Deck cleaning that doesn't fuzz the wood
A gray deck usually isn't ruined, only weathered on top. The goal is to remove that layer without tearing the fibers underneath.
Wood decks
Pressure-treated pine is what most Knox County decks are built from, with cedar on some older and higher-end ones. Both are soft. A narrow tip held close leaves furry, splintered boards and lines you can feel with your bare feet. Done right, a deck wash uses a wide fan tip, low to moderate pressure, and a wood cleaner that loosens the gray before the rinse. Every pass runs the length of the board, with the grain.
Composite decks
Composite boards don't turn gray, but they grow mildew in the texture and collect pollen and tannin stains from leaves. They get a low-pressure wash and a cleaner made for composite. Check your board maker's care guide; some limit pressure, and we'll follow it.
After the wash
If you plan to stain or seal, wood needs to dry first. In summer that's often two or three days; in a damp spring it can be longer. Many people book the wash, let it dry over a weekend, and stain the next week. Ask if you want the stain arranged as well.
- Railings, balusters and stair treads included
- Underside of the steps rinsed, not scrubbed
- Plants and the lawn below soaked before and after
- Loose boards and popped screws pointed out, not fixed
Asked about deck cleaning
Still wondering about something? Call (865) 390-6589 and ask. It costs nothing to ask.
Is it better to wash or sand a gray deck?
Washing with the right cleaner usually brings back the color without sanding. Sanding is for decks with old peeling stain or rough boards.
How soon can I put furniture back?
Once the boards are dry to the touch, usually the same afternoon in warm weather. Wait longer before staining.
Can you strip old stain?
Stain stripping is a heavier chemical process than a normal wash. It can be done, and it's priced separately because it takes longer.