Landscaping project costs range from $300 for tree stump removal to $16,300 for patio enclosures. Need to install landscaping? Expect to pay around $3,200. Want to build a deck for your backyard? Those average about $7,300. Find more landscaping project prices below.
Updated May 27, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.It typically costs $150 to pressure wash a deck. A small deck in relatively good condition can cost as little as $90 to power wash, while a larger 700-square-foot deck in substandard condition that needs hand brushing and power washing can cost $770 or more.
How often you clean your deck—whether you opt for pressure washing (cold high-pressure water) or power washing (heated high-pressure water)—is up to you. However, an annual washing is best. The longer you leave it between cleans, the more it'll cost to clean off the built-up soiling from wildlife, dirt, grease, and grime. You'll also need to pressure wash your deck before you stain or paint it.
Pressure washing is good for cleaning, but power washing is better for tougher stains and heavy soiling. However, power washing at high pressure only works well for more resilient surfaces that can withstand the combination of pressure and heat.
| Average Cost | $150 |
| Typical Range | $100 – $200 |
| Low Cost | $90 |
| High Cost | $770 |
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.
| Size of Deck | Cost Range (All-In) | Average Cost (All-In) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 sq. ft. | $90 – $120 | $105 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $150 – $200 | $175 |
| 750 sq. ft. | $225 – $300 | $260 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $300 – $400 | $350 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $450 – $600 | $525 |
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.
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.
| Deck Material | Cost Range (All-In) | Average Cost (All-In) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | $150 – $180 | $165 |
| Wood | $180 – $200 | $190 |
| Composite | $200 – $220 | $210 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
It depends. Light soiling may not require any soap. However, heavy dirt build-up and staining may require a high-quality, deck-specific detergent.
