What kind of pressure washer should I rent to power wash a deck, and what will the approximate cost be?

I've volunteered to pressure wash a friend's deck that is approximately 20' L X 8' W. I want to complete the job in one day since the house is 100 miles from my home and I'm only going to stay over one night. I know that pressure washers are rated by the number of PSI (pounds per square inch). Can anyone tell me how many PSI I should get in a rental? Is my hope to finish the job in one day realistic? The deck boards are pretty dirty due to lots of trees all around. Any other advice would be welcome.What kind of pressure washer should I rent to power wash a deck, and what will the approximate cost be?
In my opinion a 2000 to 2550 PSI unit would do the best job for you.


This would give you enough cleaning power to not be all day getting it done, and gentle enough to not rip the wood apart from extreme pressure.


Start on a surface not easily seen until you get used to the machine, and use straight even strokes slightly overlapping as not to streak the deckWhat kind of pressure washer should I rent to power wash a deck, and what will the approximate cost be?
At least 2000 psi..get one with a ohc engine, not a common gasoline lawnmower engine..they suck....Rent the pressure washer near your friends house for that area won't take half a day ..nowhere near it..and you can get 1/2 day rentals at about 40.00......check out my deck here on page 1 of my flickr photos....I took two coats of paint off this too bare wood with a 2600 psi one here..take in mind..when you pressure wash....it will raise the grain of the wood..let it dry a day or two..you have to let it dry..do not refinish wet....run a electric sander over the top of it after dry..just to knock the ';raised grain'; off of it before sealing etc.....
like the other said.. it can blow holes right into the wood.. stay even height and use a wide fan spray head.. i would stick to 2000psi and no more than 2500psi.. since it sounds like your first stay closer to the 2000.
what type of wood?, if it's pine,, be VERY carefull pressure washing,, since the pressure acually takes off layers of wood.you must keep it at an even spray, other wise you will end up with light, and dark spots. and the wood will be un even.your better off taking some dawn dish soap with a scrub brush, and simply washing it off with a hose. my home is cedar, and my decks are pine.I've had to do this many times.