Timber decks need specific care — high pressure raises the grain and damages hardwood permanently. Professional low-pressure cleaning with appropriate chemistry restores decks safely.
We reply within 2 hours · Mon–Sat
Timber deck cleaning is one of the cleaning tasks where the wrong method causes more damage than the original staining. Queensland's hardwood decks — typically Merbau, Spotted Gum, Ironbark, Blackbutt or treated pine — develop green algae, mould and weathering staining rapidly in the subtropical climate. The temptation is to hit them with a high-pressure washer, which removes visible staining — but also raises the wood grain, causing splintering and a roughened surface that is both unpleasant underfoot and significantly harder to oil or stain for future maintenance. The correct method for timber deck cleaning is low-pressure washing with appropriate biocidal and oxalic acid chemistry that cleans without raising the grain.
Timber grain is formed by alternating hard and soft cells in the wood structure. High-pressure water preferentially erodes the softer cells, raising and separating the grain — a process called grain raising. This creates a rough, splintered surface that is unpleasant underfoot, difficult to re-oil evenly and more susceptible to water ingress. Raised grain on a hardwood deck requires sanding to correct.
Grey, weathered hardwood decks can be significantly brightened with oxalic acid treatment — the acid dissolves the oxidised wood compounds that cause grey colouring, revealing the natural wood tone beneath. This is typically combined with biocidal treatment for algae removal.
If you are planning to oil or stain your deck, a professional clean first is essential — oil and deck stain applied over algae, dirt or old flaking coatings will not bond properly and will fail prematurely. A professional pre-oiling clean is one of our most requested specialist services.
Modern composite decking products such as Trex and Ekodeck are easier to clean than hardwood — less sensitive to pressure and easier to maintain. We clean composite decking with appropriate gentle technique.
Yes — low-pressure soft washing with appropriate chemistry is specifically the correct method for timber decks. High pressure raises grain and damages hardwood permanently.
Yes — pre-oiling deck cleaning is one of our most requested services. A thorough clean before oiling ensures the oil bonds properly and lasts longer.
Oxalic acid treatment brightens grey weathered hardwood significantly by dissolving the oxidised wood compounds causing the grey colouring.
Depends on deck size and condition. Contact us for a free assessment and quote.
Based in Redlands, serving all of South East Queensland. Reply within 2 hours Mon–Sat.
0412 291 614