Most homeowners find that a yearly deck pressure washing is just right. A wood deck goes through a lot: rain, dirt, mold, and everyday wear, so giving it a good wash once a year keeps the surface protected. If your deck sits in shade or gathers lots of loose debris, you may want to begin cleaning every spring. A quick blow with a leaf blower between washes also helps keep grime down so you don’t have to clean as often.

Not when it’s used the right way. A professional knows how much pressure per square inch to apply so they don’t damage the wood. Using a pressure washer too close or with the wrong nozzle can do more harm, especially on softer wood like cedar. We stay at the correct distance, follow good safety tips, and spray along the grain of the boards to avoid damage. Done correctly, the process simply lifts dirt and mold without hurting the deck.

Yes, that’s one of the biggest reasons people call us. Our cleaning solution and deck cleaner are designed to loosen mold, algae, and built-up grime without harming your wood surface or composite deck. We might gently scrub certain areas before we power wash to help the detergent work better. After the spray, the deck looks brighter, cleaner, and ready for stain, paint, or sealer once it’s had time to dry completely.

If you can move items using just a garden hose rinse or light lift, that’s helpful. If not, we’ll be happy to move things safely. Clearing the deck lets us remove all debris, see the full wood surface, and make sure the power washer reaches every area. It also means we can test and look for any spots where boards may need to be repaired or replaced later.

Most decks take just a few hours to power wash, depending on size and how dirty the surface is. A small concrete landing might take less time, while a large wood deck with heavy buildup takes longer. After washing, you’ll need a little drying time. We always remind customers to let the deck fully dry before applying deck stain, one coat of sealer, or anything oil based that could trap moisture. If needed, we use a moisture meter to determine when the deck is truly dry.

You can walk on it once it’s dry completely, usually later the same day depending on direct sunlight, weather, and airflow. A wood or composite deck may dry at different speeds. If you want to restain, paint, or apply sealer, the deck needs extra time to be sure no moisture remains. We always watch for damp spots and give a simple tip on when it’s safe to get back to normal use.

Preparation is simple. Remove items you don’t want to get wet, and make sure your water supply is on so we can connect our equipment. If there’s a lot of dust or debris, you can do a quick sweep with a stiff broom or use a leaf blower, but it’s not required. We bring all the needed safety gear, including rubber gloves, eye protection, and the right wand, nozzle, and cold water setup for a safe and effective job. Your main role is just to clear the space so we can work carefully.

You can try using a pressure washer yourself, but most homeowners choose a pro to avoid costly mistakes. A power washer has enough force to strip stains, rough up boards, or even affect the structure if used wrong. Professionals know how to stay at the right point, use the right detergent, adjust the pressure, and protect your deck so you don’t accidentally damage the wood. Plus, you don’t have to buy or store equipment you may rarely use. For many homeowners, hiring a pro is simply easier, faster, and safer.