How Much Does It Cost to Pressure or Power Wash a Deck?

Average Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck

How Much Does It Cost to Pressure or Power Wash a Deck per Square Foot?

Pressure washing costs $0.30 to $0.40 per square foot for cleaning decks, with most people paying around $0.35 per square foot, all in. You may pay substantially more if your deck is in particularly subpar condition or requires hand-brushing. The table below assumes a deck in average condition with moderate dirt build-up that needs a straightforward power wash.

How Much Does It Cost to Pressure or Power Wash a Deck per Hour?

To get your deck clean, you can hire a handyperson or a local pressure washing service for $50 to $125 per hour. Some may charge you by the hour, while others will quote you for the job as a whole, which takes into account your deck’s square footage, the estimated time to clean it, and dealing with dirt build-up. A 500-square-foot deck in average condition that may have a tougher spot or two requires a little more elbow grease and takes up to two hours to clean.

How Much Does It Cost to Pressure or Power Wash a Deck by Deck Type?

Just like the cost of pressure washing a house, siding, or roof, what your deck is made from plays a significant role in the price of your power washing project. Materials, like some types of wood, are more fragile than others, requiring greater finesse and a higher degree of skill to clean without damage. These take more time than tougher materials, like metal decks, that can withstand more of a battering from a high-pressure washer.

Metal

It costs an average of $165 to pressure wash a 500-square-foot aluminum deck. Metal decking, usually aluminum, withstands high-pressure washing and is quick and easy to clean, as dirt, mildew, and grime doesn't adhere well and washes away quickly. Pros often use a detergent in the washer for metal, as it restores the surface quickly and effectively. 

Wood

Pressure washing a wood deck typically costs $190 for 500 square feet. Wood is porous and natural, therefore, unless you've got an exotic hardwood deck like tigerwood, your deck is fairly fragile. A misused pressure washer can strip away paint and sealant and can damage the wood itself. Therefore, it takes a professional more time to pressure wash a wooden deck safely—hence, the higher cost compared to cleaning a metal deck.

If you want to paint or stain your deck, you'll need a pro to pressure wash your deck to peel away old paint and stain layers without damaging the wood itself. This prepares the surface for the new application of stain, seal, or paint.

Composite 

It costs around $210 to pressure wash a 500-square-foot composite deck. Composite cannot withstand sustained spray from a high-pressure washer and, like wood, should only be washed at 1,500 PSI or lower. Composite costs more to pressure wash than other decking materials because, for the cleaning to be effective, the deck must be scrubbed lightly throughout the cleaning process—pressure washing alone is not enough. 

How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash and Stain a Deck?

Many people choose to bundle pressure washing and staining their decks into a single project. This is often a cost-savvy move that can save you money. The cost to stain a deck is around $1,500 and includes the price of pressure washing. If your deck needs power sanding, you can add another $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot. 

Cost to Pressure or Power a Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Professional

If you have the right equipment and the skills to pressure wash properly, then yes, you can save money by washing your deck yourself. If you don't have a pressure washer, you can purchase one for anywhere from $100 to $1,500, or you can rent one by the day for $50 to $65. Small, moderate-pressure pressure washers start at around $100, while larger power washers with variable pressure and a motor to heat the water can cost up to $1,500.

Hiring a professional pressure washer costs $150 to $220 for a 500-square-foot deck, so the savings on a one-time cleaning are not that impressive. 

Remember: Depending on your deck's age and materials, if you use too high of pressure or concentrate the pressure washer for a second or two too long in a single area, you can cause extensive damage that's costly to fix.

Pressure washing a deck is a satisfying job you can tackle if you've got the right skills and equipment. However, you won't save much money if you need to buy or rent equipment. Plus, a professional is unlikely to damage your deck and should carry insurance, just in case.

Factors That Influence the Price of Pressure Washing a Deck

While cleaning your deck, the pro may uncover other issues that require attention or suggest other services that might improve the appearance and lifespan of your deck. These will add to your project cost but will likely be of benefit.

Deck Repair

Deck repair costs $800 to $3,000, on average, depending on the size of the deck and the extent of the damage.

Replacing a few popped screws may cost under $50, but repairing deck railings can cost up to $4,000. Other common issues include correcting loose deck stairs. Anchoring deck stairs costs between $100 and $300. Repairing rot costs up to $500 over a small area, and involves removing the affected boards and replacing them with new ones. The contractor will also try to find and fix the cause of the problem, such as poor drainage. 

Deck Sealing

Deck sealing costs $375 to $2,000 for a 500-square-foot-deck, depending on the choice of sealant and how much prep work is necessary. Sealing a deck makes it waterproof and enhances the overall appearance. 

Wastewater Permits

Some states require you to acquire an environmental wastewater permit, which can cost up to $500. Check with your municipality to see if this applies to your area. Note that most pressure washing pros should already have all the necessary permits for your locale, but it's important that you check. 

FAQs About Pressure Washing a Deck

What PSI do I need to pressure wash a deck?

Wood and composite decks require a PSI of no more than 1,300. A metal deck or extremely hard exotic wood deck can withstand a PSI of up to 2,300. 

Should I pressure wash my deck before staining?

Pressure washing a deck before staining removes any foreign material, including dirt, food particles, mildew, grease, and grime. Failure to do so means your stain won't properly penetrate or adhere to the deck boards, and you'll need to repeat the process sooner. 

Do I need to use soap to pressure wash a deck?

It depends. Light soiling may not require any soap. However, heavy dirt build-up and staining may require a high-quality, deck-specific detergent.