Many homeowners make the same mistake: choosing solid, film-forming stains or paint in hopes that the finish will last as long as possible. While these coatings may hold up longer than penetrating oil-based sealers initially, they are much more difficult—and costly—to remove when it’s time for maintenance. In many cases, deep sanding becomes the only viable solution.
Deep sanding a deck is a labor-intensive process that requires specialized equipment, including multiple types of sanders. One of the key tools is a floor sander, which most rental companies do not provide for deck projects. We use our own professional-grade equipment to ensure proper results. The process also requires a significant amount of sandpaper, time, and physical effort.
On the other hand, if your deck has been painted repeatedly over many years, the boards may have deteriorated to the point where restoration is no longer worthwhile. In these situations, it’s often best to continue maintaining the surface with a solid stain as a short-term solution and plan for a full deck board replacement in the future.
