Is it worth sanding a deck?

• <div><p>It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">deck refinishing process</a>. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.</p></div>

Get matched with top deck cleaning pros in Garfield, WA

Q: Do I need to sand an old deck before staining?

• <div><p>In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must. </p></div>

Q: What maintenance does a wood deck require and how often should it be done?

• <div><p>A wood deck requires annual cleaning and regular inspections for loose or broken boards, nails, and screws. It should be refinished by applying a stain or sealer every two to three years to protect the wood from water damage, rot, mildew, and sun fading. The exact frequency can depend on the climate and the deck's exposure to sun and moisture. If your deck is painted, it will need repainting approximately every 10 years. Signs that your deck needs refinishing include faded, splintering, or warping boards.</p></div>

Q: What is the best material or fill to put under a deck?

• <div><p>While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.</p></div>

Q: Should decks be painted or stained?

• <div><p>Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Cleaning pros in Garfield, WA

*The Angi rating for Deck Cleaning companies in Garfield, WA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Cleaning companies in Garfield, WA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Cleaning needs.

Last update on October 22, 2024

Reviewed in October 2024
Wonderful people to work with. I live in rural PALOUSE and they came from Spokane to take care of my decayed roof. It was a huge job but they worked in sweltering heat and every evening when they left (coming back the next day) everything was cleaned up and hauled off. I would recommend anyone...
D G Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Very satisfied with their work, cleaned up good after the tree was down.
Strunk's Tree Service LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
The instullers Henry and Damien were awesome. They are fast, friendly, and professional. They made sure that the areas were clean and tidy inside and out when finished. They let me know what they would be doing and made sure I was happy with their work.
Renewal by Andersen of Washington
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Reviewed in August 2023
My experience with H&C was one of the best experience that I had with a cleaning service very friendly very reliable and very honest
H&C Cleaning
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Reviewed in August 2023
Very knowledgeable and helpful. Clean and efficient. Thank you Max
Maximus Plumbing, LLC - Unlicensed Contractor
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Reviewed in June 2023
Strong Roots did an amazing job. If your looking for a tree service group I cannot say enough great things about this group. Josh and his crew worked so hard from start to finish they even planted grass seed on the clean up portion. Thank you!!!
Strong Roots Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
They took down a giant tree for me and I was very impressed with the quality of their work! They did a great job, thanks a lot. Cleaned up the area very well, too.
HB Saw Service
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Reviewed in December 2020
They cleaned up after themselves, friendly and very professional.
Floorcoverings NW
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Reviewed in October 2020
The plumber was fantastic and very respectful and friendly when he came out yesterday. I called today for an unrelated plumbing emergency this morning which required me to shut off the water to the whole house. The receptionist was outright rude, dismissive and questioned why I had called...
Sampson's Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in August 2020
The process from getting a bid to the finished roofing project was seamless. The communication between Inland Roofing and us was impeccable. We accepted their bid one week prior to Covid. We were kept informed the entire time of what the status was and when they possibly could begin work. ...
Inland Roofing & Supply, Inc.
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Find Deck cleaning pros in Garfield

Painting flow

4.7(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Garfield, WA and surrounding areas

"They did a great job! They were very accommodating, helpful and had fair pricing. Even after the job was completed, they were willing to come back to touch up my front window trim after new windows were installed."

+20

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Garfield, WA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Justin was very professional, fast, easy to work with and did a great job. He made sure to ask questions for clarification of what we wanted and to point out any issues he saw while he was working on our basement. We were very pleased with the work he did."

+124

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Garfield, WA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"J&J Solutions came to the rescue when the movers that were originally hired cancelled last minute. After calling every company I could find and not having any luck getting any help until after the holiday weekend, I came across their add and decided to give it a shot. Not only was Jeremiah extremely polite and professional but he made time to move my family into our new house and offered the services of cleaning the old one and all at a decent price. Compared to what I was already quoted by other companies J&J's was great and they also took the worries away with the old housecleaning. Jasper and his crew showed up a few minutes early then scheduled, which I appreciated! Jasper and his crew got us all moved out with care, organization, and in a timely manner. The housecleaning was done better then I would have done myself. After seeing the amazing cleaning job they did on the old house, I have hired them to come in and clean our house every two weeks. The whole team of J&J Solutions went over and beyond for my family and I! I will refer them to anyone and everyone for any job that needs done. Thank you J&J's for all your help!!
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Garfield, WA and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

"Crew always arrived on time and performed as professionals. Result far exceeded our expectations. The house (built in 1985) now looks like new!"

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Streamline Industrial

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Garfield, WA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

"Excellent. They were terrific from start to finish. Professional, terrific communications, top quality craftsmanship and they cleaned up after themselves. This is a well managed company and I’d highly recommend them. They will do all my work in the future."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Garfield, WA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Good quality work, very personable, nice and does very good tile and cabinetry work."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Deck Cleaning questions, answered by experts

In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must.

A wood deck requires annual cleaning and regular inspections for loose or broken boards, nails, and screws. It should be refinished by applying a stain or sealer every two to three years to protect the wood from water damage, rot, mildew, and sun fading. The exact frequency can depend on the climate and the deck's exposure to sun and moisture. If your deck is painted, it will need repainting approximately every 10 years. Signs that your deck needs refinishing include faded, splintering, or warping boards.

It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the deck refinishing process. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.

While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.

Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.

The Garfield, WA homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Deane Biermeier
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does Deck Refinishing Cost? [2026 Data]
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
Lauren Bongard
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck? [2026 Data]
The cost to pressure wash a deck depends on its size, condition, material, and whether you DIY the job. Help set your budget with this cost guide.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Clean Decking Safely and Naturally
Cleaning your deck at least once a year boosts its durability and appearance. Learn how to clean decking, whether it's wood or composite.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Clean a Deck Before Staining
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
Jill Harness
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How to Clean and Seal Your Deck in One Weekend
Knowing how to clean and seal a deck can help extend its life and keep it looking like new. This DIY guide sheds light on the best way to clean a wood deck.