How to rejuvenate patchy deck?

[Psilo]

Hi,

I would like rejuvenate this deck which hasn't been restained since it was built approximate 2 5 years ago.It has a fair amount of scratches, stains and discolouration from the weather on the exposed end of it as shown on the photos taken after giving it a simple wash with soapy water.

From the information I could gather online I think it will be necessary to sand it? Would you recommend a belt or orbital sander for this job?

Should I sand before or after using deck cleaner?

My other worry about sanding is that some screws are slightly coming out but they won't screw any deeper (Robertson screws).

I found a half full pot of Cabot aquadeck oil left in the garage by the person who diy built the deck. Would you recommend to still use the same oil or a different one based on the current condition of the deck?

 

 

 

 

    

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi   @Psilo good  photos 

Because the deck is stained black  in places it would be best to sand it.

If you sand it this will clean the deck at the same time so you can skip the deck  cleaner step.

A belt sander  will take alot of timber of faster but will leave deeper scratches so I dont recommend belt sander here.

Orbital sander is  very good here.  Start with 80gt sand paper and finish  with 240gt  focusing on the stains and getting  any scratches out.

If  those loose screws  wont screw in option 

1 take them out and replace them  with slightly longer screws 75mm you may have to use  longer wood screw as decking screws seam to be at only 50mm.

2 Use a  nail punch and drive them deeper like a nail.

The found  Cabot aquadeck oil  will work  well have you  opened the lid and see if it is still good?

[Psilo]

Thank you for the detailed response! I haven't opened the aquadeck yet to check if it's still good I'll try and do that today.

Since I got a few days off after Wednesday and the weather forecast is good at this stage I'm planning to get onto the job on Thursday and Friday. I'll have to get a sander for the job.

Do you think this Makita one would do the job? I can get a brand new one at a good price.

[EricL]

Hello @Psilo 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about rejuvenating your deck.

It's fantastic that you've received excellent advice from @Jewelleryrescue. In regards to your question about the Makita 1/3 Sheet Orbital Sander BO3710X. It's an excellent tool to invest in, aside from its quality, it does not need Velcro backed sandpaper you just need to cut ordinary sandpaper to size and clip it onto the sides an away you go. 

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

• How To Sand A Deck
   
• How To Stain A Deck
   
• How To Maintain A Deck

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Psilo 

Yes  that makita one  will do you well it is a very good sander and last you many years.

You can buy sand paper in rolls that fit your sander width just roll it out and snip it off the fit your sander.

Tip  use your old worn sand  paper as a length  guide where to  cut the new fresh sand  paper.

Or  buy sand paper sheet and cut them in to 3 strips As  your sander is  a 1/3 sander ie it takes 1/3 a sheet at a  time

Enjoy  your  project in the coming days