"They showed up early to look at my project. And when they gave me the estimate I did not have enough money so they worked with me by lowering the amount and letting me make payments. Then when they did the project it was perfect. I would call them and refer them anytime."
Sanding and pressure washing serve different purposes in deck maintenance, so one is not necessarily better than the other. Pressure washing is ideal for annual cleaning to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. Sanding is a deeper restoration method used to smooth rough surfaces, remove an old finish, and prepare the wood for a new coat of stain or paint. The ideal process for refinishing a deck is to first clean it (with a power washer), then sand it, and finally apply the new stain or finish. While cleaning should be done annually, sanding and staining are typically needed only every one to three years.
Yes, many professionals use dustless or water-based blasting methods for reduced environmental impact.
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.
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.
The Walsh, CO homeowners’ guide to sandblasting services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sandblasting is a powerful method to remove paint, primer, and other coatings from hard surfaces. Learn the cost to rent a sandblaster and the factors involved.
The cost to sandblast your home’s exterior or another surface on your property depends on the method and the materials you use. Learn more with this guide.
