Deck Restoration in Mississauga: Mossy Green Deck Landing, Stairs and Railings Power Washed, Sanded and Stained

The deck: green, slippery and shaded

This small deck landing sits beside the house in Mississauga, with open stairs down to the patio, wood railings on the side and a privacy fence behind. Being in the shade next to the house, it never fully dried out: the boards, stair treads and railings had turned grey and green with moss, mildew and algae. Besides looking neglected, green treads get slippery when wet, which matters on stairs.

Power washing

On this job power washing made sense: the wood was covered in organic growth that sanding alone would only smear around. We power washed the landing, stairs and railings to lift the moss, mildew and grime. The washing photo shows the clean, wet wood, with the green gone and the natural colour of the boards coming back.

Sanding and staining

Once the wood was fully dry, we sanded the landing, stair treads and railings smooth to remove raised fibres and open the wood, then stained everything in a warm wood tone that brings out the grain and protects the wood from moisture.

The result

Clean, warm-toned stairs and landing that look new, feel smooth underfoot and are protected against the damp, shaded spot they sit in.

Deck staining: questions homeowners ask

How do you get moss and green mildew off a deck?

Moss, mildew and algae grow where wood stays damp, like shaded decks and stairs next to the house. They need to be washed off before anything else: on this deck we power washed the wood to remove the green growth, then sanded and stained it so it stays protected.

Do you always pressure wash a deck before staining?

No. We look at every deck first and decide whether it should be pressure washed and then sanded, or only sanded, based on the size of the project, the style of the deck, the weather in the forecast and the result the homeowner wants. A mossy, mildewed deck like this one usually needs washing; a dry, grey deck often only needs sanding.

Why does wood need to dry after power washing?

Wet wood cannot absorb stain, so the stain sits on the surface and fails early. We let the wood dry fully after washing, then sand and stain.

Will stain stop moss coming back?

A good penetrating stain repels water, so the wood dries faster and gives moss and mildew less chance to grow. In a shaded, damp spot, a quick yearly rinse and a maintenance coat every couple of years keep it looking clean.

Will the new stain peel?

Peeling usually happens when stain goes over a failing old coat, over damp wood, or is applied too thick. We prepare the wood properly first, and our deck and fence staining comes with a 3-year non-peeling stain warranty.

How much does it cost to restore deck stairs and a landing?

It depends on the size, the condition of the wood, whether it needs washing and sanding or sanding only, and how many stairs and railings there are. We come out, look at the wood and give you a written quote.