Can I pressure wash a fence?

Yes, but use a moderate pressure setting (1,000-1,800 PSI) and a 25° or wider nozzle. Always work along the grain of the wood. Start with the lance further away and move closer gradually. Too much pressure will damage the wood surface, raising fibres and causing splinters.

Should I treat a fence after cleaning?

Yes, always treat wooden fences with a preservative, stain or fence paint after cleaning. Cleaning opens the wood pores and removes old treatment, leaving it vulnerable. Allow the fence to dry for 24-48 hours before applying treatment. This significantly extends the fence lifespan.

How much fence treatment do I need?

Fence treatment typically covers 8-12 m² per litre depending on the wood absorbency. We estimate 0.1 litres per m² as an average. Rough-sawn timber absorbs more than planed timber. Apply one coat for maintenance or two coats on bare or heavily weathered wood.

How long does fence cleaning and treatment take?

A 10m fence panel run (about 6 standard 1.8m panels) takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to clean and 1-1.5 hours to treat. Allow 24-48 hours drying between cleaning and treating. Do not apply treatment in rain or if rain is forecast within 6 hours.

CleanCalcs

Fence Cleaning Calculator

Estimate time, water and treatment product for fence cleaning and treatment.

Fence Length

Total run of fencing

Fence Height

Fence Type

Apply treatment after cleaning

Preservative, stain or fence paint

Treatment Cost per Litre

Optional

How We Calculate This

How the calculation works

Time is calculated from the total fence area and the cleaning rate for the fence type.

Coverage rates (m² per hour)

Panel fence: 10 m²/hr
Close board: 8 m²/hr
Picket: 6 m²/hr
Palisade: 7 m²/hr

Formulae

Fence area = length × height

Cleaning time = area ÷ rate

Treatment volume = area × 0.1 L/m²

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities and timings for your specific situation.