Is it possible to power sand a deck?
Prior to thinking about replacing the deck planks which are leaving slivers in my 1 year old's feet, is it possible to have the deck surface sanded with a large industrial sander like those used for hardwood floors? Could the deck then be stained or painted to provide a sliver free surface?
Theoretically, what you are suggesting can be done, however there are the following drawbacks:- The chemicals used to pressure treat the wood only penetrate the surface by a little bit. Sanding the surface will remove the preservative and any unpainted wood will rot quickly.
- Pressure treated wood is a softwood -- usually pine. It is much more difficult to sand than hardwood because it is so soft.
- Hardwood floors are not surface nailed, like your deck. All nails would have to be countersunk to prevent them from ripping up the sanding drum. As mentioned previously, countersunk nails promote rot. Also, because the wood is so soft there is still a risk of hitting a nail. Many floor refinishers would not touch this job.