"I bought this service on a Friday and they came on Saturday. They arrived at 10 am and were finished by noon. I asked them to clean my porch and my sidewalk as well (this was not included in the Deal that I prepurchased) and he did that at no extra cost. They were clean, professional, and very good. I would certainly use them again. "
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.
Most projects take 1-3 days, depending on the surface area and complexity.
Sandblasting is a common method for removing paint. It works great if the underlying material is tough. This is because you can then use more abrasive sandblast materials, making the paint removal process much faster and less expensive. If you plan on removing many layers of paint on smooth surfaces, you’ll need to be more careful about which materials you choose to use to sandblast.
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.
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 Engelhard, NC homeowners’ guide to sandblasting services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
Powder coating can give your furniture, car, and other objects a new look. Learn what powder coating costs by object, size, and other factors with this guide.
