Do I need to sand my deck before sealing?
Thumbtack Editors
Answered
Yes, you’ll likely need to sand your deck before applying a sealer. The reason for this is related to pressure washing. When you run a pressure washer over wood, it causes very small fibers to separate and rise off of the wood’s surface. Step on these once it’s dried out and you’ll get splinters — which is where sanding comes in. Sanding your deck after you pressure wash it ensures you will have a smooth surface that’s not only comfortable but ready to accept the sealant.