Your deck becomes one of the most popular spots for your family to sit out in the sunshine and enjoy a nice summer day. You may have thought about getting your deck cleaned, but you may think it will take a lot of time and hassle. With all of the activity on your deck, your deck may become dirty and need to be freshened up with a good pressure wash.

Pressure washing is a great way to clean your deck when done properly. There are many tips for pressure washing your deck to make it easier to do as well as ensure that you do not ruin your deck by pressure washing it. Tips such as starting at the highest corner and working in small sections can make the task easier to accomplish.

Continue reading to learn how to properly pressure wash your deck as well as how to prevent your deck from being ruined by a pressure wash. Also, continue reading to learn five tips that can help make pressure washing your deck easier.

How Do You Properly Pressure Wash A Deck?

When it comes to pressure washing your deck, there are some steps you want to take before you begin the pressure washing process. These steps include:

1. Having/renting a pressure washer
2. Ensure there are no broken parts of the deck before you pressure wash. If there are, take some time to fix these parts
3. Cover parts of your house along the deck as well as any plants and furniture that are on the deck in order to protect them
4. Changing the nozzle on the pressure washer to ensure the nozzle is not too direct

Once you have done this preparation, you can begin pressure washing your deck. For better step-by-step instructions on how to properly pressure wash your deck, you can follow along with this video by Mi-T-M.

What Do You Put On Deck Before Pressure Washing?

While there are not many preparations you must do in order to pressure wash your deck, you can take a step in order to ensure that your deck is brighter after pressure washing.

This additional step involves applying a chemical stripper or chemical brightener to your deck. You would follow the instructions of the chemical stripper/brightener in order to give your deck a nice shine to it once you have pressure washed it.

Can You Ruin A Deck By Pressure Washing?

It is possible to ruin your deck by pressure washing. If you use too much pressure on the deck, it can cause for the wood to scar and leaves marks on the wood. This is why it is advised to change the nozzle on the pressure washer to ensure you are not using too much pressure on your deck as this can ruin a beautiful deck.

5 Tips For Pressure Washing Your Deck

While pressure washing may seem simple, it can be a difficult task to accomplish, and you must be careful, so you do not ruin your deck. Below are five tips that can make pressure washing your deck easier as well as help to ensure that your deck does not get ruined.

Start At The Highest Corner

When water hits the deck, there is often a direction that the water will flow off of the deck. When pressure washing, you want to find this direction and start washing in the opposite. This allows for all of the run-offs to go in the same direction, and you do not have to backtrack in order to wash the whole deck.

Wash/Work In Small Sections

If you want to ensure that you are able to thoroughly clean your deck, it is best to work in small sections. Working in small sections allows for you to focus on only one part of your deck at a time and allows for you to ensure that you are able to get the entire deck clean rather than missing spots.

Angle The Nozzle

One of the preparation steps for pressure washing your deck is to change the nozzle on the pressure washer, so you do not allow for a lot of pressure that can damage your deck. Since you will likely be using less pressure, it is important to angle the nozzle, so you are able to get a wider area rather than direct pressure on a single spot.

It May Take Some Practice

While instructions online and videos may make pressure washing seem simple and easy, pressure washing is actually much more difficult than you might think. It may be difficult at first to be able to hold the nozzle of the pressure washer steady or difficult to figure out how to work the pressure washer, but pressure washing can become an easier task with practice. Do not be disappointed if the first time you try to pressure wash does not work the way you plan.

Allow The Wood To Dry

After pressure washing, you may think you will be able to see the difference straight away, but this is not the case. It is best to allow the wood to dry in order to see the full effects of the pressure washing.

Do You Have To Seal A Deck After Pressure Washing?

Sealing the deck helps to protect the deck from rain and debris that may fall onto it. Once you have finished pressure washing your deck, you may wonder if you can seal the deck straight away. The answer to this is no. It is best to wait approximately 24 to 36 hours before you seal your deck once you are finished pressure washing.

This gives the deck time to dry, and you are able to see the outcome of the pressure washing and are able to note if you missed a section of the deck.

Looking to have your deck pressure washed? Affordable, professional deck pressure washing services are just a call away with All Pro Decks. We strive for customer satisfaction and will work with you to ensure your deck is cleaned to your liking. Get A Free Estimate Today!

Classically, building things required merely nails and wood, but the modern era introduced an array of advanced building materials. New materials add to the longevity and stability of a deck, whereas limitless designs offer new ways to design your deck.

Here are a few essential accessories that you need for building a deck.

Measuring and Layout Tools

Generally, you need a twenty-five-foot tape measure, but a longer tape will come in handy if you are designing a huge deck. Moreover, chalk boxes or chalk lines can create perfectly straight lines. Choose blue chalk instead of red as it will wash off easily.

Framing Squares and Speed Squares

A carpenter’s square or a framing square is handy for making long-square lines. You will need speed squares when you mark boards before cutting. Use a torpedo level for smaller pieces and a two or 4-foot level for larger pieces.

Excavation Tools

Hand tools are useful for excavation, but you may want to rent a post hole digging or an earth-moving machine to build larger decks. You can also hire a landscaper for this purpose.

Shovels

You can’t avoid digging when building a deck. For that reason, a spade shovel is best for digging earth and removing soil. Use mason’s line to mark off areas you need to excavate. A drain spade features a narrow blade to dig shallow postholes, but you will need a clamshell post hole digger for deeper post holes.

Pipe and Squeeze Clamps

When driving fasteners, various types of clamps can hold pieces in alignment. A sliding clamp can hold more firmly while a squeeze clamp grabs quickly. Moreover, a pipe clamp is as long as the pipe you connect the two parts to.

Wrenches and Pry Bars

A flat pry bar quickly pulls boards into position and can slip into narrow spaces with minimal damage to the wood. While a pry bar can do the job soon, it can also mar the wood. You can use an adjustable wrench or a crescent wrench to tighten nuts and bolts. However, you’ll need a pair of locking pliers to hold the other end of the fastener. In some cases, you will need hand sleds to keep tight boards in position.

Fastening Tools

It’s better to use a power nailer than a hammer as it will not cause any dents due to mishits. But, you do need a hammer for tighter areas and to drive joist-hanger nails. A nail set can extend your reach, and a teco nailer comes in handy for driving other hardware and joisting hangers.

Another popular fasting tool is a cordless drill. You can quickly get an 18 or 20-volt cordless drill. A speed driver will help when you are installing a deck with face screws, while an impact driver makes it easier to drive bolts and screws firmly.

Nail Gun with Compressor

While professionals typically have larger compressors, a model with 150 PSI and 6 gallons gives plenty of power to build a deck.

Smoothing and Shaping Tools

You will need a router with a decorative or a round-over bit to create custom looks and ease sharp edges. Another accessory you need is a sanding tool, but be careful to use it in a way that it does not dig into the wood. A random orbit sander not only removes stains but is also safer to sue. However, you can choose a hand sander to get the job done.

Cutting tools

While your cuts should not be ultimately precise, you should be at least be accurate. Apart from knives and shears to do the job, you will need a saw to build your deck.

What kind of saw do I need to build a deck?

Here are a few types of saw you need so many

· Circular Saw

A circular saw is generally used for a large variety of cuts. That’s a reason why a circular saw is the best type of saw to build a deck. Buy one that offers reliable cuts and has a sharp carbide-tipped blade.

· Jigsaw

A saber saw, or a jigsaw is ideal for cutting in tight spots and making carved cuts.

· Reciprocating Saw

This type of saw is great for demolition but also works for making finishing cuts.

· Table Saw

A small table or a worksite saw, conveniently and quickly rips boards, to your desired width.

· Chop Saw

A chop saw, or a power miter saw is ideal for accurate crosscuts.

Where can I find free deck building plans?

Deck planking is available in a large variety of types. You don’t have to recruit an architect to design this addition to your home because dozens of websites offer free deck building plans for free.

For instance, Decks.com features more than 80 different deck plans that you can easily download. All projects range from basic and conventional designs in rectangle and square shapes to elaborate designs with multiple levels.

When you choose a deck building plan, the website you want can also send you the materials, including the railing, framing, and decking equipment. A few sites let you calculate the overall cost of your deck building plan. Some sites also arrange a meeting with a professional handyman who can suggest the best fit according to your budget and needs.

Final Thoughts

When building a deck, make sure to look at the outdoor decking materials comparison to choose the best option for your deck. Most importantly, take care of the permits and building codes of your area. For instance, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association website, the IRS or International Residential Code requires that all private porches and deck must withstand at least 40 pounds per square foot in addition to the weight of the porch. Don’t forget to plan out your deck in a way that there is ample space for your furniture and walk room around each item. Finally, if you are trying to save some money, you can also look at the backyard deck ideas on a budget!

But if you need any help, reach out to All Pro Decks, the best deck and patio builder there is. We can surely help you build the deck of your dreams!

Want to enhance your outdoor space, but don’t know how? A great way to start is by understanding the difference between a deck and a patio. It’s also important to learn about factors relevant to each such as costs, differences, returns, advantages and disadvantages, or both. Then, deciding which is best for your home!

The main difference between a deck and patio

The main difference between decks and patios is that decks are structures elevated from the ground, while patios rest directly on the ground.  Since decks and patios are not the same structure, their cost to build varies. These two structures also vary in price, materials used, sustainability, and more! 

Deck and Patio Materials

One important element that determines the price in either a deck or patio is the material used to build it. Decks mostly are built out of wood which is the most popular and natural-looking material. However, wood demands the most maintenance out of any other material. However, there are some deck maintenance tips to keep your deck looking brand new. 

Composite Decking Material

Composite decks, on the other hand, are made to look like wood but can cost more. However, they are designed for maximum durability, which resist fading, staining and the toughest weather. Decks built with plastic cost just as much as composite decks, but last longer and require way less maintenance. Finally, aluminum decks are the most expensive ones, but have the longest lifespan. Why choose composite decking over wood? Find out in that article!

Patio Materials

Moving on to patios, concrete patios are the most prevalent and the cheapest material used today. However, some people find it a little plain. Stamped concrete adds a little personality, but requires more maintenance. The most affordable and easy to install material to build a patio is gravel. 

If you want more of a high-end appearance, either stone or flagstone can be used, but it’s more expensive. However, brick paver patios are cheaper than stone and could look just as nice. Finally, wood patios look the most natural and traditional, but may need regular replacement. As you can see, patios have a bigger material selection, than the materials needed to build a deck. 

Costs Estimates (Averages) of Building a Deck or Patio

The overall cost to build either of these structures depends mainly on its size and materials used. On average, decks cost around $7,000 to build and around $35 per square foot for installation. 

Also, the materials for decks cost around $3 – $25 per square foot. On average, patios cost about $3,200 to build and around $10 – $20 per square foot to install. Then, the materials cost close to $1.50 – $30 per square foot. As shown, it’s cheaper and easier to build a patio. The cheapest material to build a patio with is concrete. 

(Wondering how thick does a concrete slab need to be for a patio? Check out that article to find out!)

Since building a patio or a deck is considered a home improvement, it has the potential to increase your resale value. Which is the better investment? Let’s see. Decks are more costly to install, but have a higher return on investment at around 60-80%. Patios cost less to install, but have a return on investment at around 50%. So, the best overall investment would be to build a deck.

DIY Deck and Patio Building

Some people who don’t want to pay installation costs consider building it themselves. DIY building of patios or decks both have their pros and cons. A good thing about building your own deck is obviously saving money on installation costs. However, you need the right experience, tools, knowledge, and patience it takes to build a quality deck. Not to mention, it takes a good amount of your personal time. 

If you decide to build your own patio, it might be a good idea if you use a simple material like gravel. However, all patio materials are quite heavy, take time and knowledge to build, and it would be hard to tell if you installed your patio properly. Nonetheless, if you do decide to build either yourself, it’s more reasonable to build a patio rather than a deck. 

Weatherproofing your deck or patio

Another factor to consider when deciding between a deck or patio is weatherproofing. Any outdoor structure needs to be weather-resistance for it to last. Decks and patios would require some sort of waterproofing, sealing, and coating in order for its surface to be protected from the weather. 

Weatherproofing with decks is less of a hassle because since they’re composed of more expensive materials, they might just need recurring cleaning. However, wood decks might require sealing and waterproofing every couple of years and sealing alone is expensive. 

On the other hand, materials that make up patios do not need as much treatment for weatherproofing, except cleaning and coating. However, if the material gets too wet constantly, it may crack and need resurfacing. Overall, it’s easier to protect patios from weather than it is decks. 

Other Items to Consider When Building a Deck or Patio

When deciding between a deck or patio, it’s also important to keep in mind where you live. Your overall landscape and the climate of your region does have an impact on what option is best for you. A good aspect about decks is that they don’t rely on a specific ground environment to support the structure. 

However, materials may need more maintenance in exceptionally dry or humid climates. Moving on to patios, their materials can keep their appearance and condition, even in very hot or very cold places. Although, patios are harder to protect from ground moisture or flooding. Therefore, the most adaptable choice would be to build a deck when it comes to landscape and climate conditions.

Deck and Patio Sustainability

Another factor to consider when making your choice is sustainability. Ecological home improvements help reduce waste and save energy consumption. Pertaining to decks, composite units use a small amount of wood and don’t require harmful chemical treatments. 

Unfortunately, materials that look good often come from careless sourcing methods. Regarding patios, if they’re composed of brick or stone, they might last decades longer. Sadly, materials like concrete have high carbon emissions. This shows that the most sustainable option would be to build a deck.

Size and Placement of your Deck and Patio

A different factor to consider is the size and placement of your deck or patio. A good thing about floating decks is that they can be installed almost anywhere. You can build a deck on water features or uneven surfaces. However, decks need to be an adequate size to support weight. On the other hand, patios can be built in any size, but you need to make sure that the land is graded appropriately before installing to avoid flooding your house. When it comes to size and placement, patios are the best choice.

Privacy of Your Deck and Patio Space

It’s also quite important to consider privacy when you’re thinking about building an outdoor space. To keep a deck private, you can install a screen anywhere and it would look natural. If you want to make your patio a little more private, you can build an enclosure for privacy and year-round comfort. However, they’re somewhat expensive and defenseless against moisture damage. Hence, the most affordable and accessible feature for privacy would be to choose a deck.

Maintenance Costs of Your Deck and Patio

Another factor to consider when choosing between decks or patios is the cost for maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. Decks built of certain materials only need the occasional spraying or refinishing. Although, repairing a deck costs about $1,500 each time. Patio are usually built of materials that require less maintenance over the lifespan of the patio. The problem with low-maintenance is that some people ignore long-term problems with the structure, which in the long-run it’s expensive to fix. That is why patios are the easiest structure to manage.

In Conclusion

So, is it cheaper to build a deck or patio? Patios are cheaper to build since they’re composed of simple material. However, decks are a better home investment and more sustainable. Overall, both decks and patios have their pros and cons. It ultimately depends on what you’re specifically looking for to make the best decision for your home. If you can’t decide between the two, you can always build both!