Can You Power Wash a Cedar Deck?

Before you do any home improvements or maintenance, you should do some research first. Making the wrong moves can end up be damaging and costly. Power washing is one specific type of maintenance that should be researched, as power washing can be hard on some materials. Curb Appeal Pro Wash, which does power washing in Franklin, TN, has shared some of the most important details to be aware of before starting this task.

Can a Cedar Deck Be Power Washed?

Yes, a cedar deck can be power washed. This can be a great way to get a deck clean. Power washers can cover a large area in little time.

However, cedar is a soft wood, so caution should be taken. As long as you’re careful, this shouldn’t cause any damage.

What Supplies Should Be Used With the Power Washer?

A power washer only does half the job. According to Consumer Reports, you should also use a deck cleaner. These solutions help to loosen up caked on dirt and grime.

You don’t need to use a cleaner if your deck isn’t too dirty though. The power washer can remove some dirt, but more embedded dirt may need extra help.

When you use the soap in the power washer, make sure you spray it all over the deck evenly. Then, rinse with plain water with the power washer.

What Precautions Should Be Taken When Power Washing a Cedar Deck?

When you power wash a cedar deck, you should use low pressure. It’s best to start at a low power setting and work up as needed. Start with one of the lower power settings. Gradually increase the power as needed. Watch for signs of damage, such as etching in the wood.

Oftentimes, people underestimate the power of a power washer. By starting at a low power setting, you can see how forceful the water pressure actually is. Then, you can determine how much you need to increase or decrease it.

If you have plants near the deck, cover them with plastic while you use the power washer. This will help keep them safe. This is especially necessary if you’re using cleaner.

Also, you should keep your own safety in mind. Because of the high pressure, you can injure yourself. Make sure you’re wearing long sleeves and long pants. Don’t forget footwear with non-slip soles since the deck will be wet. Gloves and goggles are never a bad idea either. Be careful not to hit yourself with the power washer’s stream.

What Damage Can Pressure Washing Do to a Cedar Deck?

It’s important to be cautious when power washing your cedar deck. Power washers can be very harsh on surfaces. One of the main issues with power washing is that the pressure is set too high. According to The Spruce, these high pressures can damage or etch the wood.

By using low power, you can prevent some of these issues. Be aware of how the wood is looking. If it’s showing signs of damage, turn the power down.

What Other Maintenance Should Be Done to a Cedar Deck?

If you regularly care for a cedar deck, it will last a long time. This bit of effort every year will make a difference. If you don’t maintain your deck, you will have to pay for repairs or even replacement.

According to Rocky Mountain Forest Products, wet leaves are a common reason for dirty decks. By keeping up with this, you can prevent some of the dirt and grime.

Here are some of the things that you should do regularly to prevent damage:

• Sweep your deck weekly. By doing this, you can stop the leaves from building up.
• Allow your deck to dry. After power washing, give your deck time to dry. After it dries, you can apply sealant or stain.
• Provide adequate drainage. If there are large pools of water on your deck for extended lengths of time, this can cause damage. It becomes worse if there are also leaves stuck to the deck. Make sure the water can escape.
• Sand the rough areas. This is a good idea if you have any tough spots or want to remove the stain.
• Stain and/or seal. After your deck is clean, you can stain it or seal it. Oil-based stain is known for its longevity. Water-based stain has fewer toxins.

Doing all this maintenance will help your deck last for several years longer. Get in the habit of keeping up with your deck. You will be able to enjoy it more if it’s clean and in great shape!

Conclusion

You can power wash your cedar deck to get it back into great shape again. If you care for your deck, it will last for years. Regular dirt buildup is normal, but it should be removed. Be sure to maintain your deck throughout the year. This will make it easier to power wash. It will also help with the longevity of your deck.