Pressure Washing: The Complete Guide

What surfaces suit pressure washing?

Concrete, tarmac, most natural stone paving, block paving and standard poured patios generally tolerate pressure washing well, provided the pressure and nozzle are matched sensibly to the surface. Block paving in particular benefits from pressure washing followed by resanding the joints, since the process inevitably displaces some jointing sand that needs replacing afterwards to keep the blocks stable.

Softer or more delicate surfaces, including render, some natural stone with a soft or textured finish, and older reclaimed paving, are better suited to soft washing or a lower-pressure approach, since high pressure can damage the surface or strip away a protective patina that's part of the material's character.

How much does pressure washing cost?

Driveway and patio pressure washing is typically priced per square metre, commonly around £3 to £6 per square metre depending on the surface type, condition and how much moss or staining needs removing. A standard driveway might therefore run from roughly £80 to £250, while larger driveways or combined driveway and patio jobs can run higher, particularly where heavy moss or oil staining needs extra treatment.

Adding a sealant after cleaning is usually an additional cost, often priced separately per square metre, but it protects the surface and slows how quickly moss and staining return, which can make it worthwhile on a driveway that's prone to regrowth.

Getting the pressure and method right

A competent contractor adjusts pressure and nozzle angle to the surface rather than running one setting for every job. Too high a pressure on block paving or older concrete can etch the surface or blow out jointing sand, leaving a patchy, striped finish that's genuinely difficult to fix afterwards. The classic cowboy mistake is holding the lance too close and moving too slowly, which concentrates pressure in one spot and leaves visible tram-lines across the surface.

For heavily soiled or biologically stained surfaces, a pre-treatment with a suitable cleaning solution before pressure washing often gives a better, longer-lasting result than pressure alone, since it helps break down algae and moss at a deeper level rather than just blasting the visible top layer off.

When pressure washing isn't the right choice

Render, pebbledash, soft or crumbling brick, and some older natural stone are generally better cleaned with soft washing rather than pressure washing, since these surfaces can be damaged, stripped, or have water forced behind them by high pressure. Anywhere close to electrical fittings, air bricks, or loose pointing also needs a careful, lower-pressure approach or specific precautions to avoid causing damage or forcing water where it shouldn't go.