Scott wrote:

We have a large cedar deck that's two years old. The clear stain only lasted
a year and a half before greying. This spring, I want to have the deck power-
washed, and then I'll stain it with a Sikkens stain with some pigment. My
wife has a Polish friend who owns a power washer. He says he'll clean it for
free. The contractor who built the deck said you have to be careful when power-
washing. If you use too much pressure, you'll lift the grain of the wood and
damage it. That's why I'm planning to ask a professional to do it. Is there
a danger to asking an amateur to do it instead?

Thanks!
Scott

Update:

My professional friend came over with his pressure-washer, but after looking at
the deck, he decided to go the bleach and scrub brush route. It came out really
clean. After a few days, I followed up with Sikkens Light Cedar stain, which I
applied by paint brush. Everything now looks great. Thanks for all your input!

Scott