Toronto's freeze-thaw winters are brutal on wood decks — 80+ cycles of expanding and contracting water in wood grain, plus road salt tracked from boots, UV bleaching in summer, and mould from our humid springs. If your deck looks grey, splintery, or green, it's not ruined — it just needs the right cleaning and maintenance at the right time.
The Toronto Deck Calendar
Inspect + Clean
After last frost. Sweep, inspect for rot and loose boards. Pressure wash at 1,200-1,500 PSI (NEVER higher on wood). Let dry 48 hours.
Sand + Stain
After cleaning and drying. Sand splinters. Apply stain when forecast shows 48-72 hours dry weather above 10°C. Two coats.
Enjoy + Maintain
Sweep regularly. Clean spills immediately. Move planters monthly to prevent moisture traps. Trim overhanging branches.
Fall Prep
Remove furniture or cover. Clear all leaves (wet leaves stain wood permanently). Apply deck protector if stain is 2+ years old.
Winter Protection
Shovel snow with plastic shovel (never metal). Avoid salt on wood (use sand for traction). Don't chip ice — let it melt naturally.
Deck Materials — PSI and Cleaning Guide
| Material | Safe PSI | Cleaning Method | Stain Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | 1,200-1,500 | Pressure wash + wood cleaner | Every 2-3 years |
| Cedar | 1,000-1,200 | Gentle pressure + cedar-safe cleaner | Every 1-2 years (oil-based) |
| Ipe/hardwood | 1,500-2,000 | Pressure wash + hardwood cleaner | Every 1-2 years (oil only) |
| Composite (Trex, etc.) | 1,200 max | Soft wash + composite cleaner | Never (no staining needed) |
| PVC/vinyl | 1,000 max | Soft wash + mild detergent | Never |
Stain Types — What Works in Toronto
- Semi-transparent stain — Shows wood grain. Most popular for Toronto decks. Lasts 2-3 years. Best for new or well-maintained wood. Apply 2 thin coats.
- Solid stain — Opaque, hides grain. Lasts 3-5 years. Best for older decks with discolouration. Acts like paint but penetrates wood. Peels if applied too thick.
- Transparent/clear sealer — Shows full grain and colour. Lasts 1-2 years max in Toronto (UV degrades it fast). Needs annual reapplication. Beautiful but high-maintenance.
- Oil-based vs water-based: Oil-based penetrates deeper and lasts longer (3+ years) but takes 24-48 hours to dry and has strong VOCs. Water-based dries in 4-6 hours, low-odour, but lasts 2-3 years. Toronto's humid springs favour oil-based (better moisture resistance).
Pricing — What to Expect
| Service | Cost/sq ft | 200 sq ft Deck | 400 sq ft Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean only (pressure wash) | $1.00-$2.50 | $200-$500 | $400-$800 |
| Clean + stain | $3.00-$6.00 | $600-$1,200 | $1,200-$2,400 |
| Clean + sand + stain | $4.00-$7.00 | $800-$1,400 | $1,600-$2,800 |
| Board replacement (per board) | — | $15-$40 per board (material + labour) | |
How MANTLE Helps
MANTLE's pressure washing service includes deck cleaning at the right PSI for your deck material. We don't stain decks (that's a painting/staining specialist), but we handle the critical cleaning step that MUST happen before staining. Our approach:
- ✅ Material-appropriate PSI (never over-pressure)
- ✅ Work with the grain
- ✅ Wood-safe cleaning solution pre-treatment
- ✅ 40° nozzle at 12+ inches
- ✅ Railing and stairs included
- ✅ 48-hour dry recommendation before staining
Get Your Deck Cleaned This Spring
Material-safe PSI. Wood-safe solution. Clean + ready for staining. All-inclusive pricing.
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