Knowledge Builders

what is the fastest way to sand a deck

by Mr. David Schowalter Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A random orbital sander
random orbital sander
A random orbital sander (also known as a palm sander) is a hand-held power tool which sands in a random-orbit action. That is, in constant irregular overlapping circles. This technology was first commercially utilized in 1968 by Rupes Tools.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Random_orbital_sander
is the best tool to sand a deck because it tends to be lighter and easier to use than other sanders. Random orbital sanders are also generally kind to the wood of a deck; belt sanders, by contrast, can gouge softwoods.
Jun 25, 2022

Full Answer

How much does it cost to sand a deck?

The cost to sand a deck before staining is $30 to $50 per hour and takes 3 to 10 hours, depending on the surface area. Decks in great condition only a light sanding with an orbital floor sander. A heavier sanding is necessary if the wood is warped or has water damage. Power washing raises the wood grain, which requires a second light sanding.

What is the best solid stain for a deck?

You can expect Olympic Stain Wood to last for a few years before a reapplication is necessary. We also found KILZ L832211 Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain to be the best solid deck stain for the money because it offered great features for an affordable amount.

How to build a deck on sand?

Planning for a New Deck

  • Check with your local building department and homeowner's association regarding permits and building requirements. ...
  • Call 811 to mark any underground utility lines.
  • When planning size, make sure you'll have enough room for your outdoor furniture and that you'll have enough room to move around.
  • Think about size in terms of the decking as well. ...

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Can You sand an outdoor deck?

You can sand your deck with a floor sander if you go slow, stay steady, and ensure that all parts of the deck have been sanded evenly. Random Orbital sanders are also popular for sanding decks. This is a sander that uses a large, round surface that is spun by the motor.

What to wear when sanding a deck?

How to smooth wood to seal?

How to clean wood before staining?

What to do if you have loose boards?

How to clean a board?

Can you sand the outer edges of a deck?

Can you sand a deck with a power sander?

See 2 more

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How do I sand my entire deck?

Sand the Deck Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards. You may need to use a sanding sponge on the railings or balustrades. Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails.

What type of sander is best for decks?

random orbital sanderA random orbital sander is a specialized tool that sands wood in an elliptical pattern. It's the most efficient sander to use when refinishing a deck, as they're easy and practical to use.

How long will it take to sand my deck?

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.

How do I refinish my deck in one day?

0:452:00How To Refinish Your Deck in One Day - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a 3/8 inch nap roller saturate. The roller cover and apply generously in a consistent pattern.MoreUsing a 3/8 inch nap roller saturate. The roller cover and apply generously in a consistent pattern. Work to a wet edge at all times. Wait two hours for the primer to dry. Now.

How long does it take to sand a deck with an orbital sander?

On average, it will take you around 1 hour to sand a deck that is 10 square meters using a random orbital sander. That's roughly 6 minutes per square meter. However, that figure may vary as there are several things that impact sanding time such as the type of sander used.

Should I wash deck after sanding?

After sanding, power-wash the deck and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before staining. Sanding exposes porous wood that's ready to soak up the stain, but this isn't possible if the wood is full of water.

Do I need to power wash deck before sanding?

If the wood is rough, cracked or splintered, it should be sanded first and then pressure washed. If it has moss or mold growing in its cracks, you'll need to use a deck and siding cleaner and a stiff-bristled plastic brush to loosen that all up before doing anything.

What if it rains after sanding deck?

It shouldn't make too much of a difference that it rained after you sanded it down as long as it still has pores to absorb the stain. I always recommend placing a large tarp over the area so that if it does rain, you don't have to worry too much about your work.

Can I use a floor sander to sand my deck?

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. The steps for sanding with a floor sander are very similar to the ones described above, except you replace the step using the belt sander with using the floor sander.

How much should I sand my deck before staining?

The cost to sand a deck before staining is $30 to $50 per hour and takes 3 to 10 hours, depending on the surface area. Decks in great condition only a light sanding with an orbital floor sander. A heavier sanding is necessary if the wood is warped or has water damage.

How do I make my old deck look new?

SCRAPE OFF LOOSE FINISH. Remove loose paint or opaque deck stain with a paint scraper. ... SCRUB THE SURFACE. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove flaking stain or dirt. ... APPLY CLEANER. Apply a deck brightener/refinisher product to wood surfaces. ... POWER WASH DECK. ... APPLY FINISH. ... USE A BRUSH.

Can you pressure wash and stain a deck in the same day?

The short answer is 48 hours. You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.

Can I sand my 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. The steps for sanding with a floor sander are very similar to the ones described above, except you replace the step using the belt sander with using the floor sander.

Can a drywall sander be used on a deck?

You could also use a drywall sander to do the job, but they are expensive compared to the belt and orbital sanders.

How do you sand a deck before painting?

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.

Do you need to sand a deck before restaining?

Once dry, these wood fibers can remain raised and may cause splinters. For this reason, light but thoroughly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing. This crucial step will ensure that your refinishing job gives great results.

Why is it important to sand the rails on a deck?

The most visible part of the deck is the rail. It is important to sand it well because most people focus their attention on this part. You also need to smoothen the handrail to avoid splinter formation that can cause injury your hands .

How many grit paper to use for deck sanding?

The recommended level is to have two passes using an electric sander. For the first pass, you can start with an 80-grit paper, and on the second pass, use a 120-grit paper. Pick a finish of your choice to seal the deck once you are done with the final sanding.

What to use to fill cracks in wood?

In case you find cracks, deep scratches or holes, fill them up using epoxy wood filler .

Can you sand a surface by hand?

To sand all crevices and surfaces perfectly, you can either sand by hand or use a detail sander because you have to get to all these areas to achieve a perfect result. Keep in mind not to make these areas too smooth to a point where stain will be hard to penetrate.

Do you sand a board when it is not uniformly sanded?

Also, ensure that you sand evenly because the stains are usually absorbed unevenly into the end grain, in case the boards are not uniformly sanded. You also need to wipe the end grains to remove dust just before you move to staining and sealing.

Do you wash a deck before using a sander?

To achieve better results, remember to wash the deck first to remove most of the grunge before using the sander.

Can you sand a deck board with a sheet sander?

To counter this problem, use a smaller detail sander if you find it hard to use a standard orbital/sheet sander.

How long does it take to do a sandbox?

As long as you have the right tools and equipment, it’s something you should be able to do in just a few hours.

When is the best time to stain a deck?

The best time of day to stain your deck is in the mid-morning. This is when the temperature will start to be warm enough to stand being outside, as well as warm enough to allow for easy stain application, but you also don’t want the sun directly overhead. Also, don’t do this just before nightfall, because you do want some warmth and brightness to help the stain dry quickly.

How to remove old stain from wood?

Use your orbital sander, along with some very coarse sandpaper in order to remove any existing stain, lacquer, varnish, or whatever else may be present on the wood. This may take a while depending on how thick that layer of old stain is.

How long does a deck stain last?

Yet, this is not a set rule. If you live in a warm and sunny place, and you don’t use the deck much, that old layer of stain could last for four or five years. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather, and you use the deck often, you might have to refinish it every two years, or even every year.

What do you use to apply stain?

Use your paintbrush, a paint roller, or a paint sprayer to apply the new layer of stain.

Can you use a pressure washer to sand a deck?

Instead of sanding the deck, you may also choose to use a high powered pressure washer to literally blast the old layer of stain away. If you have a good pressure washer, this is easily done, and may actually be easier than sanding the deck.

Can you pressure wash a deck?

Remember that you want to clean in between the cracks of the deck as well, something that a pressure washer comes in very handy for. After you have cleared your deck of any and all debris possible, let it dry. You do not want to apply the new stain to wet wood.

How to Sand a Deck for Refinishing?

The first thing to do is schedule your sanding and refinishing for days where there will be no precipitation.

What is the best tool to sand decking?

1. Belt Sander . The belt sander is the most traditional and probably the most familiar of all power sanding devices. It has the maximum material removal rate out of all the handheld power sanders. For most homeowners, with small and mid-sized decking a belt sander with coarse and fine sandpapers should do the job.

What to Look for in a Sander for Decking?

The obvious factors include being of excellent quality and durability, making your investment one that can be used for years to come. If you do not plan on using a sander again for the foreseeable future, consider rending a professional version.

What is a random orbital sander?

Random Orbital Sanders. Random Orbital sanders are also popular for sanding decks. This is a sander that uses a large, round surface that is spun by the motor. They are like floor sanders but are smaller with the disc or surface close to the hands for better control. The one issue with orbital sanders is that they can create circular patterns in ...

How heavy should a sander be?

The weight of the sander needs to be heavy enough to press firmly against the deck, but light enough to comfortably move around. You should visit your local hardware store and pick up a sander or two to get a good idea of the weight.

Can you use a belt sander on a floor?

You can use a floor sander for finishing, although it will not be nearly as effective as a belt sander. This is because with a floor sander you have less overall control and cannot apply the pressure as evenly or effectively as a belt sander. Worse, if you do lose control it can gouge the deck and cause damage that will take a considerable effort ...

Can you use a file sander to sand drywall?

The same is true for file sanders which are great for sanding in tight places. The result is a clean surface that can be protected. You could also use a drywall sander to do the job, but they are expensive compared to the belt and orbital sanders.

What to wear when sanding a deck?

Also, make sure to wear a particle mask and safety glasses while sanding, as wood dust poses health risks if you breathe it. 1  Knee pads and hearing protectors will also make your job safer and more comfortable. Make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you sand.

How to smooth wood to seal?

Sanding with finer-grit papers (100-grit or above) will smooth the wood to the point where the pores begin to close down , which will hinder the absorption of stain or sealer into the wood. Use medium pressure on your hand sander, checking for evenness of appearance as you go.

How to clean wood before staining?

It is best to move on to staining and sealing very quickly after sanding. Make sure that all surfaces are carefully vacuumed free of sanding dust, then wipe the surfaces down with a tack cloth to remove all traces of dust before moving on to staining or seal ing. The Spruce.

What to do if you have loose boards?

If there are any loose boards, now is the time to drive new fasteners to secure them. If there are splinters or deep gouges in the wood make sure these are filled or repaired before you begin sanding. If using wood fillers, make sure they are fully dry and hardened before you move on to sanding. The Spruce.

How to clean a board?

Vacuum the edges of the boards, then wipe them free of dust.

Can you sand the outer edges of a deck?

Sanding the outer edges of the deck board may be a little difficult depending on your deck design, especially if the railings have a very low bottom baluster rail that makes access difficult. Here, a smaller detail sander may prove useful if your standard orbital sander won't fit.

Can you sand a deck with a power sander?

The power sanders used to sand a deck comes in many forms, from standard household orbital sanders operated by hand, to commercial upright rental sanders you can lease from home improvement centers and rental outlets. Any of these will adequately sand your deck if used properly. Most homeowners find it entirely possible to sand using ordinary consumer power sanders, though patience is required, especially with a large deck that may need several days of work if you are using a hand power sander.

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1.How to Sand a Wood Deck Before Refinishing - The Spruce

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-sand-a-wood-deck-1825148

34 hours ago WebIf you’ve used a stain that has a longer drying time than you’d like, you’ll need to sand those areas separately. If you’ve been putting off sanding your deck because of the grime and …

2.Videos of What Is The Fastest Way to Sand a Deck

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14 hours ago Web · Instructions. Wash the Wood. Wash the entire deck, as directed by the stain or sealer manufacturer. If power washing, take care to use a sprayer setting that ... Tip. If …

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Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZgXBgaXJA0

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4.How to Sand a Deck - Full Guide 2022 - SanderScore

Url:https://www.sanderscore.com/blog/how-to-sand-a-deck/

33 hours ago Web · Electric Orbital Sander. This type of sander is ideal for deck sanding as they don’t require any existing infrastructure such as air hoses, a compressor, or attachments …

5.How to Sand a Deck: Prep before stain - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hncRt8LxEvM

26 hours ago Web · Sanding your deck is the first step... If your deck is looking a little tired and faded, giving it a sand and a stain is a great way to guarantee its longevity. Sanding your …

6.How to Sand and Stain a Deck - Handyman's World

Url:https://handymansworld.net/how-to-sand-and-stain-deck/

35 hours ago Web · How to Sand and Stain a Deck Step 1: Gather Materials and Choose a Day. The first thing that you need to do when starting to sand and stain your deck... Step 2: …

7.Best Sander for Deck. Refinish Your Wood Deck Easily.

Url:https://www.finepowertools.com/sanders/sander-for-deck/

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