How to Sand a Deck
A wooden deck is a wonderful addition to a home, but it can also look ugly as time passes, especially when splinters start to develop or stains set in. To solve this dilemma, you can easily sand the deck, bringing back its smooth and flawless texture. Here’s an easy way to do this.
What You’ll Need:
Sandpaper brick or electric sander
Coarse or fine sandpaper
Leaf blower or broom
Clean rags
Plastic covers
Dust mask
Goggles
Procedure:
Remove all furniture and fixtures on the deck, so you’ll have a neat and clutter-free space to work on. If there are plants, furniture or décor that can’t be removed easily, use plastic covers to protect them from the wood dust later on.
Make sure the deck is clean and dry. Sweep it with a broom or remove large debris with a leaf blower. Slip on goggles and a dust mask, so you won’t inhale the dust or get it in your eyes.
Get your sanding material. If you have an electric sander, make sure you stick to the instructions given by the manufacturer for installing the sandpaper. You should use a coarse grade for the initial sanding.
Start sanding the deck, moving in the same path (either side to side or back and forth) on each side of the deck. Keep the sander moving, otherwise, some placed will become over-sanded, giving it a different look than the other parts of the deck.
As your deck becomes smoother, change the sandpaper grade to something finer, until you get the finish you want. Go back over the deck with the finer grades, until you are satisfied with the smoothness.
Remove the sanding dust from the deck by sweeping it, or wiping with a clean rag. You can now stain the deck or paint it.
Some Tips:
Change your sandpaper as often as possible. Using just one sheet of coarse sandpaper and fine sandpaper won’t work.
A “wet-dry” vacuum cleaner can effectively clear away the sanding dust, just as good as a regular broom.
If you want to finish faster, rent a “walk-behind” electric sander. It looks like a push mover, and allows you to keep your back straight while you sand the deck.
Sanding a deck is not a difficult chore, as long as you know the right procedure. Soon, you’ll end up with a lovely and smooth wooden deck.