Whether you're a homeowner getting quotes or a contractor setting prices, this guide covers what pressure washing costs in 2026 — broken down by surface type, square footage, and job complexity. We also include a free estimate calculator so you can price any job in seconds.
Quick Answer
Most homeowners pay $150–$500 for pressure washing, with the national average around $275. Per square foot, expect to pay $0.15–$0.75 depending on the surface.
Pressure Washing Cost Per Square Foot
The most accurate way to estimate pressure washing is by the square foot. Here are the 2026 average rates by surface type:
| Surface | $/Sq Ft | Avg Job Cost | Avg Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | $0.15 – $0.30 | $100 – $300 | 600 sq ft |
| House Exterior | $0.25 – $0.50 | $200 – $600 | 2,000 sq ft |
| Deck / Patio | $0.30 – $0.50 | $150 – $400 | 400 sq ft |
| Roof (Soft Wash) | $0.35 – $0.75 | $300 – $700 | 1,500 sq ft |
| Sidewalk / Walkway | $0.10 – $0.20 | $50 – $100 | 300 sq ft |
| Fence | $0.30 – $0.60 | $150 – $400 | 500 sq ft |
| Patio / Pool Deck | $0.20 – $0.35 | $100 – $250 | 500 sq ft |
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Use our free pressure washing calculator to price any job by surface type, stain level, and square footage.
Average Pressure Washing Costs by Service
House Wash
$200 – $600
Average: $300 for 2,000 sq ft home
2-story homes add 30–50%. Most use soft wash technique.
Driveway
$100 – $300
Average: $175 for 600 sq ft driveway
Oil stains and heavy buildup add 25–50%.
Deck / Patio
$150 – $400
Average: $225 for 400 sq ft deck
Wood decks cost more than composite. Staining after adds $2–$4/sqft.
Roof (Soft Wash)
$300 – $700
Average: $450 for 1,500 sq ft roof
Never high-pressure a roof. Soft wash only.
Fence
$150 – $400
Average: $250 for 500 linear ft
Wood fences need lower PSI. Vinyl fences clean faster.
Sidewalk
$50 – $150
Average: $75 for 300 sq ft walkway
Often bundled with driveway cleaning for a discount.
What Factors Affect Pressure Washing Prices?
1. Square Footage
Most pressure washing companies charge by the square foot, typically $0.15–$0.75/sq ft. Larger jobs often get a lower per-sqft rate. Most contractors set a minimum job price of $100–$150 to cover drive time, setup, and equipment costs.
2. Surface Material
Different surfaces require different pressure levels, chemicals, and techniques:
- Concrete: Standard pricing ($0.15–$0.30/sqft). The most durable surface — handles high pressure well.
- Wood (decks, fences): Requires lower PSI to avoid splintering. Often 10–20% more due to care needed.
- Vinyl siding: Uses soft wash technique with chemicals. Standard pricing at $0.25–$0.40/sqft.
- Brick & stucco: Requires careful pressure to avoid mortar damage. Slightly higher cost at $0.30–$0.50/sqft.
- Roofing: Must use soft wash only — high pressure will void shingle warranties. Premium pricing at $0.35–$0.75/sqft.
3. Level of Staining
Heavy staining from oil, rust, mold, or years of buildup requires additional treatments, chemicals, and time. Expect to pay 25–50% more for heavy staining versus a standard clean. Black streaks on roofs and oil stains on driveways are the most common upcharges.
4. Location & Market
Prices vary by 20–40% depending on your region. Urban areas and high cost-of-living markets (NYC, SF, Boston) charge at the top of the range. Rural areas and the Southeast tend to have lower rates.
5. Accessibility
Multi-story homes, steep roofs, and hard-to-reach areas cost more due to ladder work, scaffolding, or lift equipment. Second-story house washing typically adds 30–50% to the base price.
Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing: Cost Differences
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water (2,000–4,000 PSI) for hard surfaces like concrete driveways and sidewalks.
Soft washing uses low pressure (under 500 PSI) with specialized cleaning solutions (sodium hypochlorite + surfactant) for delicate surfaces like roofs, vinyl siding, and painted wood.
Soft washing typically costs 10–20% more than standard pressure washing because of the chemical costs ($10–$25 per house in chemicals). However, it's the only safe method for roofs and most siding. Learn more in our soft wash vs pressure wash guide. Need to calculate chemical costs? Try our soft wash mix calculator.
Commercial Pressure Washing Costs
Commercial jobs — parking lots, storefronts, restaurants, and warehouse exteriors — follow similar per-sqft pricing but at scale:
- Parking lots: $0.08–$0.15/sq ft ($200–$1,500+ per lot)
- Storefronts: $150–$500 per cleaning
- Restaurant exteriors (grease): $300–$800 (grease traps extra)
- Drive-throughs: $200–$400 per lane
- Dumpster pads: $75–$200 per pad
Commercial contracts (monthly or quarterly cleaning) typically offer 10–20% discounts over one-time pricing.
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Driveway?
Pressure washing a driveway costs $100–$300 for a standard two-car driveway (400–600 sq ft). The national average is about $175. Contractors typically charge $0.15–$0.30 per square foot for concrete driveways.
Larger driveways (800+ sq ft) may cost $250–$500, but the per-sqft rate usually drops. Heavy oil stains, rust stains, or years of buildup add 25–50% to the base price because they require specialized degreasers and extra time. Most companies set a minimum job charge of $100–$150 regardless of size.
How Much to Charge for Pressure Washing a House?
If you're a contractor, charge $0.25–$0.50 per square foot for house washing, or set a flat rate of $200–$600 for most residential homes. The sweet spot for profitability is around $0.35/sqft for standard house washes.
When pricing house washing, factor in:
- Stories: Add 30–50% for two-story homes due to ladder time and equipment needs
- Material: Brick and stucco take longer than vinyl siding
- Mold/algae level: Heavy green growth requires a stronger chemical mix and longer dwell time
- Landscaping: Properties with extensive landscaping need plant protection, adding 15–20 minutes
Want to dial in your pricing? Our pressure washing calculator gives you instant estimates by surface type and size. For a complete guide, see how to price pressure washing jobs.
How to Save Money on Pressure Washing
- Bundle services: Get driveway + house + sidewalk done together for 15–25% off
- Schedule off-season: Winter and early spring have lower rates in most markets
- Get 3 quotes: Prices vary significantly between contractors — always compare
- Set up recurring service: Annual or semi-annual contracts cost less per visit
- Skip the upsells you don't need: Sealant is valuable for driveways but unnecessary for siding
Calculate Your Exact Price
Enter your square footage and surface type to get an instant, accurate estimate.
Open Free CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to pressure wash a driveway?▾
A standard driveway (400–600 sq ft) costs $100–$300 to pressure wash, averaging about $175. Most contractors charge $0.15–$0.30 per square foot for concrete driveways. Heavily stained driveways with oil or tire marks cost 25–50% more. Most companies set a minimum job price of $100–$150.
How much does it cost to pressure wash a house?▾
Pressure washing a house exterior costs $200–$600 for a typical 1,500–2,500 sq ft home. The average is about $300 for a standard house wash. Two-story homes cost 30–50% more due to ladder or lift requirements. Most house washing uses soft wash technique ($0.25–$0.50/sq ft) rather than high-pressure washing.
How much does pressure washing cost per square foot?▾
Pressure washing costs $0.15–$0.75 per square foot in 2026, depending on surface type. Driveways and sidewalks: $0.15–$0.30/sq ft. House exteriors: $0.25–$0.50/sq ft. Decks and patios: $0.30–$0.50/sq ft. Roofs (soft wash): $0.35–$0.75/sq ft. Fences: $0.30–$0.60/sq ft.
Is pressure washing worth the money?▾
Yes. Regular pressure washing prevents costly repairs, increases curb appeal, and can boost home value by 5–10%. It removes mold and mildew that cause wood rot and paint failure. Annual cleaning ($200–$500) is far cheaper than repainting a house ($3,000–$7,000) or replacing a deck ($5,000–$15,000).
How often should I pressure wash my house?▾
Most homes should be pressure washed annually. Homes in humid climates, near trees, or in areas with heavy pollen may need cleaning every 6–8 months. Driveways and high-traffic walkways often benefit from semi-annual cleaning. Regular maintenance prevents buildup that becomes harder and more expensive to remove.
Should I pressure wash myself or hire a professional?▾
Renting a pressure washer costs $50–$100/day, but professionals deliver better results with less risk. Improper technique can damage siding, etch concrete, or force water behind walls causing mold. Professionals have commercial equipment (3,000–4,000 PSI), proper chemicals, insurance, and experience. For most homeowners, the $200–$500 for a professional beats the risk of a $3,000 repair from DIY damage.
What is the difference between pressure washing and power washing?▾
Pressure washing uses cold, high-pressure water. Power washing uses heated, high-pressure water. In practice, most contractors use the terms interchangeably. Soft washing is different — it uses low pressure (under 500 PSI) with cleaning chemicals, and is required for roofs, painted surfaces, and vinyl siding to avoid damage.
Are you a contractor looking to start a pressure washing business? Calculate your estimates instantly or try CrewNest free to manage estimates, invoices, and scheduling for your business.