How Much Does it Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck?

Common Range: $175 – $280

National Average: $215 for a 500 Sqft Deck

Updated: November 16, 2023. Written by: Steve Hansen and: Under Pressure Power Washing, Florida

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Cost Range to Pressure Wash a Deck

The cost range to pressure wash a 500 square foot deck is usually between $175 and $280. The price you pay will depend on the size of your deck, how dirty it is, whether you plan to stain or paint the deck afterward, and the number of features like railings, stairs, etc, that are cleaned at the same time.

Average Cleaning Cost

The average cost to pressure wash a deck is typically around $215 for having a 500 square foot deck cleaned by a pro with a power washer. Decks with rails, stairs and other complexities cost closer to $280. Other factors are listed below.

Average Do It Yourself Cost
$25 – $80 (Cleaning Supplies and Tool Rental)
Average Contractor Cost
$215
Typical Cost Range
$175 – $280

pressure washing a stained wood deck

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Get Deck Pressure Washing Cost Quotes

Overview of Deck Power Washing and Deck Cleaning

Pressure washing a deck keeps it looking good year after year. More importantly for wood decks, it cleans away dirt that keeps stain and sealer from seeping into the wood to protect it and improve its longevity. It is recommended prior to staining or painting a deck or adding wood deck railing to an existing deck.

Your options are to hire a handyman or pressure washing specialist or to DIY the job with a rented pressure washer.

This deck pressure washing cost estimate lists factors to give you a more accurate idea of the estimates you’ll receive and to assist you in deciding whether to hire the job or DIY. Retail costs are included for those that want to rent or purchase the equipment and supplies for DIY deck washing.

Consider bookmarking this page and returning to Costimates to share your price – the size of your deck and the pressure washing cost – for the benefit of other readers.

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Deck Cleaning Cost Factors

The following factors determine how much it will cost to have your deck pressure washed.

  • Size of the Deck – While we’ve quoted deck power washing prices for a 500 square feet deck, decks come in all sizes. The larger the deck, the more the total cost. However, deck pressure washing cost per square foot usually goes down for larger decks. This is because the cost of travel and set up are spread over more square feet of deck.
  • Deck Railings – Pressure washing deck railing is time consuming work and will easily add 20-30% to the cost. If your deck railing is older and looking its age, replacing deck railing might be a better way to spend your money than trying to restore its once-good looks.
  • Stairs – Like railing, stairs take a little more time per square foot than flat decking, so cost rises.
  • Shape of the Deck – Rectangular decks are easiest to wash, so cost is lower than if the deck is L-shaped, multi-level or other irregular design. See deck pressure washing project costs for differently shaped decks below.
  • Access – If the deck attaches to the second level of your home, for example, expect slightly higher estimates than for a first-floor deck.
  • Dirt and Stain Levels – When pre-treating heavily soiled and stained areas is needed, more time and materials are required. The dirtier the deck, or the more stains that must be treated and hand-scrubbed before washing, the higher the cost estimate. Got mold or mildew in the deck? Your cost will be higher than average. If you plan to have the deck stained after it’s cleaned, it may take a bit longer as well, to assure it’s prepared perfectly.
  • Time of Year – Everyone wants their deck pressure washed at or near the start of “deck season,” usually spring or early summer. When pressure washing companies are busy, they quote higher rates than during slower periods because they simply don’t need the work – and if they’re going to take it, they make sure it pays well. After the leaves are done falling in autumn and before winter sets in can be a time to get lower deck pressure washing rates. And it can remove staining from wet leaves before it sets in.
  • Where you Live – Like most outdoor project costs, the cost to hire a pro for deck washing rises or falls with the local cost of living.
  • Who Supplies the Water – Most pros use homeowner water. That’s a cost to keep in mind if you have metered water. Average gallons per minute for a pressure washer are about 3-4, or 180 to 240 gallons per hour of steady use. Washing a 500 square foot deck takes about two hours – so 350 to 480 gallons of water. In areas of high water rates, some contractors will bring their own water and charge a little more, but it might save you money over using your own.
  • Who Does the Work – You’ll save money DIY if you can borrow a pressure washer or rent one locally – as long as you don’t damage the deck. See the DIY or Not section for tips.

These cost factors do not include the cost to repair a deck before or after washing it. That project is covered on this page of Costimates.

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Get Deck Pressure Washing Cost Quotes

Cost of Tools and Deck Cleaning Supplies

If you enjoy home projects and/or saving money by doing them yourself, here are a few retail costs. While a good pressure washer isn’t cheap, it will pay for itself over time as you use it to pressure wash your driveway, siding, roof and more – even keeping the vehicles clean. Most have adjustable pressure settings and nozzle options to customize pressure to the job.

  • $35 – $50 for Electric / $50 – $85 for Gas | Pressure Washer Rental per Half-day and Full-day
  • $275 – $825 | Residential-grade gas-powered pressure washer for those that want to purchase their own.
  • $40 – $75 | Driveway Wand for a wider range of cleaning purposes.
  • $14 – $20 per Gallon | Deck Cleaner like Behr All-in-One Wood and Deck Cleaner.

Sample Deck Pressure Washing Projects

Not all 500 square foot decks are alike. Here are expected costs based on deck factors. Note that costs are given for decks with and without railing for the first two examples. Multi-tier decks are required to have railing on at least the upper sections.

  • Rectangular 20’ x 25’ deck, single-level without railing: $165 or $.33 (33 cents) per square foot.
  • Rectangular 20’ x 25’ deck, single-level with railing: $195 or $.39 per square foot.
  • L-shaped deck, single-level deck without railing: $180 or $.36 per square foot.
  • L-shaped deck, single-level deck with railing: $215 or $.43 per square foot.
  • Two-level deck with stairs with railing: $240 or $.48 per square foot.

Permits, Inspection, Related Costs and Installation Time

Permits and Inspection Cost

  • $0 | No permit is required for pressure washing a deck.

Related Costs and Cleaning Time

Most contractors charge by the job for power washing a deck, driveway, siding, etc. The hourly rate works out to:

  • $60 – $90 per hour | Deck Cleaning Labor Costs.

Here are typical time frames for common jobs.

  • 2-3 Hours | Power washing a deck up to 500 square feet
  • 3-5 Hours | Cleaning decks up to 1,000 square feet.
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Get Deck Pressure Washing Cost Quotes


Pro Contributor Michael Lopez, Under Pressure Power Washing, Florida

Since our founding, Under Pressure Power Washing of South Florida has been known for first-rate services, exceptional efficiency and the highest level of professionalism. We take pride in providing top-notch pressure washing services to South Florida residents. You can team up with us to beautify your property in Coral Gables, FL or the surrounding area.

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All of the Cost Estimates here at Costimates are reviewed by licensed contractors in their service field. They are checked for accuracy of information, thoroughness, and overall fairness in it’s presentation. Our goal is to provide the best possible information to consumers.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

We recommend doing the work yourself – and buying a good-quality pressure washer. You’ll find many uses for this tool, and as we said, it will pay for itself in a few years.

Tips: If you buy one, we prefer gas to electric. Cost is higher, but a gas machine is more versatile and powerful enough for tough jobs like a stained concrete driveway stripping paint off an old shed or fence.

Choose a machine with a wide range of pressure settings for job versatility. And know the appropriate pressure for each job. For example, the pressure required to remove grease stains from concrete might be too much for a wood deck – etching it and damaging its looks while shortening its lifespan, the very opposite of what was intended.

A setting of about 2,000 to 2,400 psi is right for wood decks and wood siding, while about 2,500 is right for vinyl siding. Concrete in good condition can tolerate 3,000 psi and higher.

Use a wide-angle tip to prevent concentrating the spray (and boosting its force) to avoid deck damage.

Start in an inconspicuous area, and if etching occurs, lower the pressure.

These tips and other handy pointers are included in this 5-minute video tutorial from a deck restoration contractor.

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Get Deck Pressure Washing Cost Quotes

Reviewed and edited by Steve Hansen of Costimates

steve hansen of costimates-sm Steve Hansen, that's me, the Senior Editor of Costimates. (Learn more about myself and our team) I'm an avid home improvement professional with more than 37 years experience working on all types of residential new home building, upfits, repairs and remodeling.

"Like most homeowners, I was frustrated with the lack of quality information available on specific home improvement repairs and renovations. In 2015, Costimates was formed to help homeowners learn as much as possible about various projects and their costs so they could make better financial decisions."