Is it worth sanding a deck?

• <div><p>It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">deck refinishing process</a>. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.</p></div>

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Q: How much does it cost to fix a sinking deck?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-deck.htm">cost to repair a deck</a> is between <b>$900 and $3,500</b>, depending on the cause and extent of the damage. For example, fixing a sinking deck caused by pest damage can cost between $200 and $600, while replacing sinking boards costs between $500 and $4,000.</p></div>

Q: What is the best way to sand a deck?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Q: What not to do when staining a deck?

• <div><p>When staining a deck, don&rsquo;t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don&rsquo;t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don&rsquo;t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right. </p></div>

Q: Should deck boards be spaced or tight?

• <div><p>Deck boards should be spaced no more than three-eighths of an inch apart. This is enough space to allow water and small debris to pass through without collecting on the surface, but not enough to create a tripping hazard. Certain materials, like pressure-treated wood, shrink over time, so they may need less space at installation. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Baker City, OR

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Baker City, OR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Baker City, OR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

Last update on September 27, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Andy and Brian are very good contractors and I’m very pleased with the work they did and would hire them again for anything
Bakers Best Painting Plus, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Dave and his crew were great and our new gutters have made a HUGE difference in our yard and driveway this Spring. I highly recommend Top Notch here in Baker city! We are fortunate to have a seamless gutter business in Eastern Oregon to avoid travel charges out of Boise or the like. Thank you,...
Top Notch Roofing & Gutters, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Beau w. And Anthony v. were our installers were excellent installers. From the start they called to let us know ETA. They were most professional, efficien, courteous. All our questions were answered. Spent time explaining lock system, care, and maintenance. Cleanup was excellent. Hauled off all...
Renewal by Andersen of Boise
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Reviewed in June 2023
They were so nice and professional. Great pricing and did a awesome job. Highly recommend.
Steele Roofing And Construction LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
Very friendly, prompt service. Made sure everything was in good working order before leaving. I would definitely recommend.
First Rate Chimney
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Reviewed in January 2021
I have multiple properties and have worked with them for about 7 years. They are wonderful and one of my top contractors I recommend.
Landmark Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2020
I needed lawn mowing and maintenance service and through Home Advisor I found DMJ Property Services. I couldn t be more pleased with the service and response time from them, it s great to know I don t have to worry about my lawn for the rest of the season.
DJM Property Services, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2019
completed the task of rebuilding my deck quickly and very neatly
Scrivner Painting, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2019
Good customer service-returned to clean a missed area on the deck. However, work not completed on driveway. Area too far from the house and uphill for the machine to work. No offer to decrease contract price for incomplete job.
Peace Time Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2014
Seven years previous I had to rip out two layers of vinyl flooring and the particle board substrate in the kitchen and laundry rooms of my home due to infusion with mold, leaving me down to the tongue and groove subfloor, which I cleaned, colored and waxed to seal. I stuffed every blessed...
Cover Works
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Baker City

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Baker City, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Arrived on time, polite & professional, pressure washed deck and sealed it. Deck looked brand new when he finished
"

Recommended by53%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Baker City, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great quality installation, respectful of their space and workers, amazing clean up and timely order."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Baker City, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

"They did a real good job. They were real professional. We can now open the garage door from the inside of the house and now it is so smooth that we have to check to see if we hit the button to open it or close it. Before we used to know when it was opening or closing because it used to make a noise. It helps when you move to a city where you are new. "

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the deck refinishing process. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.

The cost to repair a deck is between $900 and $3,500, depending on the cause and extent of the damage. For example, fixing a sinking deck caused by pest damage can cost between $200 and $600, while replacing sinking boards costs between $500 and $4,000.

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.

When staining a deck, don’t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don’t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don’t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right.

Deck boards should be spaced no more than three-eighths of an inch apart. This is enough space to allow water and small debris to pass through without collecting on the surface, but not enough to create a tripping hazard. Certain materials, like pressure-treated wood, shrink over time, so they may need less space at installation.

The Baker City, OR homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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