Pressure washing cost

Surface material moves the price more than size does. Fixr's per-square-foot house washing rates: concrete $0.30–$0.33, vinyl $0.30–$0.40, wood $0.30–$0.50, brick and masonry $0.31–$0.37, stone $0.35–$0.75, asphalt $0.50–$1.00 and composite $0.50–$2.00. The expensive materials are expensive because they need lower pressure, more chemistry and more care — not because the contractor is padding.

Driveways. Fixr's 600-square-foot examples: concrete $180–$200, asphalt $185–$220, brick $190–$220, pavers $195–$225, gravel $195–$225. If you plan to seal afterward, that is a separate job at $0.88 to $2.10 per square foot for materials and labor.

Decks and fences. Fixr puts a 500 square foot deck at $150–$200, varying by material: aluminum $150–$180, wood $180–$200, composite $200–$220. Fences run $0.30 to $0.40 per square foot for pressure washing and $0.35 to $0.45 for power washing (heated water), with possible travel fees from $25. Staining after a wash is the real cost — Fixr puts staining a 500 square foot wood deck at roughly an additional $1,750, and sealing a 300 square foot deck at around $450.

What raises a quote legitimately. Height and access, heavy organic growth needing longer dwell time, delicate materials, plant protection, and multiple separate surfaces. What should not raise it: a company arriving with one machine at one setting and calling it a premium service.

Watch for the low bid that plans to pressure wash something it shouldn't. A cheap roof clean that costs you shingle life is not a saving — ARMA warns that pressure washing an asphalt shingle roof causes granule loss and very likely premature failure.

How to choose

Get the quote broken out by surface

House, driveway, deck, fence, walkways. A single lump sum makes it impossible to drop a surface or compare bids.

Ask whether it's priced by area or by hour

Fixr lists both models — $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot, or $50 to $150 per hour. Know which one you've agreed to and what happens if the job overruns.

Price soft washing as the alternative, not the upgrade

Fixr puts house soft washing at $0.25 to $0.35 per square foot, below the pressure washing range. If someone charges a premium for using less pressure, ask why.

Separate cleaning from sealing and staining

Driveway sealing at $0.88 to $2.10 per square foot and deck staining at around $1,750 for 500 square feet are much bigger numbers than the wash. Decide on them separately.

Don't buy the cheapest roof clean

If the price only works because they're using a pressure washer on shingles, you're paying to shorten your roof's life.