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Soda-blasting systems are slightly more expensive than sandblasting systems. To soda blast, you’ll need to spend a few hundred dollars for a blast hose and nozzle, a compressed air supply, a blast generator, a moisture decontamination system, and sodium bicarbonate media, a recurring cost because the powder is not reusable. To start with sandblasting, you will need to spend upwards of $30 for a blast pot, a blast gun, an air compressor, and sandblasting media, many of which are recyclable—further reducing the cost. The total cost for either will depend on the size of the system.

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 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.

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.