Using an orbital sander on a redwood deck a good idea for a newbie?
So I’m trying to sand off about 3 coats of old Sikkens stain from my redwood deck and it’s taking forever with a belt sander. I’m now looking into orbital floor sander options. Given my complete lack of experience with these things, should I rent one of these babies and give it a try or forget about it and pound the pavement and look for a professional. (And do I start with companies that do interior hardwood refinishing?)
4 Responses
tonalc1
20 Mar 2010
ohfroggs
20 Mar 2010
I’m thinking that the redwood is very expensive along with the up keep. I would take the boards & turn them over and put a stain on them to keep thier natural beauty.& then put a water sealer on the deck.
Plaidman
20 Mar 2010
I might suggest a chemical stripper. Generally, the more toxic, the more effective. Since you are working outdoors, this is not a big issue.
Jeremy W
20 Mar 2010
rent an industrial sander, well worth the money for the time you save, i used a smallbelt and orbital on a picnic table, go the big guy for a deck, worked quite well, just remember not to let it sit for long in one spot.
also, check with your local wood dealer, find out if your deck is hard enough to use a pressure washer, makes things a lot quicker
The problem with using an orbital sander is you can get swirly patterns rather than straight lines if you use it incorrectly.
Check to see if your local big box hardware store has classes on how to use it.
You might also try a drum sander.
Have you thought about pressure washing? Those babies pack a punch.
I’d go for a professional, if your time = money.