How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Fence? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $350
The average cost to pressure wash a fence ranges from $100 to $350, with a national average of $225. The fence material and size of the fence impact cost the most.
If you’re looking to pressure wash a fence, it’ll cost between $90 and $500, with the average homeowner paying about $225. Who doesn’t love the look of a fresh, clean fence? If dirt and debris have your fence looking worse for wear, you can revive it with a good pressure washing. A 500-square-foot fence with modest grime should take between two and three hours to wash. Let’s get our hands dirty with all the cost details.
- Average
- $225
- Low end
- $90
- high end
- $500
What Goes Into the Cost to Pressure Wash a Fence?
Local pressure washing pros often adjust quotes for pressure washing fences based on fencing material because certain materials need more pressure to get sparkling clean.
The amount of pressure needed is referred to in terms of pounds per square inch (PSI).
Contractors may also use the amount of gallons per minute (GMP) needed for different materials when creating quotes. GPM refers to the rate of water being released from a pressure washer.
The reason why PSI and GMP factor into quotes for fence pressure washing is that they help to determine how long a job will take for specific fencing materials. In addition, pressure washing quotes may be higher for fences that have heavy staining or debris coverage due to the extra time needed.
Pressure Washing Cost by Fence Material
The durability of different fencing materials determines the PSI that can be used with a pressure washer. As a result, fencing materials that are more delicate under pressure tend to cost more to pressure wash due to the extra time needed when the PSI setting is softer.
| Fence Material | Max PSI |
|---|---|
| Softwood | 500 |
| Hardwood | 1,300 |
| Composite | 1,500 |
| Aluminum | 1,800 |
| Steel | 2,000 |
| Vinyl | 2,000 |
| Wrought Iron | 2,300 |
Softwood
Requiring a PSI of around 500, softwood materials can result in higher costs due to the extra time needed.
Hardwood
Fencing made of hardwood may be cheaper to pressure wash due to the fact that it can withstand a PSI of around 1,300.
Composite
A composite fence is able to handle a PSI of 1,500, and it falls right in the middle in terms of pricing.
Aluminum
While aluminum caps out at a PSI capability of 1,800, the porous nature of aluminum means that it tends to respond quickly to washing when compared to wood.
Steel
In addition to being able to handle a PSI of 2,000, steel shares the same porous qualities that make aluminum one of the cheaper fencing materials to have professionally cleaned. Steel also offers the added benefit of responding quickly to abrasive cleaners.
Vinyl
Vinyl can take a PSI of up to 2,000. However, extra time is sometimes needed to clear dirt, algae, mold, and other forms of buildup that stick to vinyl aggressively.
Wrought Iron
Capable of handling a PSI of 2,300, vinyl can be one of the cheapest fence types to clean due to the way debris flies off with a good spray.
Pressure Washing Cost Factors
The special touches you request can impact the total cleaning cost.
Gentle Cleaning Agents
Some cleaning companies offer gentle cleaning solutions for fences that don't carry environmental or health concerns—but these services may cost more.
Mold Cleanup
If your pro finds mold on your fence, they may need to use special cleaning agents to tackle the problem. But there are ways to spot mold, mildew, and algae yourself, so you can give your cleaner a heads up when you book. Look for brown, green, or black spots on your fence.
Applying Sealant
Applying a sealant immediately after a fence is freshly pressure washed can help to protect the surface of the fence from water, mold, bacteria, and pest damage. The average cost to seal a 500-square-foot fence is $400. Sealing costs a bit more than pressure washing because it’s a labor-intensive project that requires a pro to cover every inch of the fence.
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Fence Yourself?
The average cost to rent a medium-duty gas pressure washer with a maximum of 2,800 PSI is around $90 per day when doing a DIY pressure washing. An electric pressure washer with a maximum PSI of 1,400 rents for around $40 per day. Most hardware stores charge additional fees for each accessory you wish to rent.
| Max PSI | Average Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| 2,800 | $90 |
| 1,400 | $40 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pressure Washing Pro
Pressure washing a fence is a reasonable DIY job. However, the costs can be close when comparing renting vs. hiring a pressure washer.
While renting a pressure washer to clean a fence saves most homeowners money, the price gap can get pretty narrow once you factor in additional fees and costs for accessories. If you can't complete the job in a day, a two-day rental gets you even closer to the cost of a professional pressure washing.
DIY fence washers should know that most communities have specific rules for disposing of discharge from pressure washers. Allowing discharge to enter a storm drain could result in fines.
If you don't have experience with pressure washers, it's important to be careful not to damage your fence by using a PSI that's too powerful. On the flip side, a project could take double the amount of time if you select a PSI that's too low. Your fence's material, size, and condition will be taken into consideration when you get a quote from a pro offering pressure and power washing near you.
Questions to Ask a Pressure Washing Pro
When researching prospective pressure washing pros, consider asking them the following questions to ensure you hire a qualified pro.
What factors determine your costs to pressure wash a fence?
What are the different techniques you use for different fence materials, such as wood, composite, and metal? Will your technique affect costs?
How do you ensure that the pressure washer won’t damage the fence?
Are there any hidden costs I should prepare for, such as fees for deep stains or mold removal?
Can you offer a discounted price if I want to bundle additional services, like staining?
How long does it take you to pressure wash a fence like mine?
What type of detergents and cleaning solutions do you use? Are they safe for the surrounding ecosystem?
Do you recommend applying any treatments or coatings after pressure washing to preserve my fence’s appearance?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you use a PSI that's too powerful, you may permanently damage a fence. Pressure washers can also remove paint from fences, though this can be a great thing if you’re looking to restore an old wood fence.
Yes, pressure washing can be used on metal fences. However, it's important to apply the correct amount of pressure because metal fences made of steel and aluminum can be damaged more easily than other types of fences, like wood, vinyl, and iron.
While pressure washing can remove debris from a fence, additional cleaning methods are usually needed to target mold. Fence cleaning professionals can often provide eco-friendly, pet-safe cleaning solutions for removing mold from fences.
The main difference between pressure washing and power washing is that a power washer uses heated water and is stronger than a pressure washer. That’s not to say that a pressure washer isn’t good at its job—in fact, it’s a better option for surfaces that could be damaged by the intensity of a power washer, like wood and aluminum siding.