5 Tips To Deck Sanding
When you have decks as part of your home appliances, then you must also understand the importance of good care and maintenance. Sanding a deck once in a while is beneficial if you want it to serve you longer. Sanding it before the final finish gives it a beautiful, long-lasting look. This also gives it a smooth finish with an improved appearance. Sanding also removes molds from your deck and keeps moisture away, hence protecting it from damage and ugly stains. Below are tips you should follow to better sand your deck for a better experience:
1) Choose the Right Tools
Tools play a huge role in the type of work you will get at the end of the day. To give you the best results, starts by searching for the best deck sander that will do the work easily, quickly, and professionally. Your choice should put into consideration the type of surface. Check whether it is even, rough, or uneven. You ought to consider whether you are also going to use it for corners and edges. High-quality sandpapers will also make your work easier and give you a smoother finish.
2) Do It Yourself
Deck sanding is an easy job. If you have the time, some DIY tips will work for you. The process can take up too much of your time. However, considering the experience and the fact that you are going to save some cash, it is for a good course. If you would rather relax and watch the work being done by a professional, then make sure you get a good carpenter.
3) Do It During Summer
When you are not expecting any rains in the foreseeable future, that is the best time to do the sanding. During this time, you can keep the wood away from harsh winter weather and moisture or mold. It is also the best time to check any stains. Additionally, sanding is easier when the wood is dry, and the summer sun does this best. Therefore, always ensure that you check the weather.
4) Sand the Deck After Every 1 Or 2 Years
You should not leave your deck for too long without sanding, especially in a climate like Australia. This can be a time-consuming DIY task, so companies that offer deck sanding melbourne way, or deck sanding wherever you are based, can provide regular maintenance needed to keep it looking beautiful and smooth. Depending on the type of wood, a span of one or two years should be enough. If you do not know whether your deck requires sanding, try sprinkling the surface with a little water. If it absorbs it, know that it requires good sanding.
5) Avoid Accidents
You should ensure that you are safe when sanding your deck. Accidents happen, but most of them can be avoided. Before starting the work, check the surface of the wood to see if there are any protruding nails or screws. If you find the nails, countersunk them about 2 mm or more so that they will not trap your sander when decking. Removing them will also ensure that your sanding goes smoothly. Your sandpaper will not shred easily.
While you’re preparing to sand your deck, do check the other components of the structure as well. Make sure that your deck railing systems are still bolted securely, and check for missing balusters, loose screens, cracked wood, and other damages. If your railings are more than 20 years old, consider replacing them with a new deck railing system for the safety and longevity of your deck. The same goes for parts of your deck that are showing signs of wear and tear that can compromise the integrity of the structure.