Its much better to use a stripper/acid wash. I would never use a floor machine on a deck. I defently agree with the floor refinisher guy. John

OK ... thanks ... so what we've got here are two different types of sanders and depending on the surface of my deck, I might be able to use a large rented orbital. So far, I've only got a small section stripped and I haven't tried sanding with a ROS yet (waiting for it to dry out more), so I will be anxious to see what mechanical sanding will do. What a PITA! I can be pretty stubborn though ... and this deck is NOT going to win!!! :)
thanks, guys

Hi guys,

Ron's got the idea!!! The square/rectangular "vibrating-plate" sanders are PERFECT for decks! They just vibrate back-&-forth...NOT in a scratching oval or round pattern.

* You DO need to buy a backer-pad to "cushion" the actual sanding sheets. These pads look like 1/2"-in. thick Scotchbrite pads...and the sanding-sheets just stick onto this pad.
* Also buy the actual sanding-sheets...some 60-grit & a couple 80-grit for the final "smooting" passes.
* B4 sanding, MAKE SURE NAILS/SCREWS ARE SUNK BACK DOWN.
* The beauty of sanding is that you basically get a "new" deck surface again, that will absorb AND HOLD STAIN EVENLY.
* Plus, after removing ALL dust, you're staining the SAME DAY.
* I did this to my 11yr-old Redwood deck, which I have Sikkens #089 Redwood SRD on, and it still looks good, although it does need a light recoat. I've had 2 yrs. off, but, up here, it's all we can expect. Deck is also on west side...NO shade.

Faron

faron! ... couple questions ... since this is a rental machine, does the rental place sell the backer-pads and sanding sheets? if not, where would I get these (don't ever recall seeing a large floor sanding machine for sale anywhere). Also, is there a "technique" for sanding ... e.g., use the machine parallel to the deck boards? perpendicular? doesn't matter? I'm assuming it would be done like mowing a lawn, going with the layout of the boards. Whatever technique specifics you could provide or things to watch out for would be appreciated!
Thanks!

The only concern I see with sanding a 15 year old deck is that if there is even the slightest amount of cupping, you may end up sanding the edge of the boards rather than the depressed middle (unless the pad that faron79 mentioned creates enough of a sponge like effect to get down in the depressed middle).

Because of splintering Redwood (20+ yrs old)... I sanded my two decks (over 1000 sq. ft) using a standard belt sander with shop vac attached. It takes a long time, but allows for total control of the sander. I just did a section at a time and counter sank all nails and screws first.

Hi Freeda, Brian, & Tommy, etc...!

Freeda...Great analogy about lawn-mowing!! Yes, it's exactly like that!
* The hardest part is getting the machine up/onto the deck! It needs to be heavy though to ensure good sanding contact.
* The one at our store uses 12" x 18" sanding-pads & backer-pads. It has two "lever-handles" you squeeze...one for each hand, on the t-shaped handle.
* Put on the pads/sheets, plug it in, squeeze the "triggers", and you're on your way to a "new" deck surface! It's kinda like Mountain-bike handle-bars, with a brake lever on each side.
* Then, as Freeda said, you're off & mowing!
* Direction: Yes, you go the long direction. If boards run N/S, you sand N/S. Keep the sander running as you turn. It's like taking a long walk, back & forth, on the deck.
* You may need a light dust-mask!!
* Start with 60-grit...finish with 80-grit. You COULD do a 3rd set of passes with 100-grit, but that's kinda overkill.

Brian & Tommy...Yeah, cupping may be an issue if they're bad enough. In that case, it may be worth replacing the plank. If you do, install it BEFORE sanding!! That way, it'll minimize the variation how the new board absorbs stain.
* The backer-pad does have decent flex to it, but it's still just a "see-as-you-go" scenario.
* Using some pad & some of your sanding-sheets mounted to a 2x4 or sanding-handle might be a way to sand in a cupped area.

>>> Call the Rental-stores/hardware in your area for this type of sander...VIBRATING-PLATE...NOT a drum-type.
* Inquire also if they stock the pads, & their selection of sheets.
* Make sure your Shop-vac is going strong too!
* You can do a quick sweep to get most dust off, but a good vacuuming helps too.
* Then, a quick wipe-down with paint-thinner. Wrap an old bedsheet/t-shirts around a shop-broom, and use it as a big "tack-cloth". Not soaking wet, just damp.
* Now, just a few hours later...STAIN AWAY!

Faron