Your deck is where the Lowcountry evenings happen, so it shouldn’t be gray, green or slick underfoot. We clean wood and composite decks, steps and railings with low pressure and a wood-safe cleaner that lifts mildew, algae and grime without tearing up the boards.
Wood & Composite Decks
Wood decks
Most decks around here are pressure-treated pine, with some cedar and tropical hardwoods. Wood is soft, and it soaks up water. In our humidity, mildew and algae get into the grain, especially on boards that stay shaded by oaks or sit close to the ground. Sun then bleaches the top fibers gray. A proper cleaning removes the growth and the dead gray layer so the wood underneath shows again.
Composite and PVC decks
Composite boards don’t rot, but they’re not maintenance-free. Mold and mildew grow in the texture and in the dirt and pollen that collect between boards, and leaves and tannins leave dark spots. Composite needs a gentle cleaning solution and a soft rinse, not high pressure, which can scar the surface and may go against the board maker’s care instructions.
We also clean the parts people forget: stairs, railings, balusters, lattice and the gaps between boards.
Why We Use Low Pressure on Wood
Is pressure washing bad for a deck? It can be. A high-pressure wand held too close cuts into soft pine, leaving fuzzy, splintered “furring,” wand marks and gouges that you can see for years. It also drives water deep into the wood.
We let the cleaner do the work and use only enough pressure to rinse. You get clean wood with a smooth surface that’s ready to enjoy, or ready for stain.
Our Deck Cleaning Process
- Inspect. We check the boards, railings and stairs and note any loose boards, popped nails or soft spots before we start.
- Protect. We pre-rinse plants and nearby surfaces.
- Apply a wood-safe cleaner. We apply a cleaner suited to your deck material and let it break down mildew, algae and dirt.
- Low-pressure rinse. We rinse the deck, railings and stairs board by board, following the grain.
- Final rinse and walk-through. We rinse your plants and surrounding areas again and look the deck over with you.
What to Do After Deck Cleaning: Stain or Seal?
Cleaning removes the dirt and growth. Stain is what protects the wood afterward. If your deck is bare, gray or the old stain is wearing through, the best time to stain is after a cleaning, once the wood has dried out.
We offer deck and fence staining too, so one crew can clean the wood, let it dry and stain it. Composite decks don’t usually need stain, just a regular cleaning.
What to do after your deck is cleaned:
- Let it dry fully before putting rugs and planters back.
- If you plan to stain, wait until the wood is completely dry. We’ll tell you when it’s ready.
- Sweep off leaves and pollen regularly so they don’t sit and stain the boards.
- Keep planters on feet or stands so water doesn’t pool under them.
What Affects the Price
- Deck size and number of levels
- Railings, stairs and lattice: detailed areas take more time
- Material: wood or composite
- How much growth and gray is on the boards
- Height and access: second-story decks or tight yards
- Adding staining after the cleaning
Every deck is quoted individually, and the quote is free.
Deck Cleaning FAQs
Is pressure washing bad for a wood deck?
High pressure can be. It can splinter, fuzz and gouge soft wood. We use a wood-safe cleaner and low pressure, which cleans the deck without damaging the boards.
Can you clean composite decks?
Yes. We use a gentle cleaner and a soft rinse that removes mildew and dirt from the texture of the boards without scarring them.
What should I do to my deck after it’s cleaned?
Let it dry. If it’s wood and it’s bare or faded, that’s the ideal time to stain it once it’s fully dry. We offer deck staining as a follow-up.
How often should I clean my deck in the Lowcountry?
About once a year for most decks. Shaded decks under oaks or near the marsh may need it more often.
How long until we can use the deck again?
Usually the same day, once it’s dry to the touch.
Related Services
- Fence Cleaning: wood and vinyl fences cleaned gently
- Deck, Fence & Pergola Staining: protect the wood once it’s clean and dry
- Patio, Pool Deck & Porch Cleaning: for concrete, paver and brick outdoor spaces
Get a Free Deck Cleaning Quote
We’re licensed and insured, and we’re open 9 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. Request a free deck cleaning quote or call (843) 592-6848.
Proudly serving Beaufort, Lady’s Island, Port Royal, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, SC.
Get Your Free Quote
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