Coastal decks take a beating: sun, salt air, pine needles, pollen and humidity all work together to turn warm wood gray and slippery. If you're planning to stain or seal your deck this year, the cleaning is the step that matters most.
Why you should clean before you stain
Stain and sealer need to soak into clean wood. If you apply them over gray, weathered fibers, mildew and dirt, they won't absorb evenly, the finish will look blotchy, and it will fail faster. A proper cleaning brings the wood back to its natural color so the stain looks great and lasts longer.
The right pressure for wood
Here's where many DIY jobs go wrong. Too much pressure raises the grain (the "fuzzy" look), gouges soft boards and leaves wand marks. We use medium pressure for bare wood and low-pressure detergent for stained decks, so the wood gets clean without being damaged. Composite decks get a low-pressure detergent wash too.
Give it time to dry
After cleaning, let the deck dry for a couple of sunny days before staining. In humid stretches of a Hampton Roads summer, it may take a little longer.
What deck cleaning costs
Deck cleaning is $0.50 per square foot. A 12×16 deck (192 sq ft) is about $96. Rails, stairs and spindles are included. Learn more about our deck cleaning.
Beach houses and raised decks
Raised beach houses in Sandbridge and at Chic's Beach have big decks and long stairways that collect sand, salt and mildew. We clean decks, stairs and outdoor showers so rentals are guest-ready. See deck cleaning in Sandbridge.
Book deck cleaning in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake or Norfolk. While we're there, ask about your fence too.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pressure wash my deck before staining?
Yes. Clean wood absorbs stain evenly and holds it longer. Just use the right pressure, medium for bare wood, so the grain isn't damaged.
How long should a deck dry before staining?
Usually a couple of sunny days. In humid Hampton Roads weather it may take a little longer.
How much does deck cleaning cost in Virginia Beach?
Deck cleaning is $0.50 per square foot, so a 12×16 deck is about $96.
Rick Monceaux is the owner of All In One Power Washing in Virginia Beach. He has been cleaning homes and businesses across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and the rest of Hampton Roads since 2010. Licensed & insured. More about Rick.
