Power washing a fence typically costs $0.50-$2.50 per linear foot, with many straightforward residential jobs averaging about $1.25 per linear foot. Fence material, height, buildup, access, and whether the quote includes a minimum service charge affect the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fence washing | $0.50 per linear ft | $1.25 per linear ft | $2.50 per linear ft | Typical residential range |
| 100 linear ft | $75 | $150 | $300 | May be subject to a minimum |
| 200 linear ft | $125 | $250 | $500 | Price depends on height and condition |
Assumptions: Standard 4-6-foot fence, accessible yard, ordinary dirt, and U.S. contractor pricing; minimum charges can raise small-job totals.
Fence Washing Prices Per Linear Foot and Total
For a standard 4-foot fence with light dirt and clear access, expect about $0.50-$1.25 per linear foot. A typical 6-foot fence or one with moderate algae often runs $1-$2 per linear foot. Tall, heavily stained, or difficult-to-reach fencing can reach $2.50 per linear foot or more.
A practical budget for 150 linear feet is about $100-$300, with roughly $190 a common midpoint. That estimate assumes washing only, not staining, sealing, repairs, or chemical treatment. Contractors may price by the linear foot, by project, or by the hour, so the quote should state what is included.
How Wood, Vinyl, and Metal Fence Quotes Break Down
Material affects the cleaning method and labor. Wood may need lower pressure to limit splintering, while vinyl can require treatment for algae and mildew. Metal fencing is often quick to rinse, though rust or intricate pickets can add handwork. The table shows typical quote components for a 150-foot job.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $75 | $150 | $300 | Access, fence condition, and detail work |
| Cleaner and supplies | $10 | $25 | $60 | Specialty treatment or extra rinsing |
| Equipment and setup | $10 | $25 | $50 | Travel, hoses, and machine setup |
| Minimum or disposal | $0 | $25 | $75 | Small-job minimum or debris handling |
Labor is usually the largest part of a routine fence-washing quote. A contractor’s equipment and setup may be bundled into the per-foot rate rather than itemized.
Why Height and Grime Change the Per-Foot Rate
Fence height changes the surface area and the time needed to work safely. A 4-foot fence is generally cheaper per linear foot than a 6- or 8-foot fence; tall privacy panels may add 15%-40% compared with a short, open fence. Quotes can also rise when both sides are washed rather than only the exposed side.
Heavy growth, delicate materials, and difficult access commonly add 20%-60% to a basic rate. Green algae may require a cleaner and dwell time, while embedded dirt or old staining can take repeated passes. Loose boards, nearby landscaping, steep slopes, and water access over 100 feet from the work area may also increase labor.
How Long a 150-Foot Fence Wash Takes
A two-person crew may wash 100-200 linear feet in about 2-5 hours when the fence is in ordinary condition and reachable from both sides. Tight gate access, dense shrubs, many corners, or significant mildew can extend the visit. Small projects may still incur a contractor’s minimum charge even when the washing takes less than two hours.
Hourly rates commonly fall around $50-$125 per worker, but many companies quote a flat project price. Before booking, confirm whether the crew needs access to both sides, a working outdoor water spigot, and space to protect nearby plants or property.
Regional Pressure-Washing Rates Across the U.S.
Labor and travel costs differ by market. Prices in major coastal cities and high-cost metro areas may be 15%-35% above a national midpoint, while rural markets can be 10%-25% below it. These are broad comparisons, not guaranteed local rates; contractor availability and the amount of competition can shift prices in either direction.
Compare quotes from providers serving the same ZIP code and using the same scope. Ask whether the per-foot rate covers one or both sides, chemical treatment, setup, and cleanup. A low advertised rate may exclude minimum charges or apply only to short, lightly soiled fences.
Which Cleanup and Stain-Removal Charges Get Added?
Basic washing usually does not include stripping old paint or stain, sanding, repairs, or applying a new finish. Chemical treatment for heavy mildew may add roughly $0.10-$0.50 per linear foot. Removing peeling finish or preparing a fence for staining can cost substantially more, with prep commonly priced at $1-$3 per linear foot depending on the surface and labor involved.
Get separate prices for washing, finish removal, and sealing so the scope is clear. Some contractors charge $25-$75 for a small-job minimum or travel, particularly for short fence sections. Confirm whether plant protection and rinsing residue from nearby hard surfaces are included.
Three Fence-Washing Quotes for Common Yard Sizes
A 100-foot, 4-foot vinyl fence with light dirt might cost $75-$150, or $0.75-$1.50 per linear foot, including a modest minimum charge. A 150-foot, 6-foot wood privacy fence with moderate algae could run $180-$330, or $1.20-$2.20 per linear foot, if both sides are accessible.
More demanding jobs cost more because labor and treatment rise with the actual condition. For example, 200 feet of 6-foot fencing with heavy mildew and tight access might be quoted at $400-$600, or $2-$3 per linear foot. That upper example assumes added treatment or repeat passes, not repainting or staining.
How to Lower Fence-Washing Cost Without Skipping Prep
Clear brush, move yard items, and provide access to the gate before the crew arrives. If the fence is only dirty on the yard-facing side, ask for a one-side quote and compare it with a both-sides price. Washing multiple exterior surfaces during one visit may reduce duplicated setup or travel fees, though each task should remain itemized.
Compare at least three written quotes using the same footage, sides, and cleaning scope. Avoid paying for stain removal or sealing unless those tasks are needed. For sound fencing with ordinary dirt, a standard wash is usually sufficient; for soft or weathered wood, ask how the contractor will limit pressure and protect the boards.