How to Clean and Restain a Wood Deck in Tennessee
Most decks around Franklin are pressure-treated pine, with some cedar. Sun turns wood gray within a season, and shade grows mildew. Cleaning and staining on schedule is what keeps boards from splitting.
Clean, brighten, stain
A proper job has three steps. A wood cleaner removes graying and mildew, a brightener (usually oxalic acid) restores the wood's pH and color, and a penetrating stain goes on once the wood is fully dry. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory's research on wood finishes backs penetrating stains for decks.
Pressure matters
Wood is soft. Too much pressure raises fuzz and carves grooves that look like tiger stripes once stained. Pros use low pressure and let the chemistry do the work.
How often
Horizontal deck boards in full Tennessee sun usually need restaining every 1–3 years depending on the product. Vertical rails last longer. When water stops beading, it's time.
What you can try yourself
- Sweep and remove furniture and planters.
- Apply a deck cleaner, scrub and rinse.
- Brighten, rinse and let dry 48 hours or more before staining.
What to avoid
- Staining damp wood.
- Film-forming paints on horizontal boards, which peel.
- Pressure washing with a narrow tip.
When to call a professional
Large or multi-level decks, or decks with old peeling finishes that need stripping, are much faster with professional equipment. See our deck & fence cleaning service.
What customers say
"1st Class Pressure washing is a very professional business. They came out and gave us a quote with multiple options, scheduled the work and did an amazing job with our fence. They guided us all the way and we are super thankful for the team and a job well done!"
Shannon S. · Google Review
"Wally and Max were Great! Professional, friendly, hard working. Great job washing tired old fences. Look super. I will never use another service. Price was very competitive. Thanks guys!"
Greg L. · Google Review
"Estimate process was easy and straightforward. Communication via text and email to setup and confirm the work. Guys came when they said they would and did a great job. Fence and deck were covered in algae and cleaned up great. The patio was mismatched already but it looks amazing now. They hit the windows too which made a big difference. Final invoice came via email right after the work was completed."
Christopher H. · Google Review
96 Google reviews from homeowners and businesses across Middle Tennessee. Read them all on Google.
Get a free quote
Get a Free Quote Today
Same-day estimates · No pressure · No obligation
Related guides
- What Affects the Cost of Deck and Fence Cleaning
- A Seasonal Deck Maintenance Schedule for Tennessee
- How to Clean a Green or Dirty Vinyl Fence
- How to Clean Composite Decking (Trex, TimberTech and More)
Serving Williamson County
Franklin · Brentwood · Spring Hill · Nolensville · Thompson's Station · Arrington · College Grove · Belle Meade · Nashville · Murfreesboro
Sources
Rather Have the Pros Handle It?
Call for a free, same-day estimate or send us a few details and we'll get right back to you.