Sanding Decking

[DEN53]

I know there is a sanding machine for floorboards, but can you hire a sanding machine specifically for decking, or would the floorboards sanding machine work ? though I am guessing it wouldn't get into the grooves.

[NazNomad]

You'd be better off jet-washing it, a sander wouldn't work.

[DEN53]

I have jet washed it before, Naz - but not all the old colour comes off. It needs taking down to the original wood.

[The Builder]

Den, use a power washer with a sand blasting attachment. Practise a bit first ...... if you go too mad, you can pock-mark the timber all too easily.

[DEN53]

Thanks Builder - will tell Mr. Den.

[Clanad]

Problem is that flooring is nailed in the grooves on the side of each board (or glued, depending on each kind) while decking is nailed or screwed on the face of each board. One would have to be extremely careful not to damage the sanding maching disk if one were to engage a screw or nail head.
Having said that, I've used the large (16 inch) orbital sander one can rent from a DIY store here in the U.S. and used medium grit sandpaper disks. Works well, but for the best results, power wash the deck, rinse with common bleach (to get rid of the mold between the boards) rinse again and let dry for a day or two in the bright sun. The grains of the wood will rise as it dries and you'll get a smoother finish when you complete the sanding process. Be sure to sweep thoroughly before applying new finish...

You might want to consider an electric belt sanderf or those areas you can't reach with larger orbital sander...

[boxtops]

Stain it, DEN.....

[pee335]

the only thing i can think of is to get an off cut of your decking so that the grooves are together and piece of sand paper between them that should work a treat