Decking cleaning and restoration is the cheapest of the six services we cover. Our indicative range is £150–£650 for a modest domestic deck. A straightforward clean sits at the bottom; stripping an old coating, sanding and returning to apply further coats sits at the top. Large decks and heavy coating removal can go beyond it.
What surprises people is that size is not the main factor. The state of the existing finish matters more. Washing off a winter's dirt is one job. Getting a flaking, half-worn stain off before anything new will stick is another, and on the same deck it can cost several times as much.
Restoration prices by what the deck needs
Indicative decking cleaning and restoration costs (as a guide)
| Treatment | Guide cost | What is involved |
|---|---|---|
| Clean and brighten | £150–£300 | Clearing debris and gaps, cleaning off dirt and green growth and brightening timber on a small deck, with no coating to remove |
| Clean and re-oil | £300–£475 | A full clean, light sanding where needed and one fresh coat of oil or stain once the timber is dry |
| Strip and restore | £475–£650+ | Removing a peeling or incompatible finish, more sanding, and a return visit for further coats |
If you know what was last put on the deck (an oil, a stain, a paint) tell the contractor. It decides whether the job is a wash and recoat or a strip back to bare wood.
Why some jobs need two visits
Timber has to be dry enough for the finish to soak in or bond. After a thorough clean, that can mean waiting, sometimes for days in damp weather, before the coating can go on. Many contractors therefore clean on one visit and finish on another. That costs more than a single visit, but it gives a better result than oiling wet wood. Ask whether the price assumes one visit or two, and what happens if the weather turns.
What else affects the cost
- Area, especially on large or multi-level decks
- How much algae, moss and packed leaf litter there is, including in the gaps
- Whether the old coating is wearing away evenly or peeling in patches
- Steps, rails and balustrades, which take far longer per square metre than open boards
- Protecting plants, ponds, drains and nearby paving from runoff
- Access to water and a route for equipment
Composite decks cost less, but differ
Composite boards are usually cleaned rather than restored. There is no oil or stain to renew, so the job tends to be at the cheaper end. The method has to suit the board, though: abrasive pads, strong chemicals or a pressure washer used too close can mark the surface. Sanding and oiling composite like timber is usually wrong, particularly for capped boards, unless the manufacturer specifically approves it.
Cleaning is not a repair
A freshly cleaned deck can look excellent and still have soft boards or weak joists underneath. If boards flex, a step moves or a rail is loose, deal with that first; a cosmetic treatment will not fix it. Our decking repair cost guide covers targeted repairs, and the checklist of signs your decking needs replacing helps if the problems are more widespread.
For a budget figure across all our services, use the decking cost calculator. To have your deck looked at, request quotes and mention any ponds or sensitive planting nearby.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a deck need restoring?
There is no single schedule. It depends on the finish, how much sun, shade and foot traffic the deck gets, and the weather. Many owners clean once or twice a year and re-finish timber when the existing coat has worn.
Will cleaning stop the deck being slippery?
It removes the algae and dirt that cause most slipperiness, but they return. Regular sweeping, clear gaps and good drainage keep the surface safer for longer.
Is jet washing bad for decking?
It can be. High pressure held close to timber can raise and damage the surface fibres, and it can mark some composite boards. A good contractor uses a method that suits the board.
Can I change from a stain to an oil?
Often only after the old stain has been removed, because many oils cannot soak through a film finish. That preparation is what moves a job into the higher price band.
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