DIY Power Washing, Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
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Introduction
You’ve seen the videos—layers of grime disappearing in seconds under the force of a power washer. Oddly satisfying, right?
Power washing is one of the most impactful and oddly fun DIY projects you can do. It makes siding sparkle, patios pop, and driveways look brand new. But before you dive in, one question usually pops up:
Should I rent a power washer and do it myself—or just hire a pro?
This guide will give you the real breakdown:
- What DIY power washing costs in 2025
- How much the pros charge
- What you’ll need to get started
- Risks, results, and smart estimating with Estimero
💸 The Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Pro Power Washing
| Area to Clean | DIY Cost (2025) | Pro Cost (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway (400 sq ft) | $60–$100 | $150–$300 |
| Patio or deck (300 sq ft) | $60–$120 | $175–$350 |
| Home siding (1,500 sq ft) | $120–$200 | $250–$600 |
| Fence (50–100 ft) | $40–$80 | $100–$200 |
🧠 Estimero Tip: Use the “Outdoor Maintenance” estimator to plug in your square footage and see both DIY + pro pricing side-by-side.
🧰 What You Need for DIY Power Washing
Tools & Equipment:
- Power washer (electric or gas)
- Garden hose & spray attachment
- Nozzles (15°, 25°, 40°)
- Extension wand (for siding)
- Surface cleaner attachment (for driveways)
- Safety gear: goggles, gloves, closed-toe shoes
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re working on siding or second-story areas, rent a telescoping wand or use a ladder safely.
DIY Equipment Cost:
| Item | Buy | Rent | Avg Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric pressure washer (2,000 PSI) | ✅ | ✅ | $150–$300 (buy) / $30–$50 (rent/day) |
| Gas pressure washer (2,800+ PSI) | ✅ | ✅ | $350–$600 (buy) / $60–$90 (rent/day) |
| Surface cleaner attachment | ✅ | ✅ | $80–$150 or $20/day |
| Detergent or cleaner solution | ✅ | $10–$30 | |
| Extension wand | ✅ | ✅ | $40–$100 |
✅ Total estimated DIY cost:
- For one day of use: $60–$150 (renting)
- Buying gear: $200–$700 upfront
🏡 Common DIY Power Washing Projects
1. Concrete Driveway
- PSI Needed: 2,800+
- Time: ~1–2 hours
- Tips: Use surface cleaner for even finish
- Watch for: Chipping older concrete
2. Wood Deck
- PSI Needed: 1,200–1,500
- Time: ~2–3 hours
- Tips: Use 25° nozzle and sweep with grain
- Watch for: Gouging soft wood
3. Vinyl or Brick Siding
- PSI Needed: 1,500–2,000
- Time: ~3–5 hours
- Tips: Pre-treat with cleaner and rinse from top down
- Watch for: Water under siding, high-pressure damage
4. Fencing
- PSI Needed: 1,000–1,500
- Time: ~1–2 hours
- Tips: Test a small area first—older wood may splinter
- Watch for: Loose nails or rot
⚠️ Risks of DIY Power Washing
- Damaging wood, paint, or siding
- Forcing water into cracks, under windows, or electrical fixtures
- Injuries from high-pressure spray (seriously—don’t aim at your feet)
- Unclean lines if you skip a surface cleaner or overlap
That’s why pros charge more: they’re fast, experienced, and insured. But if you’re careful, DIY is still a solid option for flat surfaces and siding under 2 stories.
🧮 Estimating with Estimero
Want to price out your job before renting gear?
- Go to Estimero
- Choose “Outdoor Cleaning / Power Washing”
- Input surface type (driveway, deck, siding, etc.)
- Add total square footage
- Select DIY or Pro
- Estimate tool rental or purchase if DIY
- Add optional cleaning solutions or attachments
You’ll get:
- Total project cost
- Estimated time
- Suggested PSI and nozzles
- Tool checklist for your area and surface
FAQs: DIY vs. Pro Power Washing
Q: Is it worth buying a power washer?
A: If you plan to use it multiple times a year—for home, cars, deck, etc.—yes. Otherwise, renting is more budget-friendly.
Q: Can I power wash a painted surface?
A: Caution! You might strip the paint if the pressure’s too high. Use a 40° nozzle or soft-wash attachment.
Q: Should I use detergent?
A: Yes, especially for moldy or stained surfaces. Most machines have a detergent tank or siphon tube.
Q: Will power washing increase my home’s value?
A: Not directly—but a clean exterior massively boosts curb appeal before selling or appraising.
Final Thoughts: Clean Smarter, Not Harder
Whether you're blasting grime off your driveway or giving your siding a glow-up, power washing is one of the fastest ways to improve your home's appearance. But like most DIY jobs, success comes down to planning.
Here’s the breakdown:
- DIY is cheaper if you’re confident, safe, and have a single-story home
- Hiring a pro is faster, safer, and worth it for complex surfaces or second-story work
- Use Estimero to compare both paths before committing
💡 Ready to estimate your next outdoor refresh? Try Estimero to plan, price, and complete your project with zero pressure (pun intended).
Helpful Links:
Still unsure which way to go?
Chat with Estimero Support and we’ll help you compare your power washing options line-by-line.