Re-Staining Deck: Where to start?

[pikestabber]

I bought a house two years ago and the deck was in "okay" condition at that time. The stain is now in dire need of a facelift and I am not sure where to start. It's a 9x16 deck with a semi-solid stain that is worn down to the wood in high traffic areas.

So... How do I removed the existing stain before re-applying the new? Power washer? Sander? Chemical stripper? To be honest, I am hoping I can avoid the chemical stripper. Ms. Pikestabber has flowers all around the deck and I don't want to go down that road if I drip a little here and there and start killing tiger lilies

If I do go the sander route, all I have is quarter sheet sander and I don't think that will get it done very well. Should I rent a big orbital sander? Rent a power washer? Other ideas?

Thanks in advance!

[PurpleFloyd]

There is a similar thread down the page a bit. Lots of options depending on time,expectations and budget.

[Pat K]

Here is the other thread:

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubb...r-p#Post3261793

[pikestabber]

Okay, thanks, guys.

[mnguy152]

i did mine with 6 inch orbital. basically just got the loose stuff off didnt go too crazy on it but . looks nice after i got the stain back on plus it took care of in loose slivers and stuff. took a few nights but i get sandpaper cheap lol.

[pikestabber]

i did mine with 6 inch orbital. basically just got the loose stuff off didnt go too crazy on it but . looks nice after i got the stain back on plus it took care of in loose slivers and stuff. took a few nights but i get sandpaper cheap lol.

You stripped all the old stain with an orbital? Just trying to get different options.

[Ufatz]

Pressure washer is the ONLY way to get it done in a reasonable length of time with a reasonable result. Just don't use a nozzle that is TOO aggressive or you will cut into the wood. Play with the machine for a bit if you have never used one and try the different nozzles. That is not a very big deck and you can have it done in an evening and then, after a couple of days to let it get good and dry you can do the stain.

[pikestabber]

Thanks, Ufatz. I appreciate the reply. That's the route I'll go.

[Pat K]

It's been a few years since I worked for Sherwin-Williams, but if you choose to use a pressure washer, they recommended waiting for 7 to 10 days after power washing because of the amount of water that is driven deep into the wood.