Sanding between deck boards is an important step in properly maintaining and caring for your outdoor wood surfaces. It can help to remove dirt and debris, smooth out rough spots, and provide a better overall look. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the materials you will need, the steps involved in sanding between deck boards, as well as some helpful maintenance tips.
Gather Materials
To start off with sanding between deck boards you will need to make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and supplies on hand. You will need a wide belt sander or orbital sander, sandpaper in various grits (e.g., 40-80 grit), a vacuum cleaner with multiple attachments, wood sealant/stain, rags or towels for cleaning up afterward, safety goggles/glasses, ear protection (e.g., plugs), dust masks or respirator (optional but recommended).
Prepare Deck for Sanding
Before beginning the actual sanding process it’s important to properly prepare your deck for sanding by inspecting it closely for any damage such as rotting wood or loose nails that may need repair before continuing. Clear away any debris from the surface of the deck such as leaves or sticks so that they do not get stuck under the sander while working. Next mark where you plan to begin sanding with a marker or chalk line to ensure even coverage when finished.
Use Wide Belt Sander
Start with a wide belt sander which is best used on larger flat surfaces like decks due to its powerful motor and ability to cover large areas quickly and evenly. Begin by setting up your sander at one end of your marked area using the correct grit of paper depending on how much material needs to be removed; typically 40-grit is used on older decks while 80-grit works better on newer ones that simply require more refinishing than removal of old layers of stain/sealant etc. When ready start slowly moving along at a steady pace making sure to overlap each pass slightly so there are no missed spots once finished.
Switch To Orbital Sander
Once your initial coarse passes are complete switch over to an orbital sander which is best suited for smaller areas and corners that cannot be reached easily by the wider belt-style machine; this type also features less vibration than their counterparts meaning less fatigue and improved precision control when working around edges etc. Once again set up correctly selecting appropriate grit paper then begin slowly going over small sections overlapping each pass just as before until done.
Vacuum Deck
After completing both types of sanders it’s important to vacuum up all dust created during work being sure not only clean up visible debris but also reach into cracks and crevices where dirt can become trapped over time leading to potential damage down the road if left unattended; use multiple attachment heads including brush bristles stiffer options depending on size depth location etc. If available or accessible use a wet/dry vacuum for the best results.
Clean Spaces Between Boards
After vacuuming up all visible dust it’s time to go back over the deck once more with a vacuum cleaner this time using the hose/crevice tool attachment to reach into those tight spaces between boards; this will help suck out dirt and debris that may have been left behind by the sanders while working.
Seal Deck
Once you have finished cleaning and prepping your deck, it’s time to seal it. Depending on your specific needs, you may choose a wood stain or sealant to protect against weathering, fading, and other damage caused by exposure to moisture and UV light. Make sure to follow directions carefully when applying as failure to do so can lead to improper bonding or premature wearing down of the product.
Maintenance Tips
To maintain your freshly-sanded deck some simple tips should be followed including regular sweeping (at least twice per week) which will help keep dirt from settling between boards; checking for splinters periodically as these can cause injury if stepped on; reapplying sealant approximately every 2 years depending on climate conditions (hotter areas need more frequent applications); always following manufacturer’s instructions when applying any treatments etc.
How To Sand Between Deck Boards Conclusion
Sanding between deck boards is an important part of keeping them in good condition and looking great. By following these steps, along with proper maintenance, you can ensure that your outdoor wood surfaces stay in top shape year after year!
