[Clough]

Hi, All!

Okay, I've been refinishing furniture since about 1979. No problem doing that!

Really would like to know more about the cleaning, stripping, sanding, staining and sealing of wooden decks.

Stripped, sanded and sealed a really large one a couple of years ago for a friend. It was treated lumber. Turned out really good! However, it's the only one that I've ever done.

What are some tips and tricks that you have to doing it on treated or untreated lumber, please?

Cleaning, stripping, sanding, staining, sealing, etc.

Types of equipment and materials to use - cleaner, stripper, sander, abrasive paper, brushes, stain, sealer, et al.

Thanks!

[Clough]

I wonder where our Home Improvement Experts are? I know that I need to be patient. However, I'm making the bid later today! :eek:

Just looking for a few tips and tricks... Surely, there are those who are accustomed to "doing" decks here!

[Clough]

I still would appreciate help with this! I've got people contacting me to make bids.

Thanks!

[hkstroud]

Sorry Clough. If I knew anything significant I would be happy to share. All I know is be careful with power washers. You can do a lot of damage if the pressure is to high. Of course there are the chemical cleaners at home centers. Other than that, all I know is scrap and sand.

[Clough]

Thank you for responding, Harold!

I think that I'm fine with the application of the stain/sealer.

It's the prep that is really the most concern for me so that it's done as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Do you have any recommendations as far as the type of sander to use? I've been used to using a palm sander on furniture. The last deck that I did, I also used a palm sander, but it seemed to take forever! I know that I would need the type of sander that wouldn't leave any marks that would go against the grain nor one that would cut too deep, too quickly.

Thanks!

[hkstroud]

I would recommend a random orbiting sander (ROS) and about a 80 or 100 grit paper. You could use a small belt sander but you have to be real careful, they can cut very fast. Maybe a combination of both. The belt sander in ares where you have adequate room and control and the ROS in corners or close to obstacles.

Remember you are not refinishing furniture, you only want to smooth the surface and remove previous paints and stains.

[Rover88]

Clough,
I used one of the large, rental, orbital sanders for my hardwood floors inside (I wanted to be careful to not remove much stock). As well as this worked on white oak, I can imagine it would be great for a deck! It would be a LOT faster than using a palm sander! I also used a palm sander and a belt sander for edges and hard-to-reach areas.
Bill

[Clough]

Hi, Rover88!

Thanks for your response and information!

It's possible that I might need to go rent a sander.

Thanks!

[ballengerb1]

Sorry Clough, out of town for the weekend. Never sanded a deck in my life. Strip with an oxygen bleach cleaner, or if algea present 1:3 parts household bleach. Power wash 15 minutes later with 1800 psi washer held at least 10" off the wood. Sealing is like what color should I paint my house. There are really good water based sealers which can be clear or tinted. Oil base has been the leader for decades but is not holding its old market share. I use Thompsons Water Seal Wood Protector with a tint. THOMPSONS WOOD PROTECTOR COLOR FINISH 11821 THOMPSON&#39S

[Clough]

I did a lot of research a couple of years ago. Found that Sherwin-Williams has a sealer that is supposed to be the best on the market. Also, did a lot of research on the pricing for that kind of work. Found that, unlike painting, there really is no standard way of figuring it nationwide, nor from location to location.

Made an estimate today on a very large deck. Qualified everything in the estimate so the customer knows exactly what they're getting.

Am very hopeful that I get the job!