Deck Cleaning & Restoration in Portland, OR
Portland's wet winters are rough on decks. Moss, mildew, and weathering take their toll fast. We clean and restore wood and composite decks so they're safe, good-looking, and ready to use.
What Portland's Climate Does to Decks
A deck that gets good use from May through September spends the rest of the year being rained on. Portland's extended wet season — often six months of near-continuous moisture — is hard on any outdoor wood surface. Even pressure-treated lumber isn't immune to moss and mildew when it stays damp for weeks at a time.
The visible signs are familiar: green or black patches of algae, gray weathered boards, and slick surfaces that are genuinely dangerous in wet weather. Left alone, moss holds moisture against the wood and accelerates decay. What started as a cosmetic issue becomes structural if it's ignored long enough.
A thorough cleaning removes all the biological growth and weathered surface material, leaving the deck ready to use again — or ready for staining and sealing if you want to go further. We also clean railings, stairs, and the area under the deck. If you're having your driveway or patio pressure washed at the same time, we can often bundle both in one visit. See our pricing page for starting rates.
What We Do
- Cleans wood and composite deck surfaces
- Removes moss, mildew, algae, and organic staining
- Eliminates slippery surfaces caused by algae growth
- Prepares wood decks for staining, sealing, or refinishing
- Brightens weathered, gray-looking wood
- Safe pressure settings matched to your deck material
Our Deck Cleaning Process
Deck Inspection
We check for soft spots, damaged boards, loose fasteners, and areas of heavy moss or rot before starting. If there's damage we think you should know about, we'll tell you.
Apply Cleaning Solution
We apply a deck-appropriate cleaning solution to break down mildew, moss, and weathering. On wood decks, this also helps open the grain if you plan to stain.
Pressure Wash
Using appropriate pressure for your deck material, we clean the entire surface including between boards. Composite decks require lower pressure than wood.
Rinse & Detail
A thorough rinse clears all loosened debris. Railings, posts, and stairs are included — we don't just do the flat deck surface.
Dry Time Advice
If you're planning to stain or seal, we'll tell you how long to wait before applying finish. Portland's humidity means wood needs adequate dry time to accept stain properly.
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(503) 412-8449Frequently Asked Questions
Is my deck safe to pressure wash or will it damage the wood?
Done correctly, pressure washing is safe for most wood and composite decks. The key is matching the pressure to the material. Composite decks need lower pressure than dense hardwood. We use the right settings and keep the nozzle moving to avoid etching the wood grain.
My deck boards have turned gray — can cleaning fix that?
Graying is caused by weathering of the surface wood fibers. Cleaning removes the organic material (moss, dirt, mildew) that accelerates this and brightens the wood noticeably. For a full restoration, staining or sealing after cleaning is the most effective way to restore color and protect it going forward.
Should I stain my deck after cleaning?
If the wood is dried out, weathered, or unprotected, yes — staining or sealing after a cleaning dramatically extends the deck's life and keeps the wood from absorbing moisture through the rainy season. We can clean and prep the surface; the staining itself is something you'd do after the wood has had adequate time to dry.
How often should I clean my deck in Portland?
At minimum once a year. Portland's damp climate means moss and mildew establish on deck surfaces quickly, especially if the deck is shaded. An annual clean in spring before you start using the deck keeps it looking good and prevents buildup that's harder to remove.
Related Services
Pressure Washing
Bundle your deck clean with driveway or patio pressure washing in the same visit.
Learn more →Driveway Cleaning
Get your driveway and deck cleaned together for a full outdoor refresh.
Learn more →Get your deck ready for summer.
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