Driveway, Siding, or Deck: What Should You Pressure Wash First? | EL 45 PDX
EL 45 PDX
General Contractor, Portland OR

Blog · Pressure Washing

What To WashFirst.

Driveway, siding, or deck — how to prioritize when you can’t do it all at once.

Most homes could use pressure washing in more than one spot at once, but budget and time usually mean picking a starting point. Here’s a practical way to think through it.

Home exterior showing driveway, siding, and deck in Portland, Oregon

Start With What Affects Safety Or Value First

01Slippery Walkways & StepsAlgae buildup on walking surfaces is a real slip hazard — prioritize these first
02DrivewaysHigh visibility and heavy use make this the most commonly requested job
03SidingThe biggest visual impact on curb appeal, especially street-facing walls
04Decks & FencesWorth prioritizing if you’re planning to stain or seal afterward

If You’re Preparing To Sell

The calculus changes a bit if a listing is coming up. In that case, driveway and siding usually matter most since they’re what buyers see first — we cover that angle specifically in our guide to pressure washing before selling your home.

Doing It In Stages

There’s nothing wrong with splitting the work across a couple of visits rather than doing the whole property at once. Getting a quote on the full scope up front still helps — it lets you see the total picture and decide what to tackle now versus later, rather than guessing.

Pressure Washing By City

Portland · Gresham · Hillsboro · Beaverton

Not Sure Where To Start?

Send photos of what you’re considering and we’ll help you think through it.