Will pressure washing damage my wood deck?

It can if done incorrectly. We use a professional soft washing approach that relies on specialized wood cleaners and brighteners, followed by a low-pressure rinse. This is the safest and most effective method to clean wood without causing damage like furring or splintering.

How often should a deck be cleaned and sealed in Tennessee?

For the Middle Tennessee climate, we recommend professionally cleaning and sealing your wood deck or fence every 2-3 years. This protects the wood from UV damage and moisture, prevents rot, and keeps it looking its best.

Can you clean composite decking like Trex?

Yes, absolutely. We use composite-safe detergents and cleaning methods recommended by manufacturers like Trex to safely remove algae, mold, and grime from composite surfaces without causing scratches or damage.

What is the difference between an oil-based and water-based deck stain?

Oil-based stains penetrate deep into the wood pores, nourishing the wood and providing a rich finish, but they can be prone to mildew and have a shorter lifespan (2-4 years). Water-based stains form a protective film on the surface, offering superior UV protection and durability (3-5 years), but they can peel if the prep work is not perfect.

What is the longest-lasting coating for a wood deck?

Solid color stains and paints offer the longest-lasting protection for a wood deck, often lasting 5-10 years or more. They provide a thick, opaque barrier against both moisture and UV rays. However, they are also the most difficult to maintain and require extensive prep work (stripping and sanding) when it's time to re-coat.

Do I need to strip my deck before applying a new stain?

If your deck has a previous sealer or stain that is failing (peeling, flaking, or heavily weathered), then yes, a full strip and brighten process is essential. Applying a new coat over a failing one is guaranteed to fail quickly. Our professional prep service ensures the wood is perfectly prepared to accept the new coating for a long-lasting finish.

What is the process for restoring a wood deck with failing paint?

The professional process involves applying a chemical stripper (like a Sodium Hydroxide-based solution) to dissolve the old paint, followed by a low-pressure rinse. After stripping, a wood brightener is applied to neutralize the pH and open the wood's pores. A final light sanding is then performed to ensure a perfectly smooth surface ready for a new coating.

Do you need to sand a deck after pressure washing?

After a professional chemical stripping and cleaning process, a light sanding is often recommended. This removes any raised wood fibers (furring) and ensures the new stain or sealant will absorb evenly, resulting in a smoother, more durable finish.

What chemicals do you use to clean a wood deck?

We use a variety of professional-grade chemicals depending on the situation. For general organic growth, we use Sodium Hypochlorite or Sodium Percarbonate. For stripping old, failed stains, we use a more powerful Sodium Hydroxide-based solution. In all cases, we follow up with a wood brightener to neutralize the wood and prepare it for a new coat.

What chemicals do you use to strip a wood deck?

For stripping old, failing oil-based stains, we use a professional-grade alkaline stripper, typically based on Sodium Hydroxide. This is followed by a necessary second step of applying a wood brightener, like Oxalic Acid, to neutralize the wood's pH and prepare it for a new coat of stain.

How do you clean exotic hardwoods like IPE?

IPE and other dense hardwoods should not be treated with harsh chemicals. We use a gentle cleaning process followed by a Citric Acid-based brightener, which is safer for these exotic woods than Oxalic Acid. Staining is often not recommended, but a light oiling can enhance the natural color.

What is the best way to clean composite decking like Trex?

The cleaning method depends on the age of the Trex. Older, non-encapsulated composite requires a two-step process with a cleaner and a brightener to avoid spotting. Newer, encapsulated Trex can be safely cleaned with soap and water or a composite-specific cleaner at a low pressure, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Wood Restoration & Deck Cleaning | Nashville, TN | Southern Solution

Is Your Deck or Fence Weathered, Gray, and Slippery?

Don't replace it—restore it. Our professional wood restoration and cleaning process safely removes years of damage and brings back the natural beauty of your outdoor living spaces.

Get My Free Wood Restoration Quote

The Hidden Damage to Your Wood Surfaces

In Middle Tennessee, your decks, fences, and porches take a constant beating from UV rays, high humidity, and rain. That faded, gray appearance isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's a sign that the wood's natural defenses are breaking down.

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UV & Sun Damage

The sun's UV rays break down lignin, the natural glue that holds wood fibers together. This leads to the gray, faded look and causes the wood to become brittle and prone to splintering.

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Algae & Mildew Growth

Green and black algae thrive on damp, porous wood, creating a dangerous slip hazard on decks and stairs and accelerating rot and decay.

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Failed Sealants & Stains

Old, peeling sealants trap moisture against the wood, which is worse than no protection at all. This leads to soft spots, rot, and eventual structural failure.

Our Proven 3-Step Wood Restoration Process

We don't just "pressure wash" your wood—that can cause irreparable damage. We use a professional, multi-step process designed to safely clean, restore, and prepare your wood for a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Step 1: Deep Cleaning & Stripping

We begin by applying a professional-grade wood cleaner and stripper. This solution is specifically formulated to break down old, failed sealants, remove dead gray wood fibers (lignin), and kill all organic growth like algae and mildew deep within the wood's pores. We gently agitate the surface to ensure the cleaner penetrates evenly.

Step 2: Low-Pressure Power Rinse

Once the cleaner has done its work, we use a carefully controlled low-pressure rinse to wash away all the grime, dead fibers, and old sealant. We use fan-tipped nozzles and maintain a precise distance to avoid furring or "fuzzing" up the wood grain, ensuring the surface is perfectly clean without causing damage.

Step 3: Wood Brightening & Neutralizing

This is the critical step that amateurs skip. We apply a wood brightener, which is a mild acidic solution (typically containing Oxalic Acid). This neutralizes the pH of the wood after cleaning, opens up the pores to accept a new coat of stain, and restores the wood's beautiful, natural warm tones, making it look like new again.

Solutions for All Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Our restoration expertise extends to all types of wood and composite surfaces around your home.

Wood Deck & Patio Restoration

Your deck is an extension of your home, and it deserves the best care. Our professional cleaning is essential before any staining or sealing project. Applying a new stain over a dirty, weathered deck is like painting over rust—it's guaranteed to fail. Our process ensures that the new sealant can penetrate properly into the wood pores, giving you a beautiful finish that will last for years. We handle all common deck types in the Nashville area:

Pressure-Treated Pine
Cedar & Redwood
Exotic Hardwoods like Ipe

Fence Cleaning & Brightening

A weathered, gray fence can drag down the curb appeal of your entire property. Our fence cleaning service safely removes the years of built-up grime and organic growth from your wood or vinyl fence. For wood fences, our brightening process restores the natural color of the wood, making it look years younger. For vinyl fences, our soft wash technique removes green algae and black mildew stains, making the fence look crisp and new again. It's a cost-effective way to dramatically improve your property line.

Trex & Composite Deck Cleaning

Composite decking materials like Trex are low-maintenance, but not zero-maintenance. They are still susceptible to algae, mold, and mildew growth, which can create ugly stains and slippery surfaces. High pressure can permanently scar these materials. We use specialized, composite-safe detergents and controlled pressure as recommended by manufacturers like Trex® to safely clean your composite deck without causing damage, restoring its beauty and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

It absolutely can if done improperly. Using too much pressure or the wrong nozzle can permanently scar the wood, leaving "wand marks" and a fuzzy, splintered surface. That's why we use a chemical-based approach with a low-pressure rinse. Our priority is to protect the integrity of the wood while achieving a deep clean.

Due to the high humidity and sun exposure in Middle Tennessee, we recommend having your wood surfaces professionally cleaned and sealed every 2-3 years. This regular maintenance prevents the wood from weathering, protects it from moisture and UV damage, and keeps it looking beautiful for years to come, saving you from a costly replacement.

In most cases, a simple "maintenance wash" is not effective if there is an existing, failing sealant on the wood. Applying a new coat of stain over old, peeling sealant is guaranteed to fail quickly. Our "strip and brighten" process is designed to create the perfect canvas for a new sealant to properly adhere to and protect the wood, ensuring a long-lasting, professional finish.

Restore the Natural Beauty of Your Outdoor Spaces.

Don't let a weathered deck or fence detract from your home's value. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote on our professional wood restoration services.

Get My Free Estimate

The Property Owner's & Contractor's Guide to Choosing the Right Wood Coating

Proper preparation is 90% of the job, but choosing the right finish is what protects your investment. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and maintenance needs of the most common wood coatings to help you make an informed decision.

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Clear Wood Sealers

Clear sealers are designed for one primary purpose: protection from moisture. They are non-pigmented, meaning they provide a natural finish that lets the wood's grain and character show through. However, they offer minimal UV protection, so the wood will still naturally gray over time.

Best For: Newer decks where the primary goal is to showcase the natural beauty of the wood (like cedar or redwood) while protecting it from water damage.
Longevity: 1-2 years. They require the most frequent re-application.
Maintenance: Maintenance is very easy. It typically only requires a light cleaning before a new coat can be applied, as there is no pigment to strip.

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Oil-Based Semi-Transparent Stains

Oil-based stains are a traditional choice known for their ability to penetrate deep into the wood pores. This deep penetration nourishes the wood and provides excellent water repellency. They offer a rich, beautiful color while still allowing the natural wood grain to be visible.

Best For: Achieving a rich, classic look on decks and fences. They are particularly good at conditioning older, drier wood.
Longevity: 2-4 years. Their lifespan is good, but they are susceptible to attracting mildew growth over time.
Maintenance: Re-coating requires thorough cleaning and prep. A full strip and brighten process is often necessary to ensure the new coat adheres properly without a blotchy finish.

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Water-Based Semi-Transparent Stains

Modern water-based (or acrylic) stains have come a long way and are an excellent, durable choice. Instead of penetrating like an oil, they form a protective film on the surface of the wood. This film offers superior UV protection and is more resistant to mold and mildew growth.

Best For: Decks and fences in high-moisture or high-sun areas. They offer a wider range of colors and are more environmentally friendly.
Longevity: 3-5 years. The film-forming nature provides excellent durability against the elements.
Maintenance: While long-lasting, if the prep work is not perfect, a water-based stain can peel or flake, requiring a full strip, brighten, and potential sanding before re-application.

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Solid Stains & Paints

Solid color stains and paints offer the maximum level of protection for your wood. They are opaque, completely hiding the wood grain but providing a thick, durable barrier against both moisture and UV rays. This makes them the longest-lasting option available.

Best For: Older, heavily weathered decks where the goal is maximum protection and a uniform color, or for homeowners who want a specific, solid color to match their home's trim.
Longevity: 5-10+ years. A properly applied solid stain or paint offers the best long-term durability.
Maintenance: This is the most difficult coating to maintain. When it eventually fails, it will peel and chip. Re-application requires extensive scraping, stripping, and sanding to ensure a smooth, professional finish.

The Definitive Guide to Wood Restoration

This is the expert-level information that separates a true restoration from a damaging "pressure wash." Learn the science behind our process and why it's the only safe way to prepare your wood for a lasting finish.

It's All About Chemistry, Not Pressure

The number one rule of wood restoration is that **the chemicals do the work, not the pressure.** High pressure will permanently damage soft woods like pine and cedar, causing "furring" and splintering. Our approach is rooted in science. We select the right chemical for your specific situation to break down contaminants at a molecular level, allowing for a safe, low-pressure rinse.

For Organic Growth (Algae/Mildew): On unsealed or lightly sealed wood, we often start with a buffered **Sodium Hypochlorite (SH)** solution or a gentler, oxygen-based cleaner like **Sodium Percarbonate**. These are highly effective at killing organic growth at the root.
For Stains, Oxidation & Failed Sealers: When dealing with a failing stain, heavy oxidation, or inorganic buildup, a more powerful alkaline cleaner is needed. We use a carefully calibrated **Sodium Hydroxide**-based solution. This potent chemical effectively dissolves and strips old, failing sealants and deeply embedded grime.

Removing the Old to Make Way for the New

When a previous paint or stain job is peeling, flaking, or chipping, you cannot simply clean and recoat it. The new finish is guaranteed to fail. Our process for these situations is more intensive and is designed to create the perfect canvas for a new coating.

Stripping Agent Application: We apply a professional-grade stripper, typically a **Sodium Hydroxide**-based solution fortified with surfactants and solvents like **Butyl**. This potent mix is designed to break down the chemical bonds of the old paint or stain.
Manual Removal: We manually remove all loose and flaking paint using scrapers and wire brushes. Our goal is not to strip to bare wood everywhere, but to remove 100% of the *failing* coating.
Low-Pressure Rinse: We use a controlled rinse to wash away the stripper and all the old, dislodged paint chips.

Why This is the Step Amateurs Skip

After cleaning or stripping with an alkaline chemical like Sodium Hydroxide, the wood's pH balance is high, and the pores are closed and dark. If you were to apply a new stain now, it would not absorb properly and the color would be muddy. The critical next step is to apply a **wood brightener**, which is a mild acid (typically Oxalic Acid based).

Neutralizes the Wood: The acid brings the wood's surface back to a neutral pH, preventing chemical reactions that can cause the new stain to fail.
Opens the Pores: This process, known as "opening the grain," allows your new stain or sealant to penetrate deeply into the wood for a beautiful, uniform, and long-lasting finish.
Restores Natural Color: The brightener removes the dark, "pulpy" look left after stripping and restores the wood's beautiful, natural warm tones.

The Final Touch: Professional Sanding

The final step in a true restoration, especially after stripping, is sanding. The chemical process, while necessary, can sometimes raise the wood fibers, creating a slightly rough texture. Our final sanding process ensures a perfectly smooth, professional finish.

Removes "Furring": We sand away any raised wood fibers ("furring") to create a smooth, splinter-free surface that is safe for bare feet.
Ensures Even Stain Absorption: A uniformly sanded surface absorbs stain much more evenly, preventing blotchiness and ensuring a beautiful, consistent color.
Prepares for a Flawless Finish: This step provides the perfect canvas for your painter or for you to apply a new stain, guaranteeing a high-end, professional result.

Some Tips & Tricks We've Acquired

We're Not Gatekeeping.

🧪 Chemical Basics

Understanding the chemistry of wood cleaning is what separates a professional from an amateur. We select the precise chemical for your wood's specific condition to achieve a perfect result without damage.

Chemical	Primary Use
Sodium Percarbonate	Gentle cleaner for unstained wood, removes dirt/mildew.
Sodium Hydroxide	Aggressive stripper for oil-based stains and oxidation.
Oxalic Acid	Brightener; removes rust/tannin stains, neutralizes strippers.
Citric Acid	Safe alternative brightener for exotic woods like IPE.
Sodium Metasilicate	Boosts cleaning power and helps reveal wood grain.
2-Butoxyethanol (Butyl)	A solvent that acts as a booster for stripping mixes.

🌲 Wood Types & Tips

Different woods have different needs. Our process is tailored to the specific characteristics of your deck or fence.

IPE & Exotic Hardwoods: Use Citric Acid for brightening. Stains rarely last, so a light oiling (e.g., Messmer’s) is often best.
Teak: Prone to turning black from linseed-based oils in Tennessee's humidity. Requires a specific cleaning approach.
Cedar & Redwood: Prone to "fuzzing" (furring) and tannin bleed. Requires gentle pressure and an Oxalic Acid brightener.
New Wood: Often needs Osborn brushing or light sanding to remove mill glaze and oxidation fuzz before sealing.

🧼 Composite & Trex Cleaning

Composite decking requires a different approach. We follow the official Trex Care & Cleaning Guide to the letter.

Older Generation Trex (Pre-2010): These non-encapsulated composites have exposed wood fibers. We use a two-step process of Sodium Percarbonate followed by an Oxalic Acid brightener to prevent dark spotting.
Newer Trex (Transcend, Enhance, Select): These encapsulated decks are much more durable. A simple cleaning with soap and water or a composite-specific cleaner at low pressure (under 1500 PSI) is all that's needed.

🧰 Pro Recipes & Techniques

This is the advanced knowledge that ensures a flawless result every time. We've perfected these techniques over years of hands-on work.

Hybrid Stripping Mix for Tough Jobs

For mildew-laden fences or softwoods with multiple layers of failing stain, a hybrid mix is required to tackle both organic growth and failed coatings simultaneously.

5-Gallon Hybrid Mix Recipe:
• 2 gal 12.5% Sodium Hypochlorite
• 12 oz Sodium Hydroxide powder
• 6–8 oz Butyl Degreaser / Surfactant
• Fill with water to ~4.5 gallons

💲 Wood Restoration Pricing Guide

Transparent pricing. Lasting results. No surprises. Whether you're refreshing a worn deck, reviving gray fencing, or prepping for a new stain, our expert wood restoration services deliver exceptional care with premium results.

🪵 Deck Restoration Services

Deck Cleaning (Soft Wash)

Starting at $1.00/sq ft

Gentle detergent-based clean to remove mildew, algae, and surface dirt.

Paint or Stain Stripping

From $2.00/sq ft

Deep chemical lift of old, failing coatings to restore the wood to a bare, prep-ready state.

Precision Sanding

From $4.00/sq ft

Smooths "furring" and preps the surface for a flawless stain application with no swirl marks.

Stain Application

From $2.00/sq ft

Professional application of oil-based or water-based stains, from transparent to semi-solid.

Railing Detailing

$4.00–$5.00/linear ft

Includes spindles, top rails, and all precision cuts for a complete finish.

Step Cleaning or Staining

$4.00/sq ft

Includes verticals, risers, and fronts for a uniform look.

🧱 Fence Staining & Protection

Fence Staining

From $3.00/linear ft

Professional application of a penetrating stain for UV protection and water resistance.

Fence Restoration (Full)

$5–$7/linear ft

A comprehensive service that includes cleaning, light prep, and a custom color stain.

Ready to Restore the Natural Beauty of Your Outdoor Spaces?

Don't let a weathered deck or fence detract from your home's value. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote on our professional wood restoration services.

Get My Free Estimate

See Our Work in Action

A picture is worth a thousand words. See the dramatic, real-world results we deliver for our clients across Middle Tennessee.