Get matched with top sandblasting pros in Joplin, MO

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.

The disadvantages of sandblasting are noise, mess, and risk. Sandblasters are louder than chainsaws and spread debris on the ground and through the air. Let your neighbors know that you're sandblasting so they can prepare. Sandblasting can damage your property if not done properly, so thoroughly vet any pros you talk to before hiring.

Because these two systems have different applications, there is no definitive answer to which is better. When working with sturdy materials, sandblasting is cheaper and faster, but more delicate projects require soda blasting. Before choosing either option, consider your specific needs, particularly your ultimate goal (cleaning, removing rust, prepping for painting, etc.), the material, and your budget.

Sandblasting refers to the process of cleaning a surface using compressed air and aggregate. Soda blasting is the gentlest type of this method, but it differs from sandblasting that uses mineral or other aggregate, since sodium bicarbonate breaks apart more easily than other forms of blast media and, therefore, cannot be reused.