Why Wood Fences and Decks Turn Gray and Green in Austin
Austin sun breaks down the surface of bare wood, which turns it gray within a year or two. Shade and humidity then let mildew and algae grow, especially on the north side of fences and under trees. Sprinklers that hit the same boards every day leave dark water lines and sometimes orange rust spots. Cedar and oak pollen stick to damp wood and make everything look dull.
Most of that gray is only on the surface. Under it, the wood is usually still sound and can look close to new again after the right cleaning. That is why cleaning comes first, whether you want a fresh look or plan to stain.
Wood Fence Cleaning
Most Austin backyards have cedar or pressure treated pine privacy fences, often in a board on board or shadowbox style. We clean the pickets, rails, posts, and gates with low pressure, working with the grain of the wood. We rinse the bottom of the fence carefully, where dirt splash and sprinkler stains build up. Your quote covers the sides you choose, and we only clean a neighbor's side with their permission.
Wood Deck Cleaning
Wood decks collect dirt, leaves, and mildew between the boards and on railings and stairs. We clean the deck surface, railings, stair treads, and the gaps between boards so water can drain and the wood can dry. Soft woods like cedar and pine need very low pressure, and hardwoods need the right cleaner more than extra force. Clean boards are also safer, because mildew makes wet wood slippery.
Composite Deck Cleaning
Composite decks like Trex do not rot, but they still collect dirt, pollen, and mildew in their grain pattern. Trex says a pressure washer at no more than 3,100 psi with a fan tip may be used on its Transcend, Enhance, and Select lines, holding the tip at least 8 inches from the boards. Trex also warns that going above 3,100 psi could damage the boards and void the warranty. We stay well below that limit, use a fan tip, and rinse thoroughly so no dirty film dries on the surface.
How We Clean Wood Without Damaging It
Low Pressure and the Right Tips
Too much pressure tears up soft wood fibers and leaves a fuzzy, splintered surface that looks worse than before. It can also cut lines into the boards that show up even after staining. We use low pressure, wide fan tips, and long even strokes that follow the grain.
Cleaners Made for Wood
We clean wood with a cleaner made for decks and fences, which lifts gray weathering and kills mildew. Strong chlorine mixes that work on siding can be too harsh for bare wood and can bleach it unevenly. After cleaning, a wood brightener can restore the natural color and prepare the wood for stain.
Protecting Your Grass and Plants
Fences run right along lawns and flower beds, so we soak grass and plants before cleaning and rinse them well after. We keep runoff away from vegetable gardens and pet areas. If you have plants climbing the fence, point them out and we will work around them.
| Surface | Our Method | Main Risk With High Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar fence or deck | Low pressure, wood cleaner | Fuzzy grain and splinters |
| Pressure treated pine | Low pressure, wood cleaner | Raised grain and lines in boards |
| Hardwood deck | Wood cleaner, controlled pressure | Uneven color and surface marks |
| Composite deck | Fan tip, under Trex limits | Surface damage and warranty issues |
Cleaning Before Staining
If you plan to stain your fence or deck, cleaning is the most important step. Stain will not stick well to dirt, mildew, or gray fibers, and it will peel sooner. After cleaning, wood usually needs at least one to two sunny days to dry before staining, and the stain label will list the exact time. Many Austin HOAs have approved fence stain colors, so check with yours before choosing one. [If Robert offers staining, add the service and price here. If not, keep this section as advice only.]
How Much Does Deck and Fence Cleaning Cost in Austin?
| Area | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Fence, 6 ft tall, per 100 linear feet, one side | $180 to $350 |
| Fence, both sides | About double the one side price |
| Deck, up to 300 sq ft | $199 to $299 |
| Deck, 300 to 600 sq ft | $299 to $449 |
| Larger decks or multi level decks | Quoted after a walkthrough |
Your price depends on the length and height of the fence, the size of the deck, and how much gray and mildew has built up. Railings, stairs, and tight landscaping add time. Adding a house wash or patio cleaning to the same visit usually costs less than booking them separately. You always get a written quote before any work begins.
Recent Deck and Fence Projects in Austin
Pflugerville: 180 feet of gray cedar privacy fence cleaned on both sides before the homeowner stained it in an HOA approved color. Cleaned and brightened in about five hours, with the neighbor's permission for their side.
Avery Ranch: Composite deck with pollen buildup and mildew in the shaded corners. Cleaned with a fan tip well below the Trex pressure limit and rinsed thoroughly, in about two hours.
Deck and Fence Cleaning FAQs
Will pressure washing damage my fence?
Can you make my gray fence look new again?
How long should I wait to stain after cleaning?
Do you clean my neighbor's side of the fence?
Will the cleaner kill the grass along my fence?
Get a Free Deck and Fence Cleaning Quote in Austin
Send us a few photos of your fence or deck, or book a free walkthrough. Call or text (737) 344-9565, or visit our office at 5555 N. Lamar Blvd, Bldg C, Austin, TX 78751. We reply with a written quote within two business hours. There is no cost and no obligation to book.