When they’re well-cared-for, wooden decks can last for many years. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors explains that wooden deck planks can last for 15 years. However, dirt, discoloration and surface mold can ruin the appearance of a wood deck and shorten its lifespan. Power washing is an easy way to restore a deck to its original, clean appearance. This process uses strong blasts of water to wash away dirt and grime.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
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What you can expect | |||||
Range per square foot: | $0.43 | $0.53 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $176 | $216 | |||
Estimate: $196 | |||||
Deck Power Washing Labor, Basic | 2 hours | $81 | $98 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete power washing. Deck will be cleared of debris, surface wetted, and cleaner applied with light scrubbing. Deck surface will be power-washed and power-rinsed. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Deck Power Washing Job Supplies | 436 square feet | $44 | $50 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including masking tape and paper, materials for surface repair, solvents, and cleanup supplies. | |||||
Deck Power Washing Equipment Allowance | 1 job | $51 | $68 | ||
Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency. These include 3,000-plus PSI, 4 GPM, gasoline-fueled power washer. Consumable equipment elements not included. |
cost to power wash deck | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot | $0.10 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 300 square foot | $153.60 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 300 square foot | $137.37 - $169.82 |
For best results, furniture and other items must be removed from the deck before power washing. The deck should then be swept to remove leaves, twigs and other loose material. If any debris is caught between the boards of the deck, it can be removed with a putty knife or similar tool. If the deck is heavily soiled, it may also be necessary to apply a deck cleaner to help loosen dirt.
The cost of power washing a deck can vary significantly. The size of the deck is an obvious factor, as larger decks require more labor than smaller decks. Heavily soiled decks can also be expected to cost more than their lightly soiled counterparts. Another factor that may impact the final price is the condition of the deck, as a deck that needs extensive work may be more difficult to power wash.
To clean a deck without causing etching or other damage, the power washer must be operated at the correct pressure setting. Soft woods, like pine, require a much lower pressure setting than harder woods. Power washers can also cause injuries, so operators must wear personal protective equipment and work carefully. For best results and safety, homeowners are advised to seek help from a professional.