Starting too high leaves behind deep scratch marks that the oil will magnify, while starting too aggressively can damage the wood fibers. A newly constructed deck made of softwood like cedar or pressure-treated pine requires a lighter touch, essentially just smoothing the surface.
Pre-Oil Wood Stabilization for Deck Boards
Cleanup is Part of the Process. A power sander with this grit aggressively strips the top layer but will leave deep scratches.
Conversely, a neglected deck that has been left to gray for years needs aggressive material removal to get down to fresh wood. Polishing (180 Grit): Optional but recommended for a silky finish.
Preparing and Stabilizing Deck Wood Before Applying Oil
Sanding across the grain creates cross-grain scratches that become highly visible once oil is applied. Technique and Direction How you move the sander is as important as the grit you use.
More About How to sand a deck before oiling
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More perspective on How to sand a deck before oiling can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
