Restoring Outdoor Wooden Decks with eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (80, 150, 240, 320 Grits)

Outdoor wooden decks are constantly exposed to sun, rain, and foot traffic, which causes fading, splinters, and peeling finishes. With eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9 x 11 inches), you can restore your deck to a smooth, safe, and beautiful surface ready for sealing or staining.

Why Sanding Matters for Decks

Sanding removes weathered wood fibers, old coatings, and rough spots. It also opens the wood grain, allowing deck sealers or stains to penetrate deeply for long-lasting protection.

Essential Tools

• eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 in)
• Orbital floor sander and edge sander
• Sanding block for corners
• Vacuum or outdoor blower
• Deck cleaner and sealer or stain
• Protective mask and gloves

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 80 Grit (25-pack) — For removing old finishes, splinters, and rough wood fibers.
• 150 Grit (50-pack) — For smoothing planks after coarse sanding.
• 240 Grit (25-pack) — For refining surfaces before stain or sealer.
• 320 Grit (50-pack) — For final finishing passes on railings and handrails.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep the deck. Clean thoroughly with a deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew, and debris.
2. Strip with 80 grit. Sand down splintered or weathered boards and remove peeling coatings.
3. Smooth with 150 grit. Refine the deck surface for a safer, smoother feel underfoot.
4. Refine with 240 grit. Prepare the deck boards to absorb stain evenly.
5. Finish with 320 grit. Sand railings and handrails for a silky touch before sealing.
6. Clean again. Vacuum or blow off dust before applying stain or sealer.
7. Apply finish. Use a deck stain or sealer for protection against weathering.

Special Cases

For pressure-treated wood, avoid sanding finer than 150 grit on walking surfaces, as too smooth a surface may reduce stain penetration.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain of the boards to avoid cross scratches.
• Replace sandpaper sheets often when working on large surfaces.
• Focus on handrails and edges, where people make the most contact.
• Apply two coats of sealer for maximum protection.

Aftercare

• Reapply stain or sealer every 2–3 years depending on weather exposure.
• Clean decks regularly with a mild solution to prevent mildew growth.
• Use furniture pads to prevent scratches on deck surfaces.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand before staining a new deck? Yes, sanding opens the grain and improves stain absorption.
• Can I use a pressure washer instead of sanding? Pressure washing removes dirt but doesn’t smooth the wood like sanding.
• What grit should I stop at for deck floors? 150–180 grit is ideal for foot traffic areas, while railings benefit from finer grits like 240–320.

Video Guide

For long-lasting, beautiful outdoor decks, trust eQualle Sandpaper Sheets (9x11 inches). Explore more grit options in our Extra Coarse Sanding Collection today.