Wood Cleaning & Restoration

Wood decks in Oregon face constant moisture from fall through spring, then UV exposure and drying in summer. Stain and sealer break down quickly — most products last 2-3 years before they need reapplication. Composite decks don't need staining, but they still grow mildew and need periodic cleaning.

For wood decks, we start by stripping any failing finish with a chemical stripper or heavy-duty pressure washing. Then we clean the wood with a deck cleaner to remove dirt and mildew, followed by a brightening treatment that neutralizes the cleaner and restores the wood's natural color. The deck needs to dry completely — usually 48 hours in summer, longer in spring or fall — before we apply stain.

“Wood decks in Oregon face constant moisture from fall through spring, then UV exposure and drying in summer — stain and sealer break down quickly.”

We use oil-based or water-based stains depending on your preference. Oil-based penetrates deeper and lasts slightly longer but takes longer to dry. Water-based cleans up easier and has less odor. Both need two coats on horizontal surfaces (decking boards) and one coat on vertical surfaces (railings). We back-brush the stain into the wood rather than just spraying, which ensures even coverage and better penetration.

Composite decks get washed at low pressure to avoid damaging the surface. We use a deck cleaner to remove mildew and embedded dirt. No staining is needed, but some composite products benefit from a UV protectant sealer.

AWP Exterior Cleaning handles wood cleaning and restoration across Oregon and Western Washington. Properties in both states deal with similar climate challenges — constant moisture, UV exposure, and seasonal mildew growth. Coastal properties in Western Washington see heavier salt exposure that accelerates wood degradation, while valley properties in Oregon deal with more tree pollen and organic buildup.

Typical deck cleaning and staining runs $800-$2000 depending on deck size and condition. Cleaning alone (no staining) is $200-$500. Best time to schedule is late spring or summer when you get consistent dry weather for proper drying and curing. If your deck hasn't been stained in over three years, expect heavier stripping and longer prep time.