Wood that has gone silver-gray hasn't necessarily failed — in most cases the surface fibers have oxidized and collected mildew, and the sound wood underneath is still there. A correct cleaning removes the dead gray layer and the organic growth, revealing the original grain and color underneath.

Wood is the surface where technique matters most. Too much pressure furs the grain, gouges soft cedar and pine, and leaves permanent wand marks that no amount of stain will hide. We use a low-pressure wash with a wood-appropriate cleaner, letting the solution lift mildew and gray oxidation, then rinse with controlled pressure and work along the grain rather than across it.

We clean deck boards, railings, balusters, stair treads, pergolas, privacy fences, picket fences, and wood siding and trim. On composite decking we adjust to a manufacturer-safe method — composites collect the same mold and mildew as wood but need a very different approach.

If you plan to stain or seal, the cleaning is the job. Stain applied over mildew or an unopened, oxidized surface will not bond and will peel within a season. We clean and, where the wood calls for it, neutralize and brighten so the surface is chemically ready and evenly toned for a finish. We'll also tell you how long to let it dry before coating.

Call (913) 709-5882 for a free written estimate on your deck or fence. We'll assess the wood species, its condition and whether restoration or replacement is the honest recommendation.