How to sand deck with nails sticking out?

[bodega]

Hi - restoring an old deck that was built by previous owner. The foundations are pretty good but long overdue to be re-sanded and re-finished as I'm already replacing old boards here and there.

Deck area is roughly 6m x 4m, manageable but still decent work.

Questions:

1) Been putting this off as I noticed all the boards have been nailed in, I've attached some details photos. Will these be ok to sand over? Some of the boards I've had to replace I've used weather proof decking screws which are much better and flush with the deck instead of slightly raised.

2) I was going to buy a belt sander. Or should I hire an orbital sander? I've watched so many tutorial videos but could use suggestions.

All suggestions welcome.

[bodega]

Hi @Dave-1 @EricL @Nailbag 

Big thanks for all the suggestions. Once I do the edges (Hopefully this weekend, I'll use all your info as a guide. Update everyone once finished!

Thanks again.

[bodega]

@Nailbag sorry one more question - how long can I leave between coats? Should I be doing them all consecutively? Or can I leave a week or so between each coat?

[EricL]

Hello @bodega 

Let me tag @Nailbag to make them aware of your question. My best advice is to make sure that the surface is no longer tacky or soft before applying an additional coat.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

If the weather is fine and especially if there is a breeze it will dry quickly @bodega. As long as it feels dry to the hand your right to go, usually 2hrs max. Any time the deck is exposed to hot sun, leave it until such time as it isn't. When the deck is hot, the oil can basically cook as you apply and go on tacky. I find cloudy or cooler days best.

I also wear clean sole old sneakers on 2nd/3rd coats or even just sox over workbooks which can leave tread marks.

Nailbag

[Nailbag]

Sorry too many links and open computer windows.

This is the right one.

Nailbag

[bodega]

Thanks @Nailbag.

First day of oiling went well. So far so good and thanks for all the tips! Due to weather, I'll have to do my 2nd/3rd coats in a few days here (Melbourne!).

Before starting the 2nd coat of oiling - do I need to do a deep clean again? Or just hose off, wait for it to dry, then start to re-oil again?

Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @bodega,

You just want to make sure there's no dirt, leaves or other stuff that would get between the timber and the new coats.

As long as the deck doesn't get too dirty, then you should be fine with just a quick hose off to remove leaves and surface contaminants, but you'll have to assess it when it comes time to apply those new coats.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @bodega I hear ya I'm down on the Peninsula so copping the same weather. 

As @JacobZ mentioned all it needs to be is dry and clean of any debris, so a only dry cleaning now using a broom/blower then go the next coat. Next few days will be cloudy but dry so actually good conditions.

Nailbag