Get matched with top sandblasting pros in Tracy, CA

The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods.

Sand is a common sublayer for hardscape features like driveways, paver patios, and more. Most projects that involve sand require a 1-inch layer to promote evenness, drainage, and weight distribution. For further drainage, most projects have a 6-inch minimum layer of gravel beneath the sand. 

The cost of sandblasting depends on the scope of the project, the surface type, labor, and equipment required. Services typically cost between $50 and $80 per hour, though most professionals charge by surface area at a rate of $1.50 to $7 per square foot. Total project costs can range from $700 to $12,500, with an average homeowner spending around $3,200 to sandblast a 1,000-square-foot surface.

If you’re DIYing the project, it could take up to a week if you aren’t able to dedicate full-time hours. If you hire a professional and they arrive with a team, expect your stairs to be sanded in as little as 2 hours (for simple projects). Finishing the stairs takes a while longer as there are drying and sealing times to consider, but the actual work will take much less time than the sanding portion.