Power washing a driveway is an effective way to improve curb appeal, remove stubborn stains, and maintain the overall cleanliness of your property. If you’re in San Antonio, TX, you might be wondering about the cost of this service. The pricing for power washing jobs can vary significantly depending on how the job is quoted.
When you hire a power washing service, you can expect to pay between $150 to $300 to clean a small two-car driveway in San Antonio, with larger driveways costing anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more. Here, we’ll explore the three main ways power washing companies typically quote a power washing job: hourly, by square footage, or a flat rate.
Hourly Rates: Why This Method Falls Short
Some companies might quote power washing jobs in San Antonio on an hourly basis. While this approach may seem straightforward, it often ends up being the least beneficial for customers. Hourly rates for power washing typically range between $100 to $250 per hour, depending on the company’s experience and equipment.
The problem with hourly pricing is that it doesn’t account for the efficiency of commercial power washing equipment. A skilled technician using an 8 GPM power washer, hot water, and large surface cleaner can complete jobs much faster than someone using less effective power washing tools. However, you might end up paying more for a less experienced power washer because it takes them longer to complete the job.
As a customer, technicians taking longer than necessary is also a concern, which can create uncertainty about the final cost. For these reasons, it's best to avoid hourly pricing when hiring a power washing service.
Square Footage Rate: A Common and Transparent Approach
Quoting power washing jobs using a square footage rate is quite common because it's simple and accurate. This transparent pricing method directly correlates to the size of your driveway. In San Antonio, the average cost to power wash a residential driveway is between $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot. Some power washing companies may charge more or less, depending on how dirty the driveway is, the type of concrete finish, and the complexity of the job. Large commercial power washing jobs often cost around $0.10 per square foot.
For example:
- A small 1,000-square-foot driveway at $0.20 per square foot would cost $200.
- A large 30,000-square-foot parking lot at $0.10 per square foot would cost $3,000.
Most power washers also have a minimum price, typically between $150 and $300, so don't expect to pay $40 to get your 200 square foot patio cleaned. A minimum price ensures the power washing business can cover labor costs, cleaning chemicals, gas, equipment maintenance, marketing expenses, and insurance—all of which the best power washing services must do.
Flat Rate: Simplifying the Process
Some companies prefer to offer a flat rate for driveway power washing services. This method simplifies the quoting process by providing a fixed cost based on the general size and condition of the driveway. For example, a company might charge $250 for a standard residential driveway regardless of its exact dimensions.
Flat rates are particularly appealing for customers with unusually shaped driveways or heavy stains that might take extra time to clean. Companies often calculate flat rates by considering an average driveway size and factoring in labor, equipment, and overhead costs. This method offers predictability for the customer and ensures the company still covers its expenses.
While flat rates are convenient, it’s important to understand that the final price may be slightly higher than square footage pricing for smaller driveways. Although, it could also work out in your favor and be slightly lower than square footage pricing. If you value simplicity and avoiding unexpected costs, a flat rate is a great option.
Additional Costs: Oil Stain and Rust Stain Removal
In addition to a standard power washing service, some driveways may require extra treatments to address specific issues like oil stains or rust stains. These types of stains can be stubborn and difficult to remove if you attempt DIY power washing.
- Oil Stain Removal: Removing oil stains typically requires specialized detergents or degreasers and hot water, which add to the cost of the service. Depending on the size and severity of the stain, you might expect an additional charge of $50 to $100.
- Rust Stain Removal: Rust stains often require acidic cleaners or other specialized treatments. The cost for rust stain removal can range from $75 to over $150, depending on the size of the affected area.
These additional costs reflect the extra time, chemicals, and expertise needed to handle these challenging stains effectively. Discussing these potential issues during the quoting process can help you avoid surprises on your final invoice.
Hire Guardian Pressure Washing to Clean Your Driveway in San Antonio TX
The cost to power wash a driveway in San Antonio TX depends on the quoting method, with hourly rates, square footage pricing, and flat rates being the most common approaches. By understanding the factors influencing price—from labor and equipment to overhead and insurance—you can ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Homeowners in San Antonio TX can expect to pay between $150 to $300 to clean a small driveway, and $300 to $1,000 or more to clean a large driveway.
Guardian Pressure Washing is one of the top-rated power washing companies in San Antonio, TX. If you'd like to get your driveway cleaned, we can provide you with a free estimate. Alternatively, you can call us for a free estimate at (210) 560-5966.
