What Type of Sander Should I Use to Sand Back Merbau Deck?

Richmond Tigers on 30/11/2022 - 15:25

With pending Bunnings vouchers on the horizon, I am stuck between getting an orbital sander, a sheet sander or a belt sander.

It is not a huge area of decking and I plan to do it slowly next winter, it is also an area not really suited to a large sander you would hire as it is decking around a pool.

The existing decking oil is just merbau finish cabots aquadeck.

I am looking to sand it back just to remove a bunch of spots where potting mix nutrients leached out of the pots and onto the deck, and a few discoloured planks that have aged differently to other sections.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 30/11/2022 - 15:27
    +1

    You might get away with just a really good pressure wash.

    • Cobber870 on 30/11/2022 - 15:37

      Try this first. Then a random orbital sander (I find these easier to use than a sheet sander) if it is only spots, a belt sander may leave it uneven if you are only doing patches. Note that if you sand patches they may end up different colours to the rest of the deck due to weathering.

      Battery vs 240v may be safer near a pool…

  • Ocker on 30/11/2022 - 16:07

    I use a random orbital sander on my Jarrah deck

    • Muzeeb on 30/11/2022 - 16:28

      Jarrah in Melbourne? Must be an old deck.

      • Ocker on 30/11/2022 - 17:33
        +1

        4m x 3m deck was made with surplus W.A. Jarrah flooring we used during reno's of our house back around 2002.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/11/2022 - 16:15
    +2

    Kennards (and some Bunnings) will rent orbital floor sanders. In your case, spend an extra $10-15 to get one with a vacuum extraction system to limit the amount of dust that gets into the pool.

    You'll also want a small orbital hand sander for getting in and around any posts etc.

    If you want to try something different to the Cabots Aquadeck, have a look at the Organoil Decking Oil. I've recently switched to it (recommendation from our builder) and will never go back to Aquadeck.

    • Richmond Tigers on 30/11/2022 - 16:16

      I'll look into it, why did you get told to swap and what is the difference?

      • [Deactivated] on 30/11/2022 - 17:12

        Easier and faster to apply
        Deeper penetration - especially where you have exposed end grain to treat
        Doesn't tend to build-up colour, so you won't have dark patches from accidentally repeating application on a certain section of timber
        100% organic so safe around plants, animals etc. Also smells amazing when you're applying it which is a bonus. 😂
        Cleans-up in hot soapy water

        Only downside is that it needs to be applied ~10-20% more frequently than the Aquadeck if the decking is in a full-sun position.

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