Splinters/ Sanding a wood deck

adam3477 · 06-19-2011, 10:10 PM

I have a large (500sf) wood deck that needs to be re-stained. I started by pressure washing the deck but I used a turbo tip on my power washer and caused many of the boards to splinter. This weekend I rented a floor sander and got my butt kicked to the point that I just returned it. No matter what grit paper I used, it was just impossible to get the job started let alone completed. That being said, what is the best way to get the splinters off so that I have a smooth surface to stain? I can't see myself on the floor with an orbital hand sander for 2 days smoothing the deck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ron6519 · 06-19-2011, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam3477

I have a large (500sf) wood deck that needs to be re-stained. I started by pressure washing the deck but I used a turbo tip on my power washer and caused many of the boards to splinter. This weekend I rented a floor sander and got my butt kicked to the point that I just returned it. No matter what grit paper I used, it was just impossible to get the job started let alone completed. That being said, what is the best way to get the splinters off so that I have a smooth surface to stain? I can't see myself on the floor with an orbital hand sander for 2 days smoothing the deck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If you're not sanding them, you're replacing them or hiring someone else to sand them.

gma2rjc · 06-20-2011, 12:49 AM

I have the same problem Adam. I was going to start a thread too, asking if it's possible to turn the boards over (since I haven't ruined that side with the pressure washer).

But there must be a reason that it can't be done because I haven't read about anyone flipping them over.

Barb

sdsester · 06-20-2011, 06:01 AM

You can flip them over if they are intact and decent looking on the flip side.

What kind of sander did you try? Had you allowed enough time between pressure washing and sanding for the wood to dry out?

Ron6519 · 06-20-2011, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gma2rjc

I have the same problem Adam. I was going to start a thread too, asking if it's possible to turn the boards over (since I haven't ruined that side with the pressure washer).

But there must be a reason that it can't be done because I haven't read about anyone flipping them over.

Barb

Yes, you can flip them over, but there will be an installation pattern on the back side that will need to be sanded to get off.
And we're back to the sanding issue.
Why not just leave them in place and let someone who knows how to use the sander do the work?

gma2rjc · 06-20-2011, 04:07 PM

Another thing to consider is that the edges along the bottom of the boards may have drip marks on them from the sealers or whatever has been applied to the deck over the years.

I contacted a guy who had an ad in the paper for floor sanding. I asked if he would come over and sand my deck. He said it wouldn't be worth his time and gas money and that I wouldn't want to pay him $400 to do the job.

I probably would have paid that much because there are 2 decks equalling just under 550 sq. feet.

But if someone were to sand it with one of those big floor sanders, would the heads of the screws tear up the sandpaper?

Barb

Ron6519 · 06-20-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gma2rjc

Another thing to consider is that the edges along the bottom of the boards may have drip marks on them from the sealers or whatever has been applied to the deck over the years.

I contacted a guy who had an ad in the paper for floor sanding. I asked if he would come over and sand my deck. He said it wouldn't be worth his time and gas money and that I wouldn't want to pay him $400 to do the job.

I probably would have paid that much because there are 2 decks equalling just under 550 sq. feet.

But if someone were to sand it with one of those big floor sanders, would the heads of the screws tear up the sandpaper?

Barb

You would have to countersink every fastener below the surface, deep enough to avoid the issue. No professional would even take his machine out of the truck otherwise.