Quote:
Originally Posted by mountainhouse
I'll add my .01 cent. I have had decks for decades and now looking back to all the power washing, both professional and homeowner, I would only sand with a rental drum floor sander (rent at Homedepot). Under the railing I use a small belt sander. Like new and smooth, and even the less expensive paints stick and hold. It is all about creating the best binding of paint/stain to wood.
But seriously, I would no longer consider anything but composite, now that the product has evolved. Adding up the time-money-other efforts, and in the end , it's still wood (unless one has teak or mahogany  ) |
Right with you Mountain. Just did that by hand also. Looks almost new.
I understand the pressure washing thing. It comes out looking nice and requires very little physical effort. Easy man's way out and we as American's love to subscribe to this philosophy in many ways. Heck that's why I did it! But it is a mistake IMO. I have never seen wood deteriorate so fast. My buddy is a builder and he always says don't pressure wash anything wood, especially your siding (Vinyl for that matter as well) use a cleaning agent, a brush and the garden hose. Each to his own though.