How to Pressure Wash Decks

Most decks that we come across are made of either wood or a composite material. Composite decks are hands down easier to pressure wash than a wood deck. The reasons being there are additional steps when pressure washing a wood deck including sanding, staining and sealing. While quite time consuming a homeowner could probably handle this job themselves and not hire a professional powerwashing contractor but it is tedious and quite time consuming if you do not have the right equipment. In addition to your wood or composite deck you may also have retaining walls, gazebos, or walkways made out of the same material to accentuate your deck. Be sure to powerwash these areas if you are cleaning your deck so they keep the same age. 

How to Pressure Wash your Deck
Deck Pressure Washing Before
How to Power Wash your Deck
Deck Pressure Washing After

If you want to tackle your deck power washing yourself, there are a few things you need to know before starting. Pressure washing a deck is a little different than pressure washing vinyl siding. With vinyl siding you can simply spray on a cleaning agent, let it sit there for several minutes, and then rinse clean. Unfortunately, wood decks are not as simple. You have to spray on a cleaning agent, let it sit for several minutes and then pressure wash each piece of wood individually from a close, but not too close distance. You want to be close enough to remove stains but far enough that you do not damage the wood. If there is build up dirt or mold you may have to  hand scrub all dirt and debris and then rinse clean. To set up a free estimate call us 609-431-0853 or fill out our online form. Click on the images below to enlarge them or visit our portfolio page for additional before and after pictures.

Tips for Cleaning Decks

  • make sure all windows are shut and all doors are closed
  • if possible turn off the power to all electrical fixtures including lights and fixtures
  • remove everything that can be damaged by a cleaning agent including furniture
  • cover all plants, shrubs and flowers

Items you will Need to Wash Decks

  • water
  • cleaning agent
  • soft brush
  • ladder
  • hose
  • pressure washer
  • bucket
  • if staining- sandpaper, stain, and sealant

Process of Power Washing Decks

While you can clean any way you want it makes the most sense to start from the top and work your way down. You should start with the handrails and then the spindles and then the actual decking. Make sure you hit under the handrails and the outsides of both the handrails and spindles. The professionals at J&J Power Wash will mix cleaning agents into a five gallon bucket and apply to the handrails and the spindles with our spray applicator.  Let the cleaning agent work its magic on the siding for several minutes before you start hand brushing or rinsing the deck. It also helps to keep an additional 5 gallon bucket filled with a cleaning agent that you can periodically dip your soft brush into during the brushing process.