Like many power tools and building supplies, power washers are strong tools, and improper use can damage your wooden porch rather than beautify it. Huber Lumber Co. is a lumber and building supplier in Cincinnati, OH, and they’re here with a few tips to help you power wash your porch without destroying it in the process.

Avoiding Too Much of a Good Thing

Power washers work precisely because they’re powerful but beware of too much of a good thing. Washers come in a variety of pressure levels, and at 4,200 psi or more, the most powerful among them can chisel away at brick. You can imagine what a model that strong would do to your beautiful porch lumber. The trick is to use the lowest pressure possible that still washes effectively.

For hard types of wood, this can be as high as 1400 psi, but for soft wood, it’s only around 550. Use a lower setting and then slowly work upward until you find the sweet spot between effective cleaning and damaging the wood. Minor damage can usually be fixed with a short trip to the building supplies store for some sandpaper, but severe damage will require you to replace the actual lumber.

Consistent Distance

Once you’re ready to spray, use a fan tip and try to keep the sprayer a consistent distance of about one foot from the surface of the lumber as you sweep across with the grain. This ensures more even washing and reduces the chance of damaging the lumber by spraying too close.

Time to Stain

Immediately after power washing is an ideal time to sand and re-stain porches and decks, as the pores in the lumber will be opened up. This allows it to absorb more of your stain or sealant.

Don’t have your stain, sandpaper, or power washer yet? Whether you’re cleaning and refinishing porches or need an all-new kitchen design to raise your home’s resale value, Cincinnati's Huber Lumber Co.’s team boasts over a century of combined building experience. Discuss your project’s needs with a friendly team member at (513) 731-4035, or go online to learn more about their locally-owned and operated business.