Restaining your deck isn’t exactly a weekend activity most homeowners look forward to. It’s messy, time-consuming, and it usually means you’ve got to deal with sanding. And if you’ve heard anything about sanding a deck, you might be wondering: Do I really need to sand the entire thing before restaining?
That’s a fair question, and an important one. Because the answer can affect everything from how long the new stain lasts to how great your deck ends up looking. Whether you’re tackling this job yourself or just want to be informed before hiring someone (smart move either way), let’s get into it.
This post will cover everything you need to know about sanding before restaining. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer, no guesswork, and the confidence to take the next step.
Why Homeowners Ask: Do I Really Need to Sand My Deck?
The truth is, sanding is one of those steps that sounds optional but often isn’t, depending on your situation. Maybe you’re dealing with:
- Peeling or flaking stain from a few years ago
- A weathered, gray surface with splinters sticking up
- Stain that won’t seem to absorb properly no matter what you do
- An uneven color tone left by a patchy previous job
If any of those sound familiar, sanding is probably something you need to seriously consider.
But don’t worry — we’ll walk through whether you really need to sand the entire surface, or just parts of it. Because sometimes, yes, sanding it all is overkill.
So, When Do You Need to Sand the Whole Deck?
Let’s break this down.
You Should Sand the Entire Deck If:
- You’re switching from solid stain to semi-transparent. Solid stains form a film that blocks out the wood grain. Semi-transparent stains need to soak into the wood. To do that properly, you’ve got to remove most (if not all) of that old solid stain. Sanding is the best way.
- There’s major wear and tear – We’re talking deep cracks, splinters, or serious weathering. Sanding smooths the surface so the new stain adheres well and looks great.
- Previous stain is peeling or flaking – Applying new stain over that is asking for trouble. It won’t bond right and will peel much faster.
- You’re looking for a perfect, uniform look. If you’re a perfectionist or want that showroom-worthy finish, full sanding gives you a clean slate.
When Spot Sanding Might Be Enough
Here’s the good news: not every deck needs a full sanding.
If your deck is in decent shape and you’re reapplying the same type of stain (like semi-transparent over semi-transparent), you might get away with:
- Spot sanding problem areas – Think high-traffic zones, splintered boards, or faded spots.
- Power washing + a wood brightener – This combo can prep your deck without full-on sanding.
- Scuff sanding – A light sanding with a pole sander just to open up the wood grain for better stain absorption.
So, if your stain is still holding up well and you’re just refreshing the color, don’t break your back sanding every square inch. Just clean it well, scuff where needed, and you’re good to go.
Tools You’ll Need If You Do Sand
If you do decide that sanding is necessary, here’s what you’ll need:
- Orbital sander or drum sander – A drum sander is great for large, flat areas. Orbital is better for tighter spaces and edges.
- 80-grit sandpaper – This is usually the sweet spot. Coarse enough to remove stain, but not so rough that it tears up the wood.
- Detail sander or sanding block – For railings, steps, and corners.
And remember — always vacuum and wipe down the surface after sanding. Dust will mess with the stain’s ability to soak in.
How Climate Affects Sanding and Staining
Your local climate plays a big role in how you approach deck restaining.
- Hot, dry regions – Wood can become dry and cracked. Sanding helps smooth it out and open the grain for stain.
- Humid areas – Mold and mildew are common. Power wash, let it dry completely, then assess if sanding is needed.
- Cold climates – Freeze/thaw cycles can raise splinters. Sanding levels it out before staining.
No matter where you live, make sure your deck is dry — as in 48 hours of dry weather — before applying stain. Otherwise, it won’t absorb properly.
Best Stain Manufacturers for Decks
When it comes to deck stains, quality matters. Here are the top manufacturers that homeowners trust for lasting results:
- Benjamin Moore – Known for vibrant color retention and durability across various wood types.
- Behr – Easily available, affordable, and offers great coverage with good waterproofing.
- Cabot – Specializes in wood finishes and stains; excellent for both solid and semi-transparent options.
- Penofin – High-quality oil-based stains with deep penetration and UV protection.
Work With the Professionals Who’ve Been Doing This for Years
Our team has been refinishing and restaining decks for years, and we know exactly what your deck needs to look its best. We’ve seen every kind of wood, every type of damage, and every climate-related challenge you can imagine.
As with anything in life, working with pros makes a big difference. It saves you time, money, and stress. If you’re ready to get your project tackled by our team of industry experts, give us a call at (215) 608-6886 and let’s get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sand my deck every time I restain it?
Not always. If the previous stain is in good shape, a good cleaning and light scuff sanding might be enough.
How do I know if my deck needs sanding?
If the surface is peeling, flaking, or extremely rough, it likely needs sanding. Try a water drop test — if water beads up, sanding might help the new stain absorb better.
Can I use a pressure washer instead of sanding?
A pressure washer helps clean the surface, but it doesn’t remove stain or smooth out rough wood. It’s not a replacement for sanding.
What grit sandpaper should I use on my deck?
80-grit is usually the best choice. It’s aggressive enough to remove old stain but gentle enough not to gouge the wood.
Is it better to sand or strip old stain?
Stripping is effective for removing layers of old stain, especially solid stains. But sanding is often needed afterward to smooth the wood.
Can I stain right after sanding?
Let the wood breathe for a few hours and make sure all dust is gone. Then yes — you can stain shortly after sanding.
What if I skip sanding and just stain over the old finish?
The new stain won’t bond well. It might look patchy, wear off quickly, or not absorb properly into the wood.
How long does sanding a deck usually take?
Depends on the size and condition. A small, well-maintained deck might take a few hours. A large or rough one can take a full day or more.
Final Thoughts: So, Do You Need to Sand It All?
If your deck is in rough shape or you’re changing stain types, full sanding is worth it. If the deck’s in decent condition and you’re sticking with the same kind of stain, spot sanding might do the trick.
It really comes down to the condition of your wood, the kind of stain you’re using, and how perfect you want the results to be.
If you’re not sure what your deck needs or just want it done right the first time, contact us at (215) 608-6886. We’ll take a look and give you honest advice, no pressure.