A wood deck is a wonderful addition to the outside of a house, making extra living room and architectural attraction. Typically a deck is built of a special grade of wood and then sanded smooth to avoid slivers and rough spots. However, sometimes the exterior components can roughen the surface. Sanding a rough deck isn’t a complex process, but it does need a little bit of time, patience and a fantastic pair of knee pads.

Sweep the deck surface with a broom to get rid of loose dirt and debris. Use a hose to remove any dirt that is stuck into the deck surface.

Permit the deck surface to dry thoroughly. Depending upon the moisture content in the atmosphere, this could take anywhere from a few minutes to a complete day.

Attach a medium grit sandpaper to an orbital hand sander. Put on safety goggles, a dust mask and ear plugs.

Transfer the hand sander back and forth along the deck planks employing a slow, circular motion with pressure. Continue until the whole deck surface has been sanded.

Sweep the deck with a broom to remove dust created from the sanding process.

Attach a fine grit sandpaper into the orbital hand sander. Repeat the sanding process.

Sweep the deck clean with a broom.

Sand the edges, corners and other hard-to-reach spaces with an oscillating instrument fitted with wood sand paper. Repeat the same phases of utilizing medium grit (120-grit) sand paper to remove the top layer of wood, and then the fine-grit (240-grit) sand paper to create a smooth end.

Inspect the deck surface to ensure a smooth and even finish. Repeat the sanding process with fine grit sandpaper along with the orbital sander to remove any extra rough spots.

Vacuum the deck surface with a shop vacuum to remove any residual sanding debris.

Refinish the deck as desired.

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