Table of Contents
What is the fastest way to sand a deck?
Are belt sanders good for decks?
Belt sanders are aggressive tools, especially when equipped with coarse sandpaper. Because they remove deck material fast, they’re great for larger surface areas and harder wood types. However, they can be hard to handle and difficult to use in tight places.
How do you sand a deck before staining?
To open the wood grain so it absorbs stain or paint, sand the deck using 20 to 50 grit sandpaper on the first pass and 60 to 80 grit on the second pass on a belt sander or orbital floor sander. Use the same grits to sand railings, posts, and stairs using palm or orbit sanders.
How long does it take to sand a deck with a floor sander?
In general, it will take you 8 hours to sand a deck that is 25m2, using a belt sander. But there are a few factors that can affect the time it takes to sand your decking.
Should I power wash my deck before sanding?
Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be sanded first, then pressure washed to open the wood’s pores and allow penetration of the stain. Deeply grooved wood that has mold, moss and other growing things filling the cracks will need treatment with a deck and siding cleaner.
What grit sandpaper should I use to sand a deck?
Sand the Deck Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails. After sanding, vacuum the deck thoroughly to ensure that dust does not settle on the new finish.
Should I use a drum sander on my deck?
Use an Orbital Sander—Not a Drum Sander An orbital flooring sander is safe to use on decks, and it’s faster and easier than hand sanding. A flooring drum sander removes too much material too quickly to use safely on a deck. Most decks are made from softwoods, and the surface is more uneven than an interior floor.
When should I use a belt sander?
What are Belt Sanders? Belt sanders are multiuse tools. They are commonly used for trimming to a scribed line (photo), sanding very rough surfaces, leveling surfaces (like a replacement board in a hardwood floor) and freehand rounding and shaping.
How do you use a sander step by step?
How to Use a Belt Sander Step 1: Choose Your Belt. Before you begin sanding, you’ll need to choose the right sanding belt for the job. Step 2: Clamp Material. Secure the material you’re sanding to your work surface with clamps. Step 3: Start Sanding. Step 4: Finish Up.
What precautions should be taken when using a disk belt sander?
What should you do to work safely with belt sanders? Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles). Wear a dust respirator for dusty operations. Make sure the sander is switched “OFF” before connecting the power supply.
Should I sand new deck before staining?
Sanding is more for the feel of the deck than to prepare it to accept a new stain. But sanding definitely won’t hurt anything. Ideally, applying a light wood stripper and then pressure washing in a board by board manner is highly recommended to clean the surface and open up the wood grain for staining.
Can I use a floor sander to sand my deck?
Some homeowners will want to rent a big floor sander to do a large wooden surface like a deck floor. Don’t do that. Floor sanders can only sand surfaces that are perfectly flat, and deck boards are slightly curved. That means it will take off too much in some sections and not enough in others.
Can you use floor sander on deck?
Sanding your deck with a floor sander It is possible to use a floor sander to sand your deck, although we still advise you to use a hand-held belt sander for best results. Just make sure to go slow and steady to get an even finish, and make sure all parts of the deck have been sanded down.
What if it rains after sanding deck?
It’s important that you make sure there is no chance of rain when you begin to sand. If the wood gets wet after it’s been sanded, but not before you’ve had the chance to stain or paint it, you’ll be back to square one — you’ll need to wash and sand it all over again.
Should you sand pressure treated wood before staining?
Sanding pressure-treated wood is actually contraindicated because, as Sand & Stain warns, you’ll end up partially removing the protective coating created by the pressure treatment, and the wood will look terrible. Once the wood has dried completely, it’s ready for a coat of transparent or semitransparent stain.
Can you use a hand sander on a deck?
Any of these will adequately sand your deck if used properly. Most homeowners find it entirely possible to sand using an ordinary hand power sander, though patience is required, especially with a large deck that may need several days of work. Make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you sand.
