Hiring someone to pressure wash your deck costs an average of $150, but some jobs may cost as much as $500 depending on the size of the deck, its condition, and the material.
The cost of pressure washing is influenced by the size of the deck, the severity of grime, and the type of decking material.
Regular light cleaning can help reduce the overall cost of deck maintenance.
Hiring a pro ensures a thorough clean and prevents accidental damage.
The average cost to pressure wash a deck ranges from $100
to $250
, but most homeowners pay around $150
. The amount you pay depends on the deck size, condition, material, and whether or not you DIY the job.
To hire the pros for a large, wrap-around deck with major grime build-up, you could pay upward of $500
or more. However, this is money well spent to keep your deck free of unsightly mold and mildew that can lead to premature deck repairs and a shorter lifespan. A clean deck also polishes up your alfresco dining experience, so you don’t have to be afraid to invite the neighbors around.
Pressure washing can be dangerous and damage your property if not done correctly. We highly recommend hiring a pro to ensure the job is completed safely and correctly.
Your final bill for pressure washing your deck depends on various factors. Here's a breakdown of what to budget for to stop you from spraying away more money than you expect.
The cost to pressure wash a deck yourself is usually the same, no matter the size, but square footage plays a big part in the bottom line when you hire a local pressure washer. Tricky-to-access wrap-around decks can make the job more of a challenge, so sometimes the shape of your deck also plays a part in the pressure washing cost.
Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
---|---|
300 | $100 |
700 | $200–$300 |
1,000 | $300–$400 |
While some contractors charge an hourly rate for pressure washing a deck—typically between $50 to $100 per hour, more commonly, they charge a base fee up to a specific size and then charge per square foot from there. Alternatively, they might have set prices for certain deck size ranges.
Your contractor might quote your $100 for a deck up to 300 square feet and then add a further $0.30 to $0.40 per square foot for anything over that.
Have you been spilling BBQ grease all over your deck surface or letting a build-up of tricky-to-remove mold and mildew grow over a few years? Your contractor will likely up their bill to account for the extra time, effort, and deck-specific detergents required. And, if the deck has significant weathering, loose boards, or damaged areas, the contractor might also factor in the extra care needed to avoid making these issues worse during the cleaning process, potentially recommending repairs before or after pressure washing.
Some decking materials, like aluminum, are more capable of handling hard pressure washing than softer wood or composite decking. In that case, you might make savings because it’s quicker and easier to pressure wash a metal deck.
Material | Average Cost per 300 Sq. Ft. | Additional Details |
---|---|---|
Metal | $100 | This is a tough, non-porous surface, the professionals can blast away without worrying about lifting the top layer or damaging the integrity of the decking. |
Composite | $100–$150 | Composite decking isn’t as durable as metal, but it can withstand pressure washing better than porous wood. It’s also less likely to suffer from mold and mildew build-up, so it might not need such a deep clean. |
Wood | $100–$200 | Your contractor might suggest soft washing rather than high-power pressure washing for more delicate, porous wooden decks. They will use a lower-pressure nozzle and deck detergents to lift the dirt gently. |
Most pressure washing pros recommend pressure washing your wood deck at least once a year to remove dirt, mildew, and algae buildup. Depending on how often you use your deck, you might find that twice a year suits your needs better.
Spring is a good time to pressure wash your deck because it allows you to wash away any grime or mold that might have appeared during the damp winter season. However, pressure washing the deck in the fall means you can wash away greasy spills rather than letting them soak further in over the winter.
Spray away to make savings when hiring a pressure washing contractor near you. They typically offer discounts if they can bundle up the blasting jobs. There are many ways to use pressure washers, and you could clean up your car, patio, driveway, patio furniture, fencing, or vinyl siding simultaneously. Here are some common pressure washing costs you might want to tack on:
Cost to pressure wash a fence: $100–$350
Cost to pressure wash house: $150–$750
Cost to pressure wash a patio: $100–$400
Roof pressure washing costs: $450–$700
Gutter pressure washing costs: $50–$150
Driveway pressure washing costs: $100–$250
Cost to stain a deck: $550–$1,250
Cost to seal a deck: $560–$1,380
Cost to repair a deck: $870–$3,480
If you’re confident about how to pressure wash a deck and already have the tool in your home apparatus arsenal, you could cut costs significantly. Your only outlay is your time and possibly detergent costs of less than $20 if the deck is on the grimier side. If you aren’t the proud owner of a pressure washer, you can rent or buy one. The cost to rent a pressure washer ranges from $35 to $175 per day, and you can spend anywhere from $100 to $1,000 buying one.
However, it could be worth the cost to hire a pressure washing pro rather than renting a pressure washer for the day. It saves getting your hands dirty, ensures a thorough job, and prevents you from accidentally blasting your deck too hard or at the wrong angle. Plus, a professional will have the right experience and commercial-grade equipment to tackle tough stains and large decks efficiently, and they often carry insurance that covers any accidental damage during the cleaning process, providing added peace of mind.
You don’t just have to spray everything in sight to make savings. Here are some other savvy strategies to cut costs when pressure washing a deck.
Practice regular deck cleaning: Doing a quick hose and scrub down of your deck monthly means it will need a deep pressure wash less frequently.
Shop around: Getting quotes from at least three reputable contractors, rather than the first one you find, might result in savings.
Steer clear of summer pressure washing: Late spring and summer are the busiest times for pressure washing contractors. Opting for a low-season clean might mean you get a more competitive price.
Buy in the big sales: If you’re choosing a pressure washer of your own, you can secure great discounts when the major sales come around.
Maintain your pressure washer well: If you buy a pressure washer, don’t leave it at the back of your garage for months. Regular pressure washer maintenance keeps it running smoothly for longer.
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Pressure washing a wooden deck can lift ingrained dirt, mold, and mildew, making the space look more inviting and increasing its longevity. However, you risk damaging the porous surface if you DIY deck pressure washing and go in too powerfully or at the wrong angle. Pick a white pressure washer nozzle that sprays with a gentle 40-degree fan pattern, and keep some distance while spraying.
If your deck has been recently stained or sealed, you shouldn’t have to add another layer of sealant to offer protection against wet weather. If it’s been a few years since the last sealing session, removing the old sealant by sanding the deck, washing it, and then resealing it to offer maximum protection makes sense.
If you don’t thoroughly clean your deck surface before staining, debris, grease, and mildew can get trapped on top of the wood. As well as looking unsightly, the stain won’t effectively penetrate the wood surface. You won’t have such a well-protected deck, and you’ll likely have to restain sooner. Beyond just the appearance and adhesion issues, any existing mold or mildew left untreated can continue to grow beneath the new stain, potentially leading to wood rot and structural damage over time, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your deck and requiring costly repairs.
When researching prospective pressure washing pros, consider asking them the following questions to ensure you hire the right professional for the job.
What factors determine your costs to pressure wash a deck?
What are the different techniques you use for different deck materials, such as wood, composite, and metal?
How do you ensure that the pressure washer won’t damage the deck?
Are there any hidden costs I should prepare for, such as fees for deep stains or mold removal?
Can you offer a discounted price if I want to bundle additional services, like sealing or staining?
How long does it typically take you to pressure wash a deck like mine?
What type of detergents and cleaning solutions do you use? Are they safe for the surrounding ecosystem?
Do you recommend applying any treatments or coatings after pressure washing to preserve its appearance?