National Average Improvement and Repair Cost
Pro
DIY
Hours:
2.2
4
Cost:
$ 232
$ 130
Would you do this project? According to our survey, 37% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.
The average price to Pressure Wash a Deck noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.
What’s the cost to clean a dirty deck? A handyman or deck cleaning service charges $232 to pressure wash a deck vs. doing it yourself for $130.
You might be surprised how much dirt and mildew can accumulate on a deck so you should get in the habit of cleaning it routinely to preserve the quality and life of the deck. To clean a deck, you can either pay a cleaning service or rent or buy a pressure washer and do it yourself.
You’ll pay a handyman or cleaning service $232 to clean a 15-foot-by-20-foot (approximately 300 square feet) one-level deck.
You can buy an electric pressure washer with a pressure range of 1500-2000 PSI (pounds per square inch) for about $130 and do the job. No matter who does the work, you should take the time to inspect the deck looking for loose fasteners and split or damaged boards, and repair them. For added protection, apply a water sealer, which runs about $60 extra for two gallons and is best applied with a paint/stain pad on an extension pole.
The payback on the investment in the washer isn’t immediate, but if you’re looking for a good excuse to buy one, this is it. We use ours to clean the deck, the siding, the shed and picnic table and even our boat, and it’s been on loan for countless other uses.Here’s a link from Tips Bulletin about how to make your own deck cleaners 4 Amazing Homemade Deck Cleaner Recipes.
Be careful cleaning deck boards that are old and splintered because a misguided powerful blast of water can create new damage that needs to be repaired.
Watch Consumer Reports’ video How to Clean a Deck with a Pressure Washer.
Wrapping up, given the average cost to pressure wash a deck you can compare the price of a contractor’s bid with doing it yourself.
Want more cost breakdowns? Here are a few that might interest you:
