Should Trex Decking be Pressure Washed?


Many of those who decide to go the Trex route may wonder whether it can be pressure washed like a traditional wood deck. The answer can vary depending on a few key factors which will be explained clearly and thoroughly within this article.

The types of Trex that may be pressure washed include Trex Transcend, Trex Enhance, and Trex Select. When you pressure wash it, use a fan attachment and a pressure of no greater than 3100 psi. The washer should be held at least 8 inches away from the deck at all times to prevent any damage.

Now that we know that a Trex deck may indeed be pressure washed, it’s important to clarify that pressure washers are powerful tools that can damage any surface if they’re not used properly. Below, we’ll cover some tips on how to properly wash your Trex decking and preserve its structure and appearance.

How to Use a Pressure Washer on a Trex Deck

When you use a pressure washer to wash a Trex Deck, you’ll want to be sure and do it properly. The last thing you want is to scuff up or discolor your deck unnecessarily. I’m sure the reason you’re reading this article is because you want to ensure that no damage comes to your deck when you clean it.

If you follow these simple steps, you can rest assured that not only will pressure washing your deck not cause damage, but it will save you hours of labor and frustration.

  1. Use a washer with a fan attachment and a pressure of no greater than 3100 psi. If you don’t have a fan attachment, it can be purchased online or at your local home improvement store for less than $20.
  2. Spray the deck with soap and use a soft bristle brush on each individual board. This will loosen the particles of dirt and mud, which will make it easier to clean off with the pressure washer.
  3. Remove dirt and mud with the pressure washer. The washer should be held at least 8 inches away from the deck at all times, and the deck should be rinsed thoroughly, leaving no dirty water behind. If you fail to hold the washer at an adequate distance or leave some residue of dirty water, that can cause fading and discoloration.

When Would Using a Pressure Washer Not Be Appropriate?

Now that we’ve gone into the do’s of pressure washing, it’s time to point out some of the don’ts. Unfortunately, not all generations of Trex are compatible with the pressure washing method. It is important to determine what generation of Trex you are working with before attempting to use a pressure washer on your deck.

The following is a list of Trex generations that are not compatible with pressure washer cleaning.

  • Trex Accents
  • Trex Origins
  • Trex Brasilia
  • Trex Profiles
  • Trex Contours

Using a power washer with these earlier generations of Trex is not recommended because it may cause damage. The use of a power washer with these generations of Trex will also void the warranty. Some signs that you may have an earlier generation of Trex is if you have noticed any staining or fading over time. This occurs because the old trex material is not as durable or resilient as the new Trex generations.

The newer generations of Trex are more resilient due to an innovative, high-performance shell that is wrapped around the surface of the boards. While the older generations of Trex were still highly innovative for their time, the absence of this protective shell makes pressure washing these older generations of Trex inadvisable.

The good news is even if your version of Trex can’t be pressure washed, it is still far easier to clean a composite deck in comparison to a traditional wood deck.

Is Trex a Good Fit?

There are many advantages to installing a Trex deck instead of a traditional wood deck. Trex is resistant to insects, rotting, and splitting, not to mention that it is made from 95% recycled materials.

A proud pressure washer owner will also take encouragement from the fact that maintenance requirements for a Trex deck are relatively hassle-free, especially compared to traditional lumber. Wood needs to be cleaned regularly and it is necessary to treat and stain the wood several times a year to prevent wood rot and keep it looking good.

When it comes to Trex decking, no additional maintenance besides a semiannual soap and water cleaning or quick pressure wash is required. What’s not to love about that?

Video Tutorial

Still not sure how to go about using a pressure washer to clean your Trex deck, or maybe you just want to see it in action for yourself? The following video made by the Trex company itself will bring to life everything that we have been talking about so far.

Still not convinced? For more videos like this one, you can visit TheTrexCo youtube channel here. You can also check out their website here.

The Bottom Line

Throughout this article, we have explored the possibilities that using a pressure washer opens up for the conscientious deck owner. We have affirmed that when it comes to the question of whether or not you can use a power washer on your Trex deck, the answer is a resounding yes. But should you?

That depends on your own personal preferences. Assuming you have the correct model and the necessary equipment, using a pressure washer can save time and energy as well as provide a more thorough cleansing to your deck and keep it looking brand new.

The Trex Company does not have a firm stance either way when it comes to pressure washing, but I believe that it can definitely speed up the cleaning process and give you more peace of mind with regards to the well-being and longevity of your deck.

Whatever choice you make, you can rest easy knowing that you have many options at your disposal. As long as you follow the safety guidelines outlined in this article, you really can’t go wrong.

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