How to Sand Decking – A 5-Step Guide

Have you ever stepped onto your deck and felt the rough, weathered wood beneath your feet? It’s a common issue for deck owners, but fear not – we’ve got the solution. Sanding decking can transform it from a splintery eyesore to a smooth, inviting oasis, and in this 5-step guide we’re going to take you through the process, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to rejuvenate your outdoor space.

The Magic of Deck Sanding

Let’s face it – your deck takes a beating. From scorching sun to pelting rain, it’s constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, this exposure can lead to a worn, greyish appearance that’s far from appealing. Sanding the decking strips away this damaged layer, unveiling the fresh wood underneath and paving the way for a deck that looks as good as new.

Safety First

Before you do anything, you need to make sure you have the proper safety gear and knowledge. This is non-negotiable, as working with power tools and abrasive materials can be very dangerous and overlooking the correct safety procedures could create serious issues. So we’ve outlined the necessary safety precautions to ensure that your deck sanding project is safe and productive.

Protective Gear

Let’s start with what you should be wearing:

• Safety glasses – this makes sure your eyes are protected when dust and woodchips are flying about the place.
• Dust mask or respirator – when you sand, you’re sending tiny particles of woodchips into the air. This ensures none of those woodchips end up in your lungs and do some long-term damage.
• Hearing protection – Sanders can be very loud and spending hours using them can damage your hearing. This ensures your ears are protected in the long-term.
• Gloves – Sanding decking can be a messy job. Splinters, chemicals, and abrasive materials can all end up getting on your hands, so it’s good to have some protection.

Work Area Safety

Ensuring your work area is safe is the next important step in sanding your deck. Here are some best practices for work area safety:

• Proper lighting – Making sure you can see what you’re doing is imperative when working with power tools, especially if you’re working into the evening.
• Good ventilation – Even with a respirator or dust mask, you’re not completely safe from dust and fumes. Making sure there is good ventilation around you limits the risk of you inhaling harmful substances.
• Clear obstacles – Tripping hazards, wires, and loose objects are all potential accidents. Be sure to keep your workspace tidy and organised.
• Good weather – We know weather is unpredictable, but wet or rainy conditions can not only make sanding decking difficult, but increase the risk of accidents due to slippy surfaces. Consider waiting for it to be drier.
• Electrical Safety – If using electric power sanders, always check the cords for damage before use and make sure they’re plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor (GFCI) Outlet.
• Fire safety – Make sure to store any flammable materials securely away from any open flames.
• Emergencies – Accidents can happen even if you’ve followed all of these procedures. Keeping a first aid kit and a telephone on hand, as well as informing someone you trust about what you’re doing ensures you have quick access to help in an emergency.

It isn’t hard to stay safe when sanding decking, it just requires being safety conscious. Follow these procedures, follow the instructions on every tool you use, and know your limits. If you encounter challenges beyond your expertise, do the smart thing and call a professional. By following this advice, you’ll be sanding decking safely in no time at all. Now here are our 5 easy steps to sanding your deck.

1. Gearing Up for the Task

Before you roll up your sleeves and get to sanding, you’ll need to assemble your deck sanding toolkit. Here’s what you should have on hand:

2. Preparing Your Decking

Proper preparation is the unsung hero when you begin sanding decking. Whilst it may be tedious, don’t skip it out! It’ll make your life a lot easier later on. Here’s how to set yourself up for triumph in 4 simple ways:

Sweeping

Start with a thorough sweep to get rid of debris, leaves, and whatever else that would get in the way of your sanding. Get into those nooks and crannies between boards – they’re notorious hideouts for debris.

Cleaning

Apply your deck cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial for removing embedded dirt that your sweeping couldn’t get to and preparing the wood for sanding.

Damage Checking

While you’re cleaning, keep an eye out for any damage. Loose boards, protruding nails, or rot should be addressed before you start sanding your decking.

Setting Up

Once your deck is clean and dry, take a moment to organise your workspace. Ensure all power cords are safely out of the way to prevent any mishaps.

3. Sanding Your Decking

Now comes the transformative part – the sanding itself. This process requires patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Since you have three different types of sandpaper, there are naturally three stages to sanding your decking:

The Three Stages of Sanding Your Decking

• Coarse Grit: Start with your coarse-grit sandpaper. This is the heavy lifter that takes away the majority of the damaged, faded wood – you’ll see the old, grey wood disappear before your eyes.
• Medium Grit: Once you’ve sanded the entire deck with coarse-grit, switch to medium. This step refines the surface, smoothing out any roughness left behind.
• Fine Grit: Finally, use the fine-grit sandpaper for the finishing touches. This gets that silky-smooth finish that makes your deck shine and prepares the decking for staining or sealing.

Tips for Sanding Decking

• Go With the Grain: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain as this approach minimises scratches and ensures a smoother finish.
• Go Slow: Resist the urge to rush. Moving the sander slowly and evenly over the deck gives consistent results and results in a smooth, professional finish.
• Don’t Over-Sand: Be careful not to linger in one spot for too long. If you over-sand you can risk creating dips or uneven areas that are hard to correct.

4. Quality Check

You’re in the home stretch! These final steps will ensure your deck is ready for its debut:

Dusting

Use a leaf blower or soft brush to remove all sanding dust from your decking. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices where dust likes to hide.

Final Inspection

Run your hand over the decking’s surface. If you find any rough spots, give them a quick once-over with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure your deck is as smooth as possible.

Address Any Stragglers

If you notice any issues like raised nail heads or splinters during this final check, now’s the time to address them before the final touches.

5. Sealing Your Decking

You’ve done the hard bit. Now’s the time to apply your chosen deck stain or sealant. If you’re unsure about the best approach, our guide on how to properly stain a deck can help you navigate this key step.

After applying your finish, resist the urge to use your deck immediately – we know it’s tempting after all that effort. But you need to allow ample time for it to dry completely. Typically, 24-48 hours will do, but always defer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How to Sand Grooved Decking

Sanding grooved decking is a bit trickier, as you have all the difficult nooks to get into. To effectively sand a grooved deck, perform the main sanding as usual with an orbital sander and then use a detail sander or sanding sponge to get into the grooves. This will take a bit more time than regular decking, but if you leave the grooves, you’re leaving the job half done and it will show.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the world of deck sanding and are on your way to becoming a deck sanding master. Your outdoor space is now primed for countless summer barbecues, lazy Sunday mornings, and starlit evenings.

If you’ve found this process more challenging than anticipated, or if you’re considering a more low-maintenance option for the future, why not explore our range of high quality modern decking? These innovative materials offer the beauty of wood without the need for regular sanding and refinishing.

Remember, a well-maintained deck is more than just a part of your home – it’s an extension of your lifestyle. Whether you choose to sand your existing deck or upgrade to a low-maintenance alternative, the effort you invest in your outdoor space will pay dividends in enjoyment for years to come.