How to Pressure Wash a Wood Deck?

Your wood deck looks a little worse for wear and could use a good deep clean before refinishing it.

A pressure washer can be the perfect tool to help clean your deck, but it’s not as simple as just turning it on and going to town. By following these tips on how to power wash a wood deck, you’ll be able to achieve excellent results in no time.

You can save a few hundred dollars by doing the work yourself with a pressure washer and some simple supplies. Hiring a professional will cost you between $500 to $1,000.

How to Pressure Wash a Wood Deck:

Rent A Pressure Washer

Renting a pressure washer to clean your deck is a great way to save money. The pressure setting of 1,000 to 1,200 psi is ideal for this purpose. You could damage the wood with too much pressure and have difficulty controlling the wand. With a little effort, you can quickly make your deck look new.

A pressure washer is a powerful tool that can clean surfaces quickly and effectively. However, if it’s not used correctly, it can damage your deck. It’s important to take some time to familiarize yourself with the machine before using it on your deck. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can check our guide how to clean wooden deck without pressure washer.

The key is to use the right amount of pressure and to keep the tip of the machine a safe distance from the surface of the wood. With some practice, you can pressure wash your deck without damaging it.

If you’re planning to pressure wash your deck, it’s important to take some time to familiarize yourself with the machine before you get started. While pressure washers can be incredibly powerful cleaning tools, they can damage your deck if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s a good idea to practice on an area of your deck that won’t be visible once it’s clean.

Prepare The Area

It’s important that you get everything ready and prepare the area before you start.

It’s essential to check your owner’s manual before you start pressure washing. The manual will tell you how to set it up and give you specific instructions on using the equipment, including the proper spray pattern and tip.

You will need to check the settings when adding a chemical cleaner, as they will differ from when you are just using water.

Depending on the type of wood you’re pressure washing, you’ll want to adjust the pressure accordingly.

For softwoods like cedar or pine, you’ll want to keep the pressure at around 500 to 600 psi. Harder woods can tolerate more pressure, but you shouldn’t exceed 1,200 psi.

If you’re unsure what kind of pressure to use, it’s always better to err on caution and start with lower pressure. You can always increase the pressure if needed. Just be careful not to damage the wood by using too much pressure.

Test the Pressure Washer Settings

Test the pressure on an inconspicuous area, like a stair tread or corner, to get a feel for how it works. If you etch the wood, replacing a stair tread is easier than a deck board.

Power Wash the Deck

Spraying the wood deck with water from a pressure washer is an effective way to clean it. However, remember a few things to avoid damaging the wood.

First, only spray one deck board at a time to avoid putting too much pressure on any spot. Second, gently sweeping and avoid sudden stops to prevent splintering the wood.

Third, work from the end of your deck toward the front.

Finally, rinse the entire deck with a garden hose after using the pressure washer to remove residual dirt or debris.

Following these simple steps, you can effectively clean your wood deck without damaging it.

How To Power Wash Your Deck FAQ

1. What is the best way to pressure wash a wood deck?

The best way to pressure wash a wood deck is to prepare the area. Remove any furniture, plants, or debris from the deck. Sweep the deck thoroughly to remove loose dirt and leaves. Pre-soak the entire deck with water using a garden hose. Then, using a pressure washer with a deck cleaning solution, start washing the deck from the highest point down to the lowest, moving toward the wood grain. Use a wide-angle fan nozzle to prevent damage to the wood fibers. Rinse the deck thoroughly and let it dry completely before applying any stains or sealants.

2. Can I use a pressure washer on a composite deck?

While pressure washing can be used on composite decks, using low pressure and the right cleaning solution is critical to avoid damaging the surface. Composite decks are made of wood fibers and plastic, so excessive pressure or harsh chemicals can cause discoloration or damage to the material. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or contact a professional for specific instructions on pressure washing a composite deck.

3. What pressure setting should I use when pressure washing a wood deck?

The pressure setting you should use when pressure washing a wood deck depends on the condition of the deck and the type of wood. Generally, a pressure of 500 to 600 psi (pounds per square inch) is recommended for a wood deck. However, it is important to start with a lower pressure setting and gradually increase if necessary, as excessive pressure can damage the wood. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the appropriate pressure setting before washing the entire deck.

4. How do I remove dirt and grime from a wood deck

To remove dirt and grime from a wood deck, you can follow these steps:

Sweep the deck to remove loose debris and dirt.

Mix a solution of warm water and a mild detergent or deck cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount of cleaner to use.

Apply the solution to the deck using a brush or sprayer.

Let the solution sit on the deck for 10-15 minutes, but do not let it dry.

Scrub the deck with a stiff bristle brush to loosen dirt and grime.

Rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer, using a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the wood.

Allow the deck to dry completely before using it again.

If the deck is heavily stained or has mildew, you may need to use a stronger cleaner or hire a professional pressure washing service to get the job done. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use caution when pressure washing to avoid damaging the wood.

How to prepare a wood deck for stain

Preparing a wood deck for stain involves several steps that should be followed carefully to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Clean the deck: Start by sweeping the deck to remove any loose debris like leaves, dirt, and twigs. Then, use a pressure washer or a deck cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and stains from the surface. Allow the deck to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

2. Sand the deck: Use a sander to smooth any rough spots, splinters, or raised grain on the deck surface. Sanding will also help open up the wood pores, allowing the stain to penetrate deeper and adhere better.

3. Repair any damage: Check the deck for loose or damaged boards, nails, or screws and repair them as necessary. Replace any boards that are too damaged or rotten to repair.

4. Apply a brightener: Use a deck brightener to restore the wood’s natural color and remove any remaining stains or discoloration. This step is optional but recommended for older decks or those with severe staining.

5. Apply the stain: Once the deck is clean, dry, and repaired, it’s time to apply it. Choose a high-quality deck stain suitable for your wood type and climate. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the stain using a brush, roller, or sprayer.

6. Allow the stain to dry: Let the stain dry completely before using the deck. Depending on the type of stain and the weather conditions, this may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wood deck is properly prepared for stain, looks beautiful, and lasts for years.