Since 2009 Beachlife Floors have been timber deck sanding on the Gold Coast.
Efficient • Effective • Professional
Wow! This dilapidated outdoor area gets a much needed timber deck rejuvenation after 10 years of neglect
Beachlife floors have been sanding decks on the Gold Coast for the last 15 years and we still believe that sanding a deck is the best option to get the best results for the majority of decks restored.
Most of the time we use the trusty Hummel deck sander but we also have nylon wire brush sanders to use when it is appropriate.
Very occasionally we will use a chemical stripper combined with a controlled high pressure water cleaner to bring the deck back to life.
We believe we have all the machinery necessary for all deck restoration options and when combined with 15+ years of experience, you can choose us to sand your deck with certainty and peace of mind.
We always aim to be efficient, effective, safe and professional in our work practices.
Deck Sanding: The Key to a Beautiful, Durable Outdoor Space
A well-maintained deck can significantly enhance your home’s outdoor living area, providing a space for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment. However, the harsh Australian sun, rain, and foot traffic can take a toll on your deck, leaving it looking worn, weathered, and uninviting. Deck sanding is the solution to restoring your deck’s beauty and ensuring its longevity.
Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?
Deck sanding can be a DIY project, but it requires time, effort, and the proper tools and techniques. If you are unsure of your skills or do not have the necessary equipment, it is best to hire a professional deck sander. A professional can complete the job quickly and efficiently, ensuring a flawless finish.
Protecting Your Investment
Once your deck is sanded and sealed, it is essential to protect it from the elements. Regularly wash your deck, apply a fresh coat of stain, oil or sealant as required, and address any repairs promptly. With proper care and maintenance, your deck will remain a beautiful and functional part of your home for years to come.
The workhorse that is the Lägler Hummel deck sander seen here doing it’s job sanding a deck on the Gold Coast. We had to stop and take a pic of the timber being revealed after only a few passes.
This unique belt sander was designed by blacksmith Eugen Lägler in Nordeim Germany in 1969 and has the company has been going strong ever since. The machines are very well designed and rarely miss a beat.
Beachlife Floors have been using the LÄGLER® HUMMEL deck sander since we started sanding decks in 2009.
Deck Sander In Action At Banora Point
Deck sanding first cut of the big deck sander, clients are loving the change already
Deck Sander Doing The Hard Work
Deck sanding started with the continuous belt driven Hummel deck sander
Merbau Deck Sanding Has Begun
Merbau deck in Banora Point with deck sanding underway, showing deck sander in action
Deck Sanded And Washed And Coating Just Started
Deck sanding completed and coating with H2Oil started on 3 rows of decking boards on the right hand side.
FAQ
How does Beachlife Floors sand a deck?
- We have to punch any nails that are above or not flush with the deck surface
- We can also countersink screws and re screw loose boards, not flush or protruding above the deck surface
- Sand the deck flat as possible, removing all existing coatings, this is done using a Lagler Hummel 200mm belt sander, using 36 grit sandpaper.
- The edges of the deck that can’t be sanded with the Lagler Hummel belt sanded are done with a Clarke Super 7 Edger.
- Deck is then sanded a second time with the Hummel belt sander using a 60 grit paper.
- Deck to be sanded once more for the last time using a Polivac with an 80 grit screen.
- Deck corners that are inaccessible to the deck sanders will be scraped.
- Last step is to wash the deck and allow it to dry and then it is ready to coat!
Not all decks can be sanded, due to nails that can’t be punched and screws that can’t be countersunk.
In this case we use a 200mm nylon wire brush sander. The brush sander does a great job of removing existing coatings BUT it does not not deeply sand the timber, so it will not flatten the deck.
Why does my deck have to be sanded?
There are many reasons why your deck may need sanding, here are a couple of compelling reasons.
- Comfort & Safety – If the deck is cupped, bowing or splitting possibly with some splintering and protruding nails, then the deck is not an area you will look forward to using and maybe unsafe to use.
- Aesthetics – Sanding your deck will always improve the aesthetic appeal of the deck area. Once it is sanded you have a blank canvas to enact your creative vision for an important area of your house and also very important if you are selling your home.
- Protection – Usually a deck must be sanded before recoating. If your coating is breaking down and is no longer forming a protective barrier to stop water getting into the decking boards then a new protective coating should be applied.
Can I sand my own deck?
Yes, but please ask yourself more than once, is it a good idea for you to tackle it?
If you can lift heavy things and don’t mind hard and dirty work then if you can hire the required equipment then be my guest and have a go.
Remember to buy good sandpaper at the appropriate grits.
I do recommend not hiring the lightweight sanders that are readily available as they don’t really do a good job.
Required equipment
- 200 mm belt sander (weight about 90kg) with 36 and 60 grit paper or 40 and 80 grit papers
180mm edger sander, with 60 and 80 grit papers - Polivac with 80 grit screen
- Scraper and file.
Warning – a belted deck sander is a difficult piece of equipment to use and if you leave it in one spot for more than a second it will seriously gouge your deck. Please take notice of all warnings and safety precautions that the manufacturer advises.
How to sand your own deck
- Try to sand the whole deck evenly applying the sander in a pattern that covers the surface
- Sand the deck flat with 200 belt sander using 36 or 40 grit paper
- Use an Edger over the areas that can’t be sanded using a belt sander using 60 or 80 grit papers
- Sand the deck a second time with 200mm belt sander using 60 or 80 grit papers
- Sand deck with Polivac 80 grit screen
- Scrape all corners that could not be sanded.
CUTEK® Wood Preservative
- Beachlife Floors specialises in silver grey decking using CUTEK® Wood Preservative.
- Moisture exposure causes problems in timber decking.
- Traditional coatings form a barrier to prevent moisture ingress.
- CUTEK penetrates the wood, offering protection from the inside out.
- Regular maintenance is necessary to preserve the coating’s integrity.
- CUTEK allows the wood to naturally age and develop a grey patina.
- CUTEK’s protection is cumulative and extends the deck’s service life.
- CUTEK’s effectiveness is demonstrated through a comparison of coated and uncoated timber.
How to maintain your timber deck?
We always suggest a scheduled maintenance program to keep the decking looking and feeling sensational.
Also:
- Regular vacuum or hose down then wipe off with a towel around your feet
Product Review
Beachlife Floors believe CUTEK® Wood Preservative and CUTEK® Extreme CD50 provide exceptional protection for your Timber Deck, especially if your deck is exposed to the elements.
Almost all problems associated with timber decking are caused by exposure to moisture. This includes issues such as:
- Cupping
- Warping
- Splitting
- Shrinking.