The outside living areas are half the reason you live up here — but the tropics are hard on them. Timber decks go grey and slippery, Colorbond fences turn green and streaky, and pergolas grow a fuzzy layer of mould within a season. Here's how to bring fences and decks back to life across the Cassowary Coast, and why the method matters more than the pressure.
Why fences and decks go green so fast
It's the same story as the rest of the home in Far North Queensland — warm, wet and humid is exactly what mould, algae and lichen want. Anywhere shaded or slow to dry gets it first: the south side of a fence, decking under the eaves, the boards beside the pool. Left alone it doesn't just look bad, it makes timber slippery and holds moisture against the surface.
Cleaning a Colorbond or timber fence
Colorbond comes up beautifully, but it's thin steel with a paint finish — blasting it with high pressure can dent panels and cut through the coating. A soft wash is the right call: it lifts the mould and green film off the coating and rinses clean without damaging it. Timber and hardwood palings are the same idea — too much pressure furs up the grain, so lower pressure and the right treatment do a better, longer-lasting job.
Restoring a timber deck the right way
Decks are where people do the most damage with a hire-shop pressure washer. Held too close or on too high a setting, the wand gouges the soft grain and leaves permanent stripes. The proper approach is a gentle clean that clears the grey weathering, mould and grime, then letting the boards dry fully before re-oiling or sealing. Done right, the timber comes back warm and even — not chewed up.
Don't forget the pool surrounds and pergolas
The pavers and tiles around a pool get slippery with the same algae you see on a driveway or path, and pergola beams and patio roofing collect mould overhead. It's worth doing the pool surrounds and pavers in the same visit while the gear's set up — and it's on the same list as getting the roof and the rest of the house sorted before the wet season.
DIY or call someone in?
You can keep small areas ticking over yourself, but decks and coated fences are easy to wreck with the wrong pressure or the wrong chemical — and the damage doesn't wash out. For a full restore, or anything you'd rather not risk, it's safer to have the right method and the right gear on it.
Book a fence or deck clean on the Cassowary Coast
We're mobile across the Cairns to Tully corridor and quotes are free. Not sure on price? Have a look at our 2026 pressure washing price guide, or check the areas we cover. Request a free quote or call 0481 787 960.