Pressure washing is one of the highest-impact services you can do for your home's exterior. A single afternoon of professional pressure washing can restore a driveway, deck, or patio from grey and stained to nearly new-looking. Here's what it costs in Ontario in 2026, broken down by surface and scope.
Pricing by Surface: The Foundation of Every Quote
Pressure washing is priced by surface type and area (square footage), not by hourly rate. Different surfaces require different pressure settings, nozzle types, and pre-treatment — a concrete driveway is cleaned very differently from a wood deck or a vinyl fence — which is why surface type drives the quote.
Condition also affects pricing significantly. A driveway that was pressure washed last year needs a maintenance clean. A driveway last cleaned five years ago with deep-set organic staining and embedded grime may require a degreaser pre-treatment and a longer service time. Being honest about condition when requesting a quote ensures you get an accurate price rather than a surprise on the day.
Driveways and Walkways
Driveway cleaning is the most commonly requested pressure washing service in Kitchener-Waterloo. After Ontario winters — road salt, freeze-thaw grime, and months of tire traffic — driveways accumulate significant staining and embedded debris.
| Surface | Typical Size | Price Range (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-car driveway | 200–300 sqft | $100–$175 | Standard asphalt or concrete |
| Two-car driveway | 400–600 sqft | $150–$260 | Most common KW request |
| Large/3-car driveway | 600–900 sqft | $220–$380 | Long driveways or wide bays |
| Driveway with oil stains | Any | Add $40–$100 | Requires degreaser pre-treatment + hot water |
| Front walkway + steps | 50–150 sqft | $60–$140 | Often bundled with driveway |
| Side and rear walkways | 50–200 sqft | $60–$180 | Bundled pricing available |
Interlock driveways require slightly different technique than poured concrete or asphalt — the joint sand between pavers can be displaced by aggressive pressure, so professionals use a controlled fan spray rather than a direct rotating nozzle. After interlock pressure washing, polymeric jointing sand may need to be replenished in the joints.
Pro Tip: Book your driveway pressure washing before driveway sealing, not after. A thorough pressure wash is essential preparation for sealing — it removes the old oxidized layer and opens the pores of the asphalt for better sealant penetration.
Decks and Patios
Wood decks and composite decks, concrete patios, and interlock patios all benefit from annual or biennial pressure washing. After an Ontario winter and a spring full of pollen, deck surfaces accumulate algae, mildew, and embedded organic debris that makes them slippery and visually tired.
| Surface | Typical Size | Price Range (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small deck (up to 200 sqft) | 10x20 ft or similar | $100–$200 | Including railings |
| Medium deck (200–400 sqft) | 16x25 ft or similar | $180–$320 | Multi-level adds 15–25% |
| Large deck (400+ sqft) | 20x30 ft+ | $280–$450 | Large entertaining decks |
| Concrete patio (up to 400 sqft) | 20x20 ft or similar | $140–$280 | Algae removal common in shade |
| Interlock patio (up to 400 sqft) | 20x20 ft or similar | $160–$300 | Sand replenishment may be extra |
Wood decks require special attention: high pressure on soft wood (cedar, pine) raises the grain and can cause splinter damage. Professional pressure washers use a lower PSI setting (600–1200 PSI) for wood decks versus concrete (1500–3000 PSI). If a company proposes to use the same settings on your wood deck as on your concrete driveway, that's a warning sign.
Siding and Home Exterior
Pressure washing exterior siding is a point where many homeowners are steered wrong. For most siding types — vinyl, painted wood, stucco, EIFS, and most brick — soft washing (low-pressure + cleaning solution) is the correct method, not high-pressure washing.
High-pressure water on vinyl siding can crack it or force water behind the panels, causing rot and mold in the wall cavity. On painted wood, it strips paint. On stucco, it can erode the surface finish. The only surfaces that genuinely benefit from high-pressure exterior washing are unpainted concrete and some brick types.
When a company quotes "pressure washing" for your home's siding, ask specifically: "Will this be high-pressure or soft washing?" A reputable company will use soft washing for siding. For siding cleaning pricing, see our related article on soft washing services.
For concrete and brick home exteriors, high-pressure washing is appropriate. Budget approximately $0.20–$0.40 per square foot for exterior surface washing of hard materials, which translates to $400–$900+ for a full-perimeter wash of an average home with a concrete block or brick foundation visible at grade.
Fences
Fence washing is an efficient job that dramatically improves the look of your backyard. Fence pricing is typically per linear foot rather than per square foot:
- Wood fence: $1.50–$3.00 per linear foot (both sides)
- Vinyl fence: $1.00–$2.00 per linear foot (both sides)
- Chain link (if applicable): $0.50–$1.00 per linear foot
For a standard 100-linear-foot property fence, this translates to approximately $150–$300 for wood or $100–$200 for vinyl. Fences that haven't been cleaned in many years may have deep mildew and mold penetration that requires a pre-treatment soak — add $30–$60 for severely affected fences.
Full Property Packages
Booking a full property pressure washing package — driveway, walkways, deck or patio, and fence together — typically saves 10–20% compared to booking each service separately. The efficiency gain from keeping a crew on-site for a full day benefits both parties.
A comprehensive spring exterior clean for an average Kitchener-Waterloo home (driveway + walkways + deck + fence) runs approximately $450–$850 as a package, compared to $600–$1,100 if booked as separate services. This is one of the best ways to maximize the value of professional exterior cleaning.
What Affects Your Specific Price
Beyond surface type and size, several factors will move your quote within its range:
- Last cleaned: Years of accumulated grime take longer to remove. Regular maintenance cleaning is cheaper per visit than neglected surfaces.
- Access and obstacles: A driveway with clear access all around is faster than one with tight side gates, dense planting beds, or slope challenges.
- Distance from water source: Professionals bring their own water tanks (most cases), but homes with very limited outdoor water access can occasionally add setup time.
- Specific stain types: Oil, rust, paint, and animal waste all require different pre-treatments and add to the job time.
- Time of season: Peak season (May–August) may carry a slight premium; booking in spring before the summer rush saves money and ensures you get your preferred date.
"The single best piece of advice we give homeowners about pressure washing is this: don't wait until your surfaces look terrible. Cleaning a moderately dirty driveway costs the same as cleaning a filthy one in some cases — but the filthy one takes twice as long. Regular maintenance beats emergency restoration every time."
— David, D&D Home Services Co-Founder
D&D Home Services provides professional pressure washing throughout Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph. We use commercial-grade equipment and biodegradable cleaning solutions. Get your free quote — we typically respond within one business day.
Ontario Pressure Washing: 2026 Price Reference
- ✓ Two-car driveway: $150–$260 in the KW market
- ✓ Medium deck (200–400 sqft): $180–$320
- ✓ Patio/interlock (up to 400 sqft): $160–$300
- ✓ Fence: $1.50–$3.00/linear foot (wood)
- ✓ Full property package: $450–$850 saves 10–20% over individual bookings
- ✓ Book in spring before summer backlog builds; oil stains need hot-water equipment
