What grit sandpaper do I use for a Merbau deck?

[Tom23]

Hi , what grit sandpaper would you recommend I use for an outdoor merbau deck that needs to be stripped?

[EricL]

Hello @Tom23 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about sanding your deck.

I suggest having a look at these discussions - Deck renewal using floor sander and Deck - sanding, washing, pressure hose or a combination by @monte. In the first discussion they used 40grit to strip the surface of the old stain and dead timber fibres. They then used 80grit to finish the surface. I'm sure you are aware of the general process for renewing your deck surface and that is to wash the surface first allow it to dry then sand the surface back to timber. Wash the surface again to remove all the sanding dust allow the surface to dry before you begin staining and varnishing it.

Here are some deck renewal discussions you'll find helpful.

• Decking revamp by @Nikkaz1 
   
• Pressure clean sand and stain outdoor deck by @indeed
   
• Refinishing a deck by @Nadine1

Here are some links to handy step-by-step guides.

• How to clean a deck
   
• How to sand timber floors
   
• How to sand a deck
   
• Choosing the right finish for your deck
   
• How to oil your deck

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Tom23 

The first thing to do is drive the screws/nails deeper into the timber before sanding. 

Start with 40G but change to 80G just as you break through to the original timber colour. Then once through that final layer go 120G and finish with 180G

Nailbag