How do I know if I have to sand my entire deck?
I pressure washed it and most of it looks good. However, some of the railing is very dry. Some boards have what I am assuming is moss but the wood is fairly smooth. If I do sand it, what is the best type of sander to use?
Lyle w
Expert
If you are going to refinish (stain) your deck, then I recommend that you sand it. Since you have moss on some of the boards, I recommend that you attempt to scrape off the moss and sand the entire deck. This will also take care of the dry spots on the railing. You will likely need to use a large disc sander if the deck is large. If it is smaller, you can get buy with a belt sander. A coarse grit will need to be used on the rough areas followed by a fine grit to finish it off. Depending on the type of wood that you have, you may be able to use a fine grit on the areas that are not dry or do not have moss or fungus. After sanding, use a blower to remove sanding dust. Wash the deck thoroughly with water and allow the deck to dry completely. Stain and seal the deck.
Join this conversation.
Member
Start smart
-
Ready to buy what you need?
Shop now -
Still have questions?
Ask us -
Need expert repair service?
Schedule now
“This is a great place to go for advice, especially if you're low on funds and you could resolve the problem before calling and paying a service call, if it's an easy fix. I'm glad you are there for me.”
