What You Should Know Before Using A Pressure Washer On Your Wooden Deck

Take a moment and think about the color of your wooden deck when you moved in or had it installed. Now think about its current color. If those colors don't match, whether it's due to mold, mildew, algae, or sun damage, it's time for a cleaning. The same applies if your wooden deck has any splintering or rough spots. When it comes to maintaining the area, smart cleaning practices can help save your wooden deck from being beyond repair. But you need to be careful during the cleaning process — one common way to damage your deck is by incorrectly using a pressure washer to clean the surface.

From overpowered machines to user error, pressure washing your wooden deck can be more detrimental than simply leaving it to the elements. Using a pressure washer on your wooden deck can strip or split the wood, as well as remove weather-proof seals and paint. It even draws out your cleaning process, requiring added steps to accommodate damages. Sanding or using a different cleaning method can help you reach your desired outcome more effectively. If you're not sure what approach your deck needs, it's always okay to consult an expert.

As abrasion can damage your wooden deck, pressure washing really shouldn't be utilized here. Damaging surfaces, like wood, is just one of many common mistakes that people make when pressure washing. As the name suggests, pressure washers use high pressure to clean, but too much psi can easily dent softwood deck materials. These dents can quickly become holes and are difficult to even out. The same outcome is seen when the tip of the pressure washer gets too close to the wood. Pressure washing can also enlarge a split or crack that is already present. Further, pressure washing your wooden deck raises wood grain, loosening dead wood particles. This leads to a matted, fuzzy texture of raised, but attached particles. Before sealing, they will need to be sanded down.

If you're absolutely determined to pressure wash your wooden deck, make sure to keep your sprayer at least 6 inches away from the surface. Keep it on a low pressure setting and work with the grain to minimize damage. Just remember that usually some elbow grease and a homemade cleaner can keep your deck looking brand new without the risk.