How We Power-Washed, Cleaned, Stained and Sealed Our Deck
After completing the power washing, we were finally able to stain and seal our deck. We finished the staining and re-furnished the area on a Tuesday — literally hours before our first showing.
To recap: when the deck was first finished in late August, we were advised to wait 2–3 months for the pressure-treated wood to dry before sealing it. Sealing too soon can trap treatment moisture and lead to poor results. By the time the wood was ready, the weather had turned cold, so we postponed staining until spring. When spring finally arrived and we power-washed the deck, some stubborn grime remained in one corner and the surface still didn’t look right for sealing.
Sherry thought the spots were subtle, but I wanted the deck as clean as possible before staining. My concern was that sealing might lock in darker spots and make them more noticeable. Since we hadn’t used a cleaner during the pressure wash, I tried a hose-attachable “Deck Wash” that cost around $7. The instructions were simple: spray, let sit about five minutes, then rinse. Unfortunately, after two attempts (pressure washing and then this cleaner) the area looked the same as before.
Not ready to give up, I tried an Olympic-brand cleaner for about $8 that required a separate sprayer (about $11). This cleaner made a dramatic difference. I sprayed it on, let it dwell for a few minutes, and rinsed — it essentially bleached the deck clean. At first I was alarmed by how bright it looked, but that pale, even surface was exactly what we needed: a consistent base so the stain could absorb and dry uniformly. In our experience, the inexpensive hose sprayer product did almost nothing, while the cleaner used with the pump sprayer made a real change.
With the deck prepped, we moved on to staining and sealing. We snuck outside the minute our daughter Clara fell asleep, hoping to finish before she woke up. These were our supplies:
- Olympic Maximum Toner in Cedar Naturaltone (stain and sealant in one; purchased at Lowe’s for about $37)
- Deck Stain Applicator (sponge-style applicator, around $7)
- Large brush (for backbrushing, about $6)
- Rubber gloves (already owned)
- Paper towels or rags
We chose a toner rather than a semi-transparent stain so the color would be subtle and more of the wood grain would show through. Out of the can the color looked quite orange, which made us nervous, but it dried to a much more muted tone that fit well with the other exterior wood around the house.
For application we used a sponge-like deck stain applicator along with a brush to “backbrush” immediately after applying each section. The applicator moved quickly and made coverage easy; the brush worked the stain into the wood and eliminated any pooling. I applied with the sponge applicator and Sherry followed with the brush to ensure an even finish. The large flat areas took us roughly 15–20 minutes because this product calls for only one coat. The stairs and railings took much longer, since each post and railing face needed careful brushing to avoid drips and heavy spots. That section probably added a couple of hours to the job.
When the stain was still wet we worried it looked a bit redder than expected, but once dry it gave the wood a gentle, tonal finish that harmonizes with nearby exterior elements. Sherry also touched up the utility box with a small test pot of paint to help it blend into the brick — a quick cosmetic improvement that reduced its visual prominence.
That once-dirty corner improved significantly after cleaning and staining. It’s not flawless, but the transformation after using the stronger cleaner and the toner-sealant was clear and satisfying.
Eight months after construction finished (and ten months since we started), the deck is now fully stained and sealed. We enjoyed the space through late fall and early spring even before the final finish was applied, but having it sealed gives us peace of mind — future leaves and acorns won’t cause nearly as much staining or wear.
We also finalized the deck cost breakdown so you can see what it took to build and finish it:
Permit – $114
First lumber & hardware order – $1,007
First auger rental – $60
Second lumber & hardware order – $251
Second auger rental – $60
Flashing – $40
Misc hardware & supplies – $95
Powerwash – $80
Cleaner & Stain – $76
Total: $1,783
You can save money if your deck has a smaller staircase or fewer railings, and of course avoidable extras like a second auger rental can cut costs further. Buying a more effective cleaner up front can spare you time and frustration, too.
This project was one of my biggest DIY undertakings — right up there with our bathroom renovation — and it paid off both financially and in confidence. I built a deck that the permit inspector joked could hold a herd of elephants. I’m a proud poppa.
That narrow alley and backyard have come a long way. Below is a photo from our first walk-through back in 2010.
Are you planning to stain a deck? Did your stain look excessively bright when wet and then mellow as it dried? Have you tried a long-handled deck stain applicator plus backbrushing? For us, that combination delivered a fast, thorough, and even finish.