Should I clean my deck before sealing it?

Y ou should clean your deck before sealing it. Cleaning before refinishing is critical. If you don’t remove dirt and debris, you'll trap moisture in the wood, which prevents the new sealer from working correctly and can lead to costly repairs. Whether you need to sand, power wash, or sandblast depends on your deck's condition.

Is it better to seal or stain a deck?

Sealing and staining your deck are essential maintenance methods that protect and beautify your outdoor space. Stain adds rich color and guards against fading, while sealant fortifies the wood against moisture and weather damage. Wood type, climate, deck age, and the degree of existing damage determine whether your deck benefits from one or both treatments. Using both options extends your deck’s durability and enhances its overall appearance.

How much does it cost to power wash and seal a deck?

Power washing and sealing your deck costs $500 to $1,700. This process combines the removal of stubborn dirt and debris with a protective seal that preserves the wood’s integrity. Effective cleaning eliminates harmful buildup, and a proper seal prevents moisture damage and wood decay, ensuring long-term durability and reducing future repair expenses.

How often do decks need to be sealed?

Your deck must be sealed every one to three years to maintain its strength and appearance. Regular sealing is essential to protect the wood against moisture, mold, and harmful UV rays. A consistent sealing schedule prevents rapid deterioration and costly repairs. Inspections should be performed annually to determine if the protective layer remains intact, extending the life of your deck.

Can I leave my deck untreated?

Leaving your deck untreated compromises its structural integrity and safety. An unprotected deck rots quickly due to moisture and environmental exposure, which means that neglecting sealing results in rapid decay and expensive replacement costs of $4,125 to $11,650. Sealing your deck is essential for maintaining its durability and protecting your home.

How long does it take for the sealant to dry, and when is it safe to use the deck?

The sealant on your deck dries within a few hours and reaches full cure within 72 hours before regular use. It is essential to wait until the complete curing period to ensure the protective layer fully sets and resists weather and foot traffic. Proper drying guarantees that your deck is fully protected against moisture and environmental damage, ensuring lasting quality.

Top-Rated Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch Clean and Seals Experts in Mount Vernon, VA

Deck Buddy, LLC

Deck Buddy, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

14 years of experience

Deck Buddy, LLC, has been serving the Fairfax and Loudoun county areas since 2011 and has more than 8 years of experience. With a specialty in custom deck building and coating, we deliver quality work every time. Call for a free estimate today!

"After deciding to rebuild our older deck, we had to do some research on companies and speak with prospective vendors. We met with four businesses and carefully evaluated their offerings, services, quality of previous work, and costs. We ultimately chose the Deck Buddy primarily because of their professionalism, approach, and openness during the selection process. Doru was the primary point of contact throughout the entire process, and we chose to work with them because of his dedication, approach, and responsiveness. Every day, his team was punctual, courteous, and clean. They began on schedule and completed the entire project ahead of schedule. We are pleased with our deck and highly recommend his business and staff. Excellent work."

Amir M on April 2025

Deck Buddy, LLC, has been serving the Fairfax and Loudoun county areas since 2011 and has more than 8 years of experience. With a specialty in custom deck building and coating, we deliver quality work every time. Call for a free estimate today!

"After deciding to rebuild our older deck, we had to do some research on companies and speak with prospective vendors. We met with four businesses and carefully evaluated their offerings, services, quality of previous work, and costs. We ultimately chose the Deck Buddy primarily because of their professionalism, approach, and openness during the selection process. Doru was the primary point of contact throughout the entire process, and we chose to work with them because of his dedication, approach, and responsiveness. Every day, his team was punctual, courteous, and clean. They began on schedule and completed the entire project ahead of schedule. We are pleased with our deck and highly recommend his business and staff. Excellent work."

Amir M on April 2025

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc.

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc.

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

11 years of experience

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc., is proud to be serving the area with expert services with your satisfaction as our ultimate goal. With over 12 years of experience in our area of expertise, you can rest assured that your project will receive the high quality craftsmanship that only experience can bring. Call on us today, you will be glad you did!

"Luis and team from Gabriel Fence and Decks were Fantastic! They gave me a great price, great work and cleaned up my yard upon completion! I haven't been this impressed by a contractor in a long time. Highly recommend!!!"

Eric H on August 2022

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc., is proud to be serving the area with expert services with your satisfaction as our ultimate goal. With over 12 years of experience in our area of expertise, you can rest assured that your project will receive the high quality craftsmanship that only experience can bring. Call on us today, you will be glad you did!

"Luis and team from Gabriel Fence and Decks were Fantastic! They gave me a great price, great work and cleaned up my yard upon completion! I haven't been this impressed by a contractor in a long time. Highly recommend!!!"

Eric H on August 2022

Seal Strong LLC

20409 Ashcroft Terrace

Seal Strong LLC

20409 Ashcroft Terrace

Customers say: Quick response

9 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Seal-It-Strong and you're done! Seal-It-Strong preserves your concrete or pavers driveway patio/pool area with a 25-year warranty against water damage, salt, weather erosion and other harmful elements. Our process thoroughly "deep cleans" your concrete or wood to the original natural finish, then, we apply eco-friendly Seal-It-Strong which protects AND preserves your investment for years to come! We are now serving areas of the "Space Coast" in Florida....our service team in the Sunshine State is especially effective to protect Concrete from salt and sun damage for driveways, walkways, patios and pool areas!! Protect your concrete or pavers FOR GOOD with Seal-It-Strong!

"They were on time, finished the job to my satisfaction. Job well done!"

Jon H on May 2025

Seal-It-Strong and you're done! Seal-It-Strong preserves your concrete or pavers driveway patio/pool area with a 25-year warranty against water damage, salt, weather erosion and other harmful elements. Our process thoroughly "deep cleans" your concrete or wood to the original natural finish, then, we apply eco-friendly Seal-It-Strong which protects AND preserves your investment for years to come! We are now serving areas of the "Space Coast" in Florida....our service team in the Sunshine State is especially effective to protect Concrete from salt and sun damage for driveways, walkways, patios and pool areas!! Protect your concrete or pavers FOR GOOD with Seal-It-Strong!

"They were on time, finished the job to my satisfaction. Job well done!"

Jon H on May 2025

NV Outdoors, LLC

NV Outdoors, LLC

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

18 years of experience

At NV Outdoors, LLC, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"Job was done correctly and at a good price. Work was professional and high quality. Nestor kept me informed on all aspect of work. Will certainly hire this company for future projects."

Stephen P on September 2025

At NV Outdoors, LLC, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"Job was done correctly and at a good price. Work was professional and high quality. Nestor kept me informed on all aspect of work. Will certainly hire this company for future projects."

Stephen P on September 2025

360 Painting of Ashburn

360 Painting of Ashburn

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

20 local quotes requested

360° Painting of Ashburn, VA, is owned by Roy & Melissa Finneyfrock, Loudoun County residents just like you! Their goal is to help you transform your home through quality services that include interior and exterior painting and stain, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and pressure washing services. Whether you want to do a complete refresh of your home or are looking to redo a specific room, we are here to help you pick the right color and finish to keep your home looking beautiful for years to come. And we can help you prep your house for sale if you are ready to move on to your next home! We stand behind our work and offer a two-year warranty on all our services. We look forward to working with you on your next home painting project.

"Abdil came promptly in spite of unexpected road work coming into property. He work efficiently, expertly, and very friendly. We are without water, but Abdul used his own water bottle to mix materials. I highly recommend this company as they are so so organized, responded first and offer the best service, at a reasonable price. Difficult to find great contractors, this is by far my best experience yet! I intend to be a repeat customer. Thank you for all you do!!!!!"

Carmen D on January 2025

360° Painting of Ashburn, VA, is owned by Roy & Melissa Finneyfrock, Loudoun County residents just like you! Their goal is to help you transform your home through quality services that include interior and exterior painting and stain, cabinet refinishing, wallpaper removal, and pressure washing services. Whether you want to do a complete refresh of your home or are looking to redo a specific room, we are here to help you pick the right color and finish to keep your home looking beautiful for years to come. And we can help you prep your house for sale if you are ready to move on to your next home! We stand behind our work and offer a two-year warranty on all our services. We look forward to working with you on your next home painting project.

"Abdil came promptly in spite of unexpected road work coming into property. He work efficiently, expertly, and very friendly. We are without water, but Abdul used his own water bottle to mix materials. I highly recommend this company as they are so so organized, responded first and offer the best service, at a reasonable price. Difficult to find great contractors, this is by far my best experience yet! I intend to be a repeat customer. Thank you for all you do!!!!!"

Carmen D on January 2025

TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC

TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

62 local quotes requested

Family owned & operated since 1985. We are a full deck & fence Restoration Company. I have up to 3 employees & no subcontractors. All estimates are free and no trip charges EVER. Owner, Kurt Sabaté, is a Certified Wood Restoration Specialist & bringing old-neglected decks & fences back to there like new original look. As a retired Chef, I handle all my business as if it were food, giving you the best product possible and presenting it as flawless as possible. My company is NOT in the business for the volume of clients, but in the business for the long term client relationship. Since taking over the business from my brother, Ted Sabaté, hence the "TS", I have a 100% success rate for customer satisfaction. My testimonials say it all on my web-site. I love what I do and so do ALL my clients. TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC is a proud member of the "BBB" and to this day still has an A+ rating & NO complaints. We also offer e-billing, as many follow up visits necessary to make sure the customer is 100% happy and follow up calls and or emails to ensure you are absolutely pleased with my work.

"Outstanding"

Susan E on June 2018

Family owned & operated since 1985. We are a full deck & fence Restoration Company. I have up to 3 employees & no subcontractors. All estimates are free and no trip charges EVER. Owner, Kurt Sabaté, is a Certified Wood Restoration Specialist & bringing old-neglected decks & fences back to there like new original look. As a retired Chef, I handle all my business as if it were food, giving you the best product possible and presenting it as flawless as possible. My company is NOT in the business for the volume of clients, but in the business for the long term client relationship. Since taking over the business from my brother, Ted Sabaté, hence the "TS", I have a 100% success rate for customer satisfaction. My testimonials say it all on my web-site. I love what I do and so do ALL my clients. TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC is a proud member of the "BBB" and to this day still has an A+ rating & NO complaints. We also offer e-billing, as many follow up visits necessary to make sure the customer is 100% happy and follow up calls and or emails to ensure you are absolutely pleased with my work.

"Outstanding"

Susan E on June 2018

Hal Co Fence and Deck

PO Box 1059

4.15(

128

)

•Approved Pro

Hal Co Fence and Deck

PO Box 1059

4.15(

128

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

786 local quotes requested

44 years of experience

Minimum Job Cost: $1400. Established in 1981, we have been providing quality products and services at a reasonable cost to customers for over a quarter of a century. At HAL CO FENCE we have installed quality fences, decks, and screen porches that have added value and beauty to thousands of commercial and residential customers in the Northern Virginia area. Our services include design and installation of all types of fences, decks and custom screen porches along with the specialty features that often accompany outdoor additions. We are a family owned and operated fence and deck contractor company with a hometown attitude. We have a long history of satisfied and happy customers and would like for you to be one as well. Our continued growth has been realized, not only through our customer satisfaction, but also through the addition of better designs and quality products. We are customer driven and have your best intentions in mind. Our crews are courteous and dependable from whom we require excellent workmanship. We offer standard, as well as custom designs and use the finest products available for decks, fences, porches and porticos. From wood to composite, to vinyl, steel or aluminum, we have what you are looking for. Demanding new designs and environmentally compatible materials is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing fences, decks, screened porches and porticos that will appeal and last through the ages.

"I didn't have a great experience with HAL Co. They take FOREVER to return calls/emails. The day they were scheduled to come replace my fence they no-showed and I had to call the office around 4 pm to find out they weren't coming because a job was running late. The rescheduled installation was a day I was in the office. The crew said the outlet in my back yard wasn't working, so they left without calling me or ringing the doorbell to ask about it (the circuit just needed to be reset, which my partner at home could have done). I didn't find out until several hours later when the office called to tell me the crew had left. The fence finally got installed, and a few days later a neighbor found nails in two of his tires. The crew claimed they performed a metal sweep of the area, but now the neighbor is trying to get me to replace his tires. Finally, the gate latch got damaged somehow, possibly in a storm that happened a few days after the fence install, and HAL wanted $130 to replace the latch. I bought a latch kit off Amazon for $30 and did it myself."

Alana H on August 2023

Minimum Job Cost: $1400. Established in 1981, we have been providing quality products and services at a reasonable cost to customers for over a quarter of a century. At HAL CO FENCE we have installed quality fences, decks, and screen porches that have added value and beauty to thousands of commercial and residential customers in the Northern Virginia area. Our services include design and installation of all types of fences, decks and custom screen porches along with the specialty features that often accompany outdoor additions. We are a family owned and operated fence and deck contractor company with a hometown attitude. We have a long history of satisfied and happy customers and would like for you to be one as well. Our continued growth has been realized, not only through our customer satisfaction, but also through the addition of better designs and quality products. We are customer driven and have your best intentions in mind. Our crews are courteous and dependable from whom we require excellent workmanship. We offer standard, as well as custom designs and use the finest products available for decks, fences, porches and porticos. From wood to composite, to vinyl, steel or aluminum, we have what you are looking for. Demanding new designs and environmentally compatible materials is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing fences, decks, screened porches and porticos that will appeal and last through the ages.

"I didn't have a great experience with HAL Co. They take FOREVER to return calls/emails. The day they were scheduled to come replace my fence they no-showed and I had to call the office around 4 pm to find out they weren't coming because a job was running late. The rescheduled installation was a day I was in the office. The crew said the outlet in my back yard wasn't working, so they left without calling me or ringing the doorbell to ask about it (the circuit just needed to be reset, which my partner at home could have done). I didn't find out until several hours later when the office called to tell me the crew had left. The fence finally got installed, and a few days later a neighbor found nails in two of his tires. The crew claimed they performed a metal sweep of the area, but now the neighbor is trying to get me to replace his tires. Finally, the gate latch got damaged somehow, possibly in a storm that happened a few days after the fence install, and HAL wanted $130 to replace the latch. I bought a latch kit off Amazon for $30 and did it myself."

Alana H on August 2023

JW Home Improvement

849 Quince Orchard Blvd

4.39(

5,502

)

•Approved Pro

JW Home Improvement

849 Quince Orchard Blvd

4.39(

5,502

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

8871 local quotes requested

24 years of experience

JWHI provides world-class customer service with consistent and superior workmanship. We strive to be the trusted market leader in the home improvement industry. Proudly, we are Super Service Award Winner for over a decade, and we plan to keep that streak going! Contact us today to discuss your next handyman or remodeling project. Our mission is to provide you with a happy home improvement experience!

"Thomas M was an excellent technician and did great work fixing all the basement windows around the house. These windows are difficult to find a replacement but he was able to repair and repaint them. The other technician was Pablo He worked on caulking all the windows around the house and he did some filling work on the garage sliding doors You did a good job, but Pablo left his trash around and didn’t pick up after himself so Thomas M and I did that on the third day. It took three days total, but it was two men for two days and one man for a 3/4 of a day actually. Although I’ll probably get charged for a full day, since it went past noon. The labor portion is the most expensive and a little higher than I initially anticipated. So, I was hoping for a quicker turnaround, but overall quality work was completed. I would highly recommend Thomas M as a technician to do future work. He’s very knowledgeable, friendly and does a great job. I would hire again but include more details in the contract language."

Stephen B on July 2025

JWHI provides world-class customer service with consistent and superior workmanship. We strive to be the trusted market leader in the home improvement industry. Proudly, we are Super Service Award Winner for over a decade, and we plan to keep that streak going! Contact us today to discuss your next handyman or remodeling project. Our mission is to provide you with a happy home improvement experience!

"Thomas M was an excellent technician and did great work fixing all the basement windows around the house. These windows are difficult to find a replacement but he was able to repair and repaint them. The other technician was Pablo He worked on caulking all the windows around the house and he did some filling work on the garage sliding doors You did a good job, but Pablo left his trash around and didn’t pick up after himself so Thomas M and I did that on the third day. It took three days total, but it was two men for two days and one man for a 3/4 of a day actually. Although I’ll probably get charged for a full day, since it went past noon. The labor portion is the most expensive and a little higher than I initially anticipated. So, I was hoping for a quicker turnaround, but overall quality work was completed. I would highly recommend Thomas M as a technician to do future work. He’s very knowledgeable, friendly and does a great job. I would hire again but include more details in the contract language."

Stephen B on July 2025

Before & After Home Improvement Co

2825 Noble Fir Ct

4.85(

26

)

•Approved Pro

Before & After Home Improvement Co

2825 Noble Fir Ct

4.85(

26

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers

680 local quotes requested

Before & After Home Improvement Co. is a residential contracting company serving the Prince William County, VA area. Contact us today for expert advice on your next project. We offer only the best quality services and products. Additional email - rickfish108@aol.com.

"Great job. Finished on-time and within budget."

Dennis W on October 2024

Before & After Home Improvement Co. is a residential contracting company serving the Prince William County, VA area. Contact us today for expert advice on your next project. We offer only the best quality services and products. Additional email - rickfish108@aol.com.

"Great job. Finished on-time and within budget."

Dennis W on October 2024

TrueDecks

100 W Diamond Ave.

4.47(

370

)

•Approved Pro

TrueDecks

100 W Diamond Ave.

4.47(

370

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

1151 local quotes requested

26 years of experience

DeckMaster Inc. is now operating under a new revamped trademark name TrueDecks®. Same family-owned and operated business, same services, same quality, a new unique nationwide name. We have been in business for over 20 yrs providing deck, fence, patio construction, restoration and maintenance services. We are also the founders of the PressureLess cleaning & preservation system using a low pressure washing method. We are also specialize in all types of composite (Trex, Fiberon, Timbertech, Azek,etc) and exotic materials. 30 Employees. Cost is determined by the job. No travel charges. Additional phone - 240-685-1730

"We have been so pleased with the whole process. From the estimate with Fernando, to the professional and friendly Office staff, to Selvin and his crew who rebuilt the deck. The communication was timely and easy. You all made making payments simple. The quality of the materials and workmanship were beyond expected. The only delay was due to me not reading an email so I apologize for that. Selvin and his crew were so nice and professional. There were no delays. Even the clean up was done within 24 hrs of the completion. Our deck is now beautiful but more importantly, safe to use. Oh, and the stair lights are amazing!! Thank you all for a great experience."

Lisa G on June 2025

DeckMaster Inc. is now operating under a new revamped trademark name TrueDecks®. Same family-owned and operated business, same services, same quality, a new unique nationwide name. We have been in business for over 20 yrs providing deck, fence, patio construction, restoration and maintenance services. We are also the founders of the PressureLess cleaning & preservation system using a low pressure washing method. We are also specialize in all types of composite (Trex, Fiberon, Timbertech, Azek,etc) and exotic materials. 30 Employees. Cost is determined by the job. No travel charges. Additional phone - 240-685-1730

"We have been so pleased with the whole process. From the estimate with Fernando, to the professional and friendly Office staff, to Selvin and his crew who rebuilt the deck. The communication was timely and easy. You all made making payments simple. The quality of the materials and workmanship were beyond expected. The only delay was due to me not reading an email so I apologize for that. Selvin and his crew were so nice and professional. There were no delays. Even the clean up was done within 24 hrs of the completion. Our deck is now beautiful but more importantly, safe to use. Oh, and the stair lights are amazing!! Thank you all for a great experience."

Lisa G on June 2025

Get matched with top deck, fence, patio or porch clean and sealers in Mount Vernon, VA

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Deck Buddy, LLC

Deck Buddy, LLC

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc.

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc.

Seal Strong LLC

Seal Strong LLC

NV Outdoors, LLC

NV Outdoors, LLC

360 Painting of Ashburn

360 Painting of Ashburn

TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC

TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC

Hal Co Fence and Deck

Hal Co Fence and Deck

JW Home Improvement

JW Home Improvement

Before & After Home Improvement Co

Before & After Home Improvement Co

TrueDecks

TrueDecks

The Mount Vernon, VA homeowners’ guide to deck, fence, patio or porch clean and seals

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Balcony in 2025?

How Much Does Tigerwood Decking Installation Cost in 2025?

Install an Aluminum Deck

Build an Elevated Deck

Build a Veranda

Build a Porch

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top deck, fence, patio or porch clean and sealers in Mount Vernon, VA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Find Deck, fence, patio or porch clean and sealers in Mount Vernon

Deck Buddy, LLC

Deck Buddy, LLC

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc.

Gabriel Decks & Fences, Inc.

Seal Strong LLC

Seal Strong LLC

NV Outdoors, LLC

NV Outdoors, LLC

360 Painting of Ashburn

360 Painting of Ashburn

TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC

TS Pressure Washing & Deck Restorations, LLC

Hal Co Fence and Deck

Hal Co Fence and Deck

JW Home Improvement

JW Home Improvement

Before & After Home Improvement Co

Before & After Home Improvement Co

TrueDecks

TrueDecks

The Mount Vernon, VA homeowners’ guide to deck, fence, patio or porch clean and seals

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Balcony in 2025?

How Much Does Tigerwood Decking Installation Cost in 2025?

Install an Aluminum Deck

Build an Elevated Deck

Build a Veranda

Build a Porch

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