Maintenance Guide
How to Sand a Wood Deck
Sanding is the foundation of any quality deck refinishing job. Whether you are restoring a weathered Ipe deck, preparing a hardwood surface for oil, or removing old finish from a composite-adjacent hardwood, the sanding process determines the quality of the final result. This guide covers the basics of wood deck sanding — and when it makes sense to call a professional.
Why Sanding Matters
Over time, wood decks in South Florida's climate develop grey oxidation, raised grain, surface checking, and residue from previous oil or finish applications. Sanding removes the damaged surface layer and opens the wood grain to accept new oil or finish. Skipping or rushing the sanding step leads to poor penetration, uneven colour, and a finish that peels or wears unevenly.
Tools and Grit Sequence
For most hardwood decks, the process starts with a coarser grit (60–80) to remove oxidation and old finish, followed by a medium grit (100–120) to smooth the surface, and finishes with a fine grit (150–180) before applying oil. A belt sander or drum sander is used for the field of the deck; a detail sander or hand-sanding is required for edges, corners, and areas around fasteners. Always sand with the grain — cross-grain scratches are visible after oiling.
Ipe and Dense Hardwoods
Ipe is one of the hardest woods used in decking, which means it takes longer to sand and dulls sanding belts faster than softer species. For Ipe refinishing, professional-grade equipment and fresh abrasives are essential. Attempting to sand Ipe with consumer-grade tools often results in an uneven surface and excessive time investment.
After Sanding: Cleaning and Oiling
After sanding, the deck must be thoroughly cleaned of dust before applying oil or finish. In South Florida's humidity, it is important to apply oil on a dry day with low humidity and no rain forecast for at least 24–48 hours. Ipe oil penetrates the wood rather than sitting on the surface, which is why surface preparation is so critical — the oil can only penetrate as well as the surface allows.
When to Call a Professional
Sanding a large deck is physically demanding and equipment-intensive. For Ipe and other dense hardwoods, professional refinishing typically produces better results than DIY — particularly on decks that have not been maintained for several years. We offer Ipe refinishing services across South Florida.