Deck Floor Sanding Step-By-Step

Sanding a deck floor is an important step to keep your deck in great shape. A deck should be sanded down and refinished every 3 to 5 years. This will allow a stain or sealant to penetrate the wood farther, helping it to stand-up to the elements more effectively.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Sandpaper brick or orbital sander

• Sandpaper (coarse and fine)

• Mop

• Cleaning chemicals

• Shop vacuum, broom or other device which can be used to clean dust

Step 1-Clean Your Deck

Clean your deck thoroughly by removing all objects from the deck. Vacuum then use a mop and cleaning chemicals to wash it. Allow the deck to dry completely after mopping.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Sanding Tool

Install coarse grade sandpaper on an orbital sander or a sand brick.

Step 3 – Sanding With Coarse Grade Sand Paper

Use your sand brick or orbital sander to sand a portion of the deck using the coarse grade sandpaper. This will remove the existing finish from the deck and a thin top layer of wood. Use a back and forth movement. Remember, if you are using an electric sander, you must always keep it moving or you could easily over sand a spot.

Step 4 – Sanding With Medium Grade Sand Paper

Switch to a medium grade sandpaper and completely sand the section. This will help to smooth out the deck and remove rough areas.

Step 5 – Sanding With Fine Grade Sand Paper

Using your fine grade of sandpaper and your orbital sander or sand brick, sand the deck down one last time. This will create the final smooth finish which is comfortable to walk on and ready for staining.

Step 6 – Clean Dust

Clean any dust which has accumulated on other parts of the deck which have not yet been sanded.

Step 7 – Repeat Process

Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each section of your deck. Remember, you should always clean the dust off before moving to another section. This will reduce wear on the sandpaper.

Step 8 – Clean Up

Using a vacuum or broom remove all dust and any other debris which has accumulated on the deck before applying a stain or sealant.