How long to sand a deck?

[Brendan1888]

How long would it take to pole sand, hand sand and wash 60m2 of previously oiled deck prior to painting?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Brendan1888. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about renovating a deck.

That depends on the condition of the deck. Since you are considering pole sanding, I'll assume it's in reasonable condition and only needs a very light sanding; otherwise, you'd need an electrical sander. I'd say a half/full day for sanding, a few hours to wash it down and a few hours to paint. That doesn't include drying times after the wash or between coats of paint. It also depends on how fast you work. A professional might take less time than that, and someone new to D.I.Y. might take far longer.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Jason]

Hi @Brendan1888,

As Mitch says, the time needed depends on a number of factors. Could you please share some photos of your deck so we can see what you are working with?

My deck is large and I've re-sanded it a couple of times. It was a big job - I would estimate at least 10 hours. First all my nails needed to be punched in. I then hired a floor sander which is quick and easy for the bulk of the work (two hours at most) but then you have all the edges to do with a palm sander - slow, hard work on your knees. All the hard work is worth it though!

Jason

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Brendan1888 

Currently I am sanding my timber deck, so far I have gone through 5 lots of 2hrs ish of sanding a deck 4 *3.5m. The first 2 hrs was with a small 1/3 sheet sandpaper on a hand held sander. The next 8 hrs has been with an ozito belt sander and I must say it rocks!. The deck timber may be stringybark lol But cannot remember what it was when I put it in. To give it some context, the deck is 11 years old, was oiled late as the timber had started greying by the time I did it and then oiled once more the next year. So the eck is grey to the max but still in a very nice condition. 

I just looked up what a pole sander was, and now I am thinking how and what is your deck made of? And any chance of some photos? 

I used screws for my deck and mostly they are in to below the timber surface or just on it, some are high and can be a paint to sand around. I dont want to tighten them as they shear off (one advantage of nails I suppose) But as @Jason says its worth it!

Dave

[Brendan1888]

Thanks all.

The deck is Merbau, it's enclosed on 3 sides and has a roof shading it from the sun. How long would it have to be left to dry (after washing) before paint could be applied?

Brendan1888

[Jason]

That really depends on the weather @Brendan1888, and also the directions on the can. You will absolutely need it to be dry to ensure a great result though so please be conservative. 

Jason