Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Why Pay? Pressure Wash & Seal Your Deck

If you’ve read my post about the Luxury of Ignorance, you’ll know that I am on a mission to stop paying other people to do what I can do myself.  One that might sound like a challenge is pressure washing and re-sealing the deck.  Sounds really time-consuming and maybe even a little dangerous.  Isn’t it better to pay the professionals?

NO WAY!

Here’s what my deck looked like when we moved into our rental home:



It was pretty worn out and green with algae, but as renters, I didn’t want to put in a whole lot of time or money into fixing it up.  At the same time, I wanted to enjoy my deck this summer and that was going to be impossible with it looking like this.

About 5 years ago, my father gave me a Karcher Pressure Washer which has become a surprisingly invaluable tool in keeping things looking clean and new.  So, out came the pressure washer and out went my husband to clean up the mess.  If you’ve never used a pressure washer before, be prepared to be amazed at how quickly and efficiently it removes all of that “yuck” and leaves you with a beautiful result.



So much better!  Unfortunately, the job’s not quite finished yet.  If you leave the deck like this, unsealed, it will revert back to Picture 1 in no time.



Out to Walmart I go to pick up some Deck Sealant and a cheap brush.  It took me 4 hours to complete the sealing project (2 hours over 2 days) – not too bad….especially when you see the result:



Now I’m ready to enjoy by back yard oasis!

The Fake-It Yourself Breakdown:

DIY Pressure Wash & Re-Sealing Deck ($3 Brush, $30/2 Gallons Sealant, Pressure Washer on hand, but they run about $140.00)

Fake-It Yourself Cost: $32.00

Estimate from Professional Deck Cleaning Service ($200 Wash, $125 Sealing)

Total Fake-It Yourself Savings: $293.00

23 comments:

  1. This is so true and a neccessity to do for any homeowner during the warmer months of the year! We pressure wash our own stuff all the time. We also did a tinted sealer and the results were amazing! It's like you get a whole new deck!

    ReplyDelete
  2. If you have a ReStore out let in you area, you save a bundle. They get part buckets of paint, left overs from Contractors and all manner of stuff from mirrors to light fixtures. They sell for a fraction of the new price.The money they make goes to Homes for Humanity.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love this post too!! and your blue house is the color I want to paint mine..... Have wanted to do this for ages but never did.. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pressure washing the deck is a pain, but sealing is the hardest part - especially since my knees have gone bad! I now use a paint roller on a long handle and I can do this job standing - only pain now is in the BACK!

    ReplyDelete
  5. You can also rent a pressure washer at Home Depot and still save compared to hiring someone!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love that last shot! There’s something about the way the sun’s hitting the smoothly stained floor that creates an invigorating effect. ‘Backyard oasis’ is really the right term, on that note. :) We’ve done the staining by ourselves too. If you follow every process, you are sure to achieve a professional finish. And be satisfied by the craft of your own doing. :) Have you re-stained, btw? -->Kylee

    ReplyDelete
  7. Why pay, indeed. With a pressure washer in hand, a quick run to the hardware store, and patience, this job would be done without trouble. Your cleaning and sealing project is a success story that we can turn to, when we need proof that we can save up to $300 through DIY. Great job, Heather!

    Regards,
    German Zollinger

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very helpful and informative post. I appreciate your thoughtful writes and step by step guide lines. Thanks you. new orleans pressure washing

    ReplyDelete
  9. searching i found this nice website.I am a google and search on many topics. baton rouge power washing

    ReplyDelete
  10. DIYs are, indeed, wonderful. You get to do something you'd be really proud of and save on cash as well. But in the instance that you can't handle the job, calling for the services of professionals will be the best move to take. But, I have to say, you did just fine in power washing your deck. Good job!
    Ricardo @ Gem Window Cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nice article.....This blog will helpful to all the visitors, thank you for the nice information.. pressure cleaning southport nc

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a great post, I actually found it very thought provoking, thanks

    pressure washing southport nc

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is a great post. It’s Very informative and well writing.

    pressure washing zachary la

    ReplyDelete
  14. Cool post! How much stuff did you have to look up in order to write this one? I can tell you put some work in. wilmington nc pressure washing

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is a great and informative site. Really well written and precise.

    website design baton rougea

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great and fantastic blog. I am interested very much in the subject matter of your blog, it’s my first visit.

    pressure washing walker la

    ReplyDelete
  17. A great tutorial and very helpful post. I really like it.

    wilmington nc pressure washing

    ReplyDelete
  18. I like very much your way of presentation. I am so much interested to join your network. Thanks for sharing this post. Keep blogging.


    HyperGH Review

    ReplyDelete
  19. which really is a immature share of the problems a lot of people unrecorded with sect now, but but making improved lives for group that's direction on feat them much , keeping them punter aid and making certain their kids get enlightened.Pressure washing services

    ReplyDelete
  20. That looks pretty great actually.
    Congrats on your work

    Electric Water Blaster

    ReplyDelete
  21. Professional Commercial and residential Power Washing Proudly serving the Tri-State area. Alex’s personality from Spotless Mobile Wash inc shines brightly, and his positive attitude is infectious. Please check out Brooklyn Pressure Washing Service

    ReplyDelete
  22. As an accredited power washing service, we at Spotless Mobile Wash Inc are exceedingly versed in our trade. Backed by five years of industry experience, our expertise is evident and ever-expanding. Both insured and reliable, we’re a company that you can trust. If you’re in the market for a professional pressure washing company, make Spotless Mobile Pressure Wash Inc your first port of call.

    ReplyDelete

Compliments and Frugal Tips Only, Please!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...