Best Pressure Washer for Decking: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Timber Specialist
If you live in a damp area like York, you know the struggle: green algae and moss turn garden decking into an ice rink by mid-winter. The natural reaction is to blast it with the most powerful pressure washer you can find. As a joiner, I often advise caution here—timber is natural material, not concrete.
Using too much pressure on softwood decking strips out the softer 'spring' wood, leaving raised ridges of hard grain. This not only makes the surface uncomfortable to walk on but also opens the pores to rot and fungi. However, cleaning is necessary for safety and longevity.
In this review, I've selected three pressure washers that offer the right balance. I'll look at a budget cordless option for gentle rinsing, a powerful mains unit for deep cleans (used carefully), and a mid-range problem solver perfect for regular maintenance.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Pressure Rating (Bar)"
"Higher bar means a better clean."
For timber, anything over 120-130 bar can be dangerous. It can fur up the wood grain, requiring extensive sanding afterwards. Variable pressure is key.
The Spec: "Foam Cannons"
"Thick foam cleans automatically without scrubbing."
Foam helps lift surface grime, but on timber decking, you still need a stiff brush to dislodge algae from the grooves before rinsing.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Cordless Portable Pressure Washer 48V Power Washer with Accessories
RYDR
Priced at just £18.99, this RYDR unit is an absolute steal for light maintenance. Being cordless, it's perfect for quickly rinsing off bird droppings or light surface moss without dragging extension leads through the garden. It lacks the raw power to strip old paint, but that's actually a benefit for preserving softer timber.
The Good
- Incredibly cheap entry point
- Cordless freedom – no trailing cables
- Can draw water from a bucket (great if you have no outside tap)
The Bad
- Battery life limitation (approx 50 mins)
- Won't shift established black lichen or heavy grime
Installer Tip:
Use this for 'pre-season' gentle washes. Because it can draw from a bucket, you can mix a weak timber cleaner solution in a bucket and spray it directly onto the deck, let it dwell, then rinse with fresh water.
Priced at £18.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonPATOOLIO Pressure Washers, 450L/H Max 160Bar Electric Power Washer
Patoolio
If your decking hasn't been touched in years and is covered in slick green slime, this 160Bar unit has the muscle to sort it out. The 1800W motor and brass nozzles speak to its build quality. It is a serious tool that will clean pavements and driveways effectively too, making it a versatile asset for the home.
The Good
- High power for removing deep-seated dirt
- Quality components (brass nozzles, steel reinforced hose)
- Comes with a foam cannon for detergent application
The Bad
- High pressure requires extreme caution on softwood
- Heavier unit to move around
Installer Tip:
WARNING: Do not use the narrow 'jet' nozzle on timber decking. It acts like a knife and will scar the wood. Use the widest fan setting (usually the white or green nozzle) and keep the lance 30cm away from the surface.
Priced at £119.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonPATOOLIO Pressure Washer, 135Bar 360L/H Electric Pressure Washers
Patoolio
This model strikes the perfect balance for timber care. At 135 Bar, it has enough power to clean effectively but is less likely to cause the catastrophic damage that the powerful 160 Bar units can inflict if you slip. It is compact, easier to store than its big brother, and solves the problem of 'overkill' on domestic timber.
The Good
- Ideal pressure range for timber (strong but manageable)
- More compact for storage in small sheds
- Excellent value mid-range option
The Bad
- Lower flow rate than the pro model
- Plastic body feels less premium than higher-end tools
Installer Tip:
Work with the grain, not across it. When you spray across the grain with 135 Bar pressure, you risk lifting the fibres. Spraying along the length of the boards ensures a smoother finish and fewer splinters.
Priced at £72.24 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Can pressure washing damage my decking?
Should I sand my decking after pressure washing?
How often should I pressure wash my decking in the UK?
Is it better to use a dedicated decking cleaner solution?
Can I use these pressure washers on composite decking?
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