquid dish soap. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather.