Assess the wood
Look at age, condition, existing finish, and the type of buildup before choosing an approach.
Decks and fences
Reveal the wood beneath the weathering.
Nova Scotia sun, rain, snow, and moisture leave their mark on outdoor wood. Careful professional cleaning can remove surface grime and weathered fibres without treating your deck like concrete.
Blue skies, grey decks
Weathered grey is a surface story.
Outdoor wood changes colour as sunlight and weather break down fibres at the surface. If the concern is simply a grey patina, cleaning is mainly an appearance decision. Green or black organic growth, however, deserves attention because it can make the surface slippery and unpleasant to use. It is also unhealthy and can damage the wood.
If you plan to stain or treat a deck, properly cleaning the surface first is essential. Peter can assess the wood and explain what professional washing can realistically improve.
Professional washing can remove layers of dead, weathered surface fibres and reveal fresher-looking wood underneath. Customers are often surprised by how bright and renewed their decks and fences look after a professional cleaning.
Why experience matters- Deck boards
- Railings
- Steps and stairs
- Wood fences
- Sheds
- Outdoor furniture
Care matters
Wood needs the right touch—not maximum pressure.
Too much pressure or poor technique can scar and splinter wood. Experience helps determine how to clean the surface while respecting its condition.
Control the pressure
Use professional technique and appropriate pressure instead of cutting into soft wood fibres.
Prepare the surface
Remove grime and weathered material before a planned stain or other treatment.
Real Bare Bones work
See the difference careful cleaning makes.
These before-and-after photographs come from actual Bare Bones projects.
Free estimate
Is your deck ready for summer?
Are you ready to enjoy your deck in the nice weather, or does it need to be cleaned in preparation for paint or stain? Send Peter a few details about the wood, its condition, and the areas you want cleaned.