Skip to content
  • Free written quotes
  • Local crews
Call now (02) 5550 1498
Sydney, NSW (02) 5550 1498
Get my free washing
Weathered timber deck partly cleaned back to warm brown

Deck and fence cleaning in Sydney

Deck pressure washing in Sydney for timber decks and fences

Restore weathered, mouldy and stained timber with the right pressure and a cleaner that suits the wood.

  • Merbau, spotted gum and treated pine
  • Mould, grey weathering and tannin stains
  • Written quote before work starts

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

How do you clean a timber deck without damaging it?

Deck pressure washing in Sydney needs care, because timber is softer than concrete. Too much pressure raises the grain, leaves fuzzy or striped patches and can chew into soft boards. The usual approach is a cleaning solution to lift mould and grey surface fibres, followed by a controlled rinse with a wide fan tip, moving with the grain.

Some decks also need a brightening step to even out the colour, especially after tannin staining or heavy weathering. If the deck was oiled or stained before, the old finish may have to be removed to get an even result. After cleaning, the timber needs time to dry before any oil or sealer is applied. The finishing product is a separate job that you can discuss with the provider.

Fences use the same logic. Our house washing page explains the soft wash method used on painted surfaces.

What problems show up on Sydney decks and fences?

Outdoor timber in a humid coastal climate takes a beating. Common problems are:

  • Black and green mould on boards that stay damp, particularly in shade.
  • Silvery-grey weathering where the old oil or stain has worn off.
  • Tannin stains, which show as brown patches or streaks after rain, often on hardwoods such as merbau.
  • Leaf stains and algae under trees and pots.
  • Rust marks around screws, nails and metal fittings.
  • Slippery boards, which are a safety concern on stairs and near pools.

Timber type matters. Hardwoods such as spotted gum and merbau are dense and often carry natural oils, while treated pine is softer and can fuzz up under strong pressure. Older cypress or painted paling fences may have loose paint that comes off in patches.

Look for loose boards, popped nails and rot before cleaning. Cleaning does not repair damaged timber, and soft rot may mean replacement.

Can a pressure washer be used on Colorbond or paling fences?

Yes, but not in the same way. Colorbond fences are painted steel. A gentle wash with a mild detergent usually removes dust, salt film and mould, while strong pressure can scratch the paint or push water behind the sheets. Moving along the fence at a distance works better than concentrating on one spot.

Timber paling fences are often softer and weathered. Washing too hard can splinter the palings, loosen the rails and spray old paint onto the neighbour's side. Talk to your neighbour before a fence wash, especially if the fence is shared, and tell the crew which side faces which property.

Retaining walls, sleeper walls and pergolas can be cleaned in the same visit. Check ahead whether a sleeper wall is treated pine or something else, as the cleaner needs to suit it. Any wall that supports a garden bed or slope should be checked for movement first, and that is a builder's job.

Deck and fence cleaning is quoted in writing. The main factors are:

  • The deck area and the total length and height of the fence.
  • The timber type and how weathered it is.
  • The condition of any old oil, stain or paint.
  • Whether stairs, balustrades, pergolas or furniture are included.
  • Access, particularly for a raised deck, narrow side passage or tight yard.
  • Whether brightening or stain removal is needed on top of the basic clean.

A flat ground-level deck is quicker than a raised multi-level deck with stairs. Ask for the quote to list what is covered, whether GST is added and what happens if the weather delays the job. Linking this with a driveway wash may save set-up time.

How long does it take, and when is the best time to call?

A medium deck is often a half-day to a full day of work, including the time the cleaning solution needs to sit. Fences vary with length. Heavy mould, old finishes and complicated stairs add time.

On the day, plants are wet down or covered, furniture is moved and gaps between boards are checked for debris. The crew cleans, rinses and may leave the deck to dry. Keep pets and children off the timber until it is dry, since wet boards are slippery.

If you plan to oil or stain the deck, book the cleaning first and allow drying time. Many owners do this in a stretch of dry weather, and Sydney can offer that in any season, but rain can arrive without much warning. Call when the boards turn grey, when mould appears or when a deck starts feeling slippery. See also commercial washing for cafe and shopfront decks, or go back to the home page.

How it works

1

Send photos or request a visit

Tell us what needs cleaning.

2

Get a written quote

Clear price before any work starts.

3

We clean and tidy up

Rinse, check and leave the site clean.

Free written quotes
Local crews
Safe soft-wash methods
Fast scheduling

Request deck and fence cleaning

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

No obligation.

Questions about pressure washing in Sydney

Will pressure washing damage my timber deck?

It can if the pressure is too high, the tip is too narrow or the wand is held too close. That can raise the grain, leave stripes and splinter soft boards. A wider fan tip, lower pressure and movement along the grain reduce the risk. Tell the crew the type of timber and whether it has been oiled before.

How do you remove the grey colour from old timber?

Grey weathering is a thin layer of surface fibres that have broken down in the sun and rain. A suitable cleaner lifts it, and a brightening step can restore some colour. Heavily weathered boards may still look uneven. Sanding is sometimes needed, which is a separate job. Results depend on the timber and its condition.

Should I oil the deck straight after cleaning?

No. Timber needs to dry first, and the time depends on the weather, shade and timber type. Applying oil to damp boards can trap moisture and cause patchy results. Follow the instructions on the product you choose, and ask the crew how long to wait. Many owners book the cleaning and oiling a few days apart.

Can you clean a fence that is shared with a neighbour?

Yes, but it is polite to let your neighbour know first, since overspray, runoff and old paint can reach their side. Under NSW law, shared dividing fences are normally a shared responsibility, so check before changing a fence in any way beyond cleaning. The crew can tell you which sections need care.

Is the cleaning solution safe around plants and pets?

Plants are normally wet down before and after cleaning, and delicate ones can be covered. Keep pets and children away until the boards are rinsed and dry. Ask which products will be used. If your deck has a pool, a vegetable garden or a pond close by, mention it in advance so runoff can be controlled.

Ready when you are. Call now or request a quote online.

Call for a free quote
Get my free washing quote