Services / Decks & fences
Deck, fence, and dock cleaning
Wood decking needs low pressure and the right cleaning solution, not force. Too much pressure raises and furs the wood grain permanently — we clean pressure-treated pine, cedar, and composite decking without that damage.
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Grey, slick decking is mildew and weathering, not dirt. Once the grain is furred by over-aggressive washing it cannot be undone without sanding.
Signs you need decks & fences
- Grey, faded color where the wood used to look warm-toned
- A slick, slippery feel on the boards, especially in shaded spots
- Dark mildew spots collecting between boards or near the house
- Peeling or blotchy old stain that needs to come off before refinishing
- Green tint on fence pickets or the shaded side of a pergola
What is included
- Pressure-treated pine, cedar, IPE, and composite
- Low pressure to protect grain
- Mildew and tannin removal
- Stain and seal preparation
- Fences, pergolas, and docks
How it works
- 1 Clear furniture, planters, and grills, and inspect boards for damage or loose fasteners
- 2 Apply a wood-safe cleaning solution and let it dwell to lift mildew, tannin, and grey buildup
- 3 Rinse at low pressure, working with the grain rather than across it
- 4 Spot-treat any remaining dark or slick patches
- 5 Let the deck dry fully — typically 48 to 72 hours — before staining or sealing
Understanding the problem
What is actually happening — and why the method matters
A grey, weathered deck is really two things happening at once: UV exposure breaks down lignin, the compound that gives wood its color, at the surface — and mildew and algae add a darker, slicker film on top of that fading. That is why a neglected deck can look both faded and dirty at the same time, and why cleaning alone often restores most of the original tone even without refinishing.
Wood is fibrous, and pressure above roughly 500 to 800 psi — far lower than what concrete tolerates — can blast into the softer spring-growth rings within the grain, raising and separating the fibers. This is called furring, and once it happens the surface stays permanently rough; only sanding fixes it, cleaning cannot undo it. That is why deck cleaning leans on a longer chemical dwell time to lift dirt and mildew, with pressure kept low specifically to protect the grain rather than force the surface clean.
Composite decking does not fur the way real wood does, since it is a wood-fiber and plastic blend rather than solid lignin, but it grows the same mildew film in the texture of its surface. Manufacturers like Trex and TimberTech specify gentle care — a soft brush and mild cleaner rather than pressure — for a different reason than real wood: protecting the cap layer and the manufacturer warranty rather than the grain itself. We treat composite with the same low-pressure caution as wood even though the underlying risk is different.
Common questions
Questions about decks & fences
Can I stain right after cleaning?
Wood needs to dry fully first — typically 48 to 72 hours depending on weather.
Will cleaning fix a grey deck?
Usually yes. Greying is surface weathering and cleaning generally restores much of the original tone.
How much does deck cleaning cost?
Pricing depends on square footage, wood condition, and whether stain prep is included. We provide a free written quote, usually within one business day.
Will cleaning remove old stain or paint?
Cleaning lifts dirt, mildew, and loose or failing stain, but it is not a stripper. If a deck needs a full stain or paint strip before refinishing, we will flag that as a separate step during the quote.
Is composite decking cleaned differently than wood?
Composite does not fur like real wood, but it grows the same mildew film, so we still use low pressure and a cleaner suited to the manufacturer’s care guidelines to protect the finish and any warranty.
Will low pressure actually get a deck fully clean?
Yes — the cleaning solution and dwell time do most of the work, not the pressure. Low pressure is what protects the wood grain while the solution lifts the dirt and mildew.
What happens if a deck is already furred from a previous DIY pressure wash?
Furred wood cannot be undone by cleaning alone — the fibers are already raised and separated. Sanding is the only fix, which we can flag as a separate step if we see it.
Do you clean the underside of an elevated deck?
Yes, when it is accessible. The underside is often where the most mildew and cobwebs collect since it stays shaded with little airflow.
Can you clean a deck that is about to be stained by another crew?
We recommend cleaning first regardless of who applies the stain — a properly soft-washed, fully dried deck is exactly the prep most stain manufacturers require, and it helps the stain adhere evenly.
How often should a fence be cleaned?
Most wood fences need attention every one to two years, sooner if they are shaded or close to landscaping that holds moisture against the pickets.
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