How to sand ridged decking?

Questions & AnswersCategory: Wood Deck QuestionsHow to sand ridged decking?
Felicity asked 10 years ago

Our deck is about 10 years old. It was built and painted by the previous owners of the house and needs repainting or staining.

I would like to sand and stain it but am not sure how to start because the boards are ridged, rather than flat. I think they were laid upside down and that the ridged surface is actually meant to be the underside of the beck.

I hope I’ve explained things properly. Do you know what I mean about the ridged boards and, if so, how would I go about sanding the deck?

Many thanks.

2 Answers
MagicDave answered.

First off… you cannot "stain" a previously painted surface… without first removing completely, all the paint with either a Stripper or Refinisher Product… just sanding alone will not allow stain to completely penetrate the surface…

If you just want to repaint a previously painted surface which has a coarse surface structure… try coarse steel wool… or use a pressure washing system…

Crowder Painting answered.

Some ideas;
1- Flip over the floor boards. Depends on the construction of your deck but could expose some nice wood for staining.
2- Use a wood floor sander, drum sander. Lots of work but can be rented.
3- Use a deck stripper and pressure washer as mentioned.