Cleaning my deck before staining – what pressure washer should I get?

Hey everyone, first time posting here. I’ve got a 20-year-old cedar deck that’s pretty grimy and mossy. I want to pressure wash it before staining. I’m on a budget, maybe $200-300. Should I get an electric or gas model? Any specific recommendations? I don’t want to damage the wood. Thanks!

For a deck, go electric – less risk of gouging the wood. Gas is overkill unless you’ve got a huge area. Look for a unit with at least 2000 PSI and adjustable pressure. I’d recommend the Sun Joe SPX3000 – it’s around $150 and has two detergent tanks. Use a wide fan tip (25 or 40 degrees) and keep the nozzle moving. Don’t get too close or you’ll groove the wood. Also, pre-treat with a deck cleaner like Wolman’s or just bleach/water mix.

Hold up – before you pull the trigger, check the condition of the wood. If it’s soft or rotted, pressure washing can make it worse. Stick to a low-pressure tip and never use a turbo nozzle on wood. Also, safety first: wear eye protection and closed-toe shoes. You don’t want a blowback of debris! And if you’re staining, let the wood dry at least 48-72 hours after washing. Test a spot with water – if it beads up, it’s not ready.

I’ve done hundreds of decks. For a one-time job, rent a surface cleaner attachment for your pressure washer – it’s a game changer. It covers fast and gives even cleaning without streaks. For electric, I like the Ryobi RY1419MT if you can find it on sale. But honestly, if you have a gas mower or trimmer, you might already have a small gas engine? Then get a gas washer like the Simpson Megashot – more power but you gotta maintain it. Budget wise, electric is fine for a small deck. Just don’t cheap out on the wand – quick-connect brass fittings are worth it.

Thanks all! I’m leaning towards the Sun Joe SPX3000 that Gary mentioned. I’ll check the wood for rot first, Dan. And Felix, I’ll look into renting a surface cleaner – that sounds smart. Appreciate the tips!