Recently purchased a 1800 psi electric power washer and cleaned 1000
sq ft
pine deck after 5 years of neglect with watewr only.

I was motivated by an astronomical bid from a local contractor and
decided to invest $170 to determine if I could do it myself instead.

Power washer worked like a charm, removing grime and mildew in no time
at all.
Property is located in Blue Ridge section of North Carolina and
winters can be harsh coupled with the fact I am surrounded by trees
(keeps it cool but very little sun).

Now that I own the power washer, I intend to keep after the deck more
diligently.

My question is- If I keep after the deck with the power washer
regularly do I
need to apply a wood preservative? The deck is 5 years old.

Would appreciate suggestions from those more knowledgeable. Thanks

Bought a Karcher 1800 psi electric at Lowes.

Since I am 72 years old and retired with the luxury of time available,
I was in no rush.

Did as much as I felt like as long as I felt like so I didn't time the
entire 1000 sq ft.

Recollect first section maybe 250 sq ft with heavy black grime took me
about an hour to clean. It went faster when I became more accustomed
to the contraption.

(Joe Doe) wrote in message ...

In article ,
(PJ O'Donovan) wrote:


Power washer worked like a charm, removing grime and mildew in no time
at all.


What power washer did you buy and how long did the job take to complete?

Thanks.

Roland

In article ,
(PJ O'Donovan) wrote:

Bought a Karcher 1800 psi electric at Lowes.

Since I am 72 years old and retired with the luxury of time available,
I was in no rush.

Did as much as I felt like as long as I felt like so I didn't time the
entire 1000 sq ft.

Recollect first section maybe 250 sq ft with heavy black grime took me
about an hour to clean. It went faster when I became more accustomed
to the contraption.


Thanks for the reply, I was sitting on the fence about getting an electric
washer and you have just suceeded in pushing me over. I have no gasoloine
powered tools (electric mower, line trimmer etc.) and a very small deck
(less than 200 sq ft). I would prefer electric because I hate breathing
gasoline fumes was just not sure it could do a good job.

Thanks.

Roland

"PJ O'Donovan" wrote in message
om...
Property is located in Blue Ridge section of North Carolina and
winters can be harsh...

You don't know what harsh is, boy!

(PJ O'Donovan) wrote in message . com...

My question is- If I keep after the deck with the power washer
regularly do I
need to apply a wood preservative? The deck is 5 years old.

Would appreciate suggestions from those more knowledgeable. Thanks

Cold weather doesn't damage deck much. The sun and water do.

Oil stain is a good idea. Speed pad or roller is fast and easier on
your back than brush.

In article ,
(Drizler) wrote:

Stain the deck the easy way. Get yourself a 5 gallon pail of wood
preservative, I get whats on sale for -$40. Then get a decent
plastic garden sprayer if you don't already have one. You can spray
the entire deck in a couple leisurely hours without bending over at
all. Try to adjust the spray so its more of a fine spray than a mist
so it goes on thick. Don't try to save the preservative but rather
"get it wet". Reapplication every 2 years is the recommended norm.


If you do this, does the sprayer have to be dedicated for stain or can the
stain be easily cleaned out and the sprayer used for other tasks.
Likewise, can you use a sprayer that had say home defense and use it for
this application.

I guess what I am asking is what solvent are deck stains/preservatives
dissolved in and are they water compatible (i.e. will residual water from
washing out the sprayer screw them up).

Roland