Can You Sand Pressure-Treated Wood? [Top 4 Best Steps]

Can you sand pressure treated wood? For those who have an old deck or fence made of pressure-treated wood that needs some upgrade, the sanding question is often among the possible variants. So, is it okay to sand a pressure-treated deck safely and successfully? If not, how do you fix it with no harm?

I’m going to share some of my experience and a few smart hacks on how to deal with this wood.

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Why sanding pressure-treated wood is a bad idea?

Since I have tried to sand pressure-treated wood without enough experience, I faced all the possible issues I could get. So, let’s take a closer look:

#1. Destroying impact

The main point is that sanding destroys the integrity of the chemically treated wood. After sanding, the pressure-treated lumber will never return to its original look and condition. The new PT wood has a brown chemical coating that must never be removed or destroyed. Think twice before trying to do that!

The worst news is that you can’t restore the previous state of the wood surface.

There are no ways to fix the damaged coating, so if you start sanding it, you must remove all the coating from the surface.

What is more, in some areas the chemical coating is too hard to remove, so you will get an uneven surface. Some manufacturers soak the wood completely into these chemicals. The areas with knots are the most soaked, thanks to the opened pores that allow chemicals to pass deep through the wood.

Long story short, the more you sand, the more issues you will face. Is it worth starting?

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#2. Damaged look

As you already know, you will easily destroy the look of your fence or deck. Nobody can give you an exact answer on how your wood item will look after a good sanding! You can get an uneven surface full of stains and discolored areas, looking messy and worse than before.

As I once tried to sand my deck, the result was so embarrassing that there were no other variants but getting a new deck instead.

#3. Harmful effect

The important thing to remember about PT wood is the chemicals contained inside it. When sanding, you release all the contaminants from the wood along with the dust.

The main question here is that you have no clue which substances are used in wood processing, don’t you? Thus, you can’t say for sure which health issues you can face afterward. Allergic reactions and respiratory problems, or even more serious drawbacks – any of these risks can be true.

Unless you have a respirator, a common dust mask won’t protect you properly. Covering your eyes with safety glasses and protecting your hands with gloves is not a sure point.

In other words, this is a risky option not only for your deck but for you as well.

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#4: Quality issues

Pressure-treated lumber can have different ranges of quality, so the result is unpredictable. Low quality means more issues in the process, and you may have all the chances to destroy your deck even more.

As you already know, your PT wood looks fine while it is coated properly.

Hence, removing the chemical coating is still not a good idea.

#5. No positive results: it sounds more like a conclusion but I still regard this as one more point against sanding PT wooden items: you have no benefits if you sand your wood item.

As the look and the quality of your item are destroyed, and your health is in danger, then why should you do that?

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Image credit: www.deckstainhelp.com

How to fix the pressure-treated wood?

Although you shouldn’t sand your PT wooden item, the problem persists: you have a discolored surface, some cracks, and peelings, rotten spots, and other issues.

What should you do, though?

The answer is simple and secure: you can stain pressure-treated wood to fix and protect it!

Besides, you can use a specifically designed deck cleaner and a pressure washer to clean the wood items previously. However, be sure to use the right settings when washing!

If you have a cedar item or a redwood deck, they mostly don’t need extra measures to take.

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How to choose the right finish?

To choose the best stain, take a sample of your peeling pressure-treated deck to the local store.

After checking its structure, and content, taking a scratch test, and some chemical tests, the paint store workers can help you find the best finish.

The most crucial hack is to get a high-quality finish with a longer life. Once you decide to finish your wooden item, take care of it to last long!

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How do you stain pressure-treated wood?

Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step #1: prepare the wooden item. If you have a new item, keep in mind that it is still high in moisture. Extra moisture content can be a hindrance to your finish.

Let the lumber dry for a while before finishing it. The drying period can vary from a few weeks up to a few months. Then, you can proceed with finishing that can surely adhere and penetrate the lumber.

If necessary, pressure wash your item before staining. Pressure washing is a good way to clean it from any debris that can stick along with the finish. You can do it with pressure washers or just a garden hose.

  • If you decide to lightly sand the item, cleaning is a required step.
  • Be sure to wait until the pressure-washed unit dries out completely.
  • A new item doesn’t need pressure washing, just clean it with a stiff brush.

Step #2: choose the right finish. Depending on which item you want to finish, there are different options.

A transparent or semi-transparent stain is the best bet for items that have to sustain intensive foot traffic.

For the damaged units, opt for a solid or opaque stain that can hide all the issues.

As for me, oil-based stains are among the best options to use.

A good hack is to choose the finishes that are already tested on a bare wood piece where you can see how they work.

Step #3: take care of the protection. Be sure to wear the safety gear to protect your body, hands, face, and respiratory system! Besides, cover the surrounding area to protect it from the stain drops.

Step #4: apply stain to the project. Mix the stain evenly without making bubbles. Make sure it isn’t too thick. Then, start applying stain with a brush evenly over the surface.

Let the item dry for a while before applying the second coat.

When you are done, let the unit dry completely and uncover the nearby areas and plants.

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FAQ

Is it safe to sand pressure-treated lumber?

No, it isn’t. Since this type of lumber is treated by chemical processes, you can’t sand it safely as the chemicals released from the wood affect your health and environment.

What should never be done with pressure-treated wood?

Here is a list of what you should never do with this type of wood:

Burn in the fireplace
Let the kids and pets contact with the sawdust
Sand
Use for cutting boards and food containers
Use in the vegetable garden

How do you make pressure-treated wood look good?

Staining this type of wood is your best bet. Unlike the paint coating that can’t adhere properly to the wood surface, stain works perfectly with it. You will never end up with peeling, as the stain penetrates the wood grain and stays there permanently.

What destroys pressure-treated wood?

This type of wood is vulnerable to water exposure, which makes it crack and split. As a result, it is much easier for fungi to get inside the cracks and cause wood rot.

For pressure-treated wood deck owners, it is crucial to prevent water issues and care about good sealing.

Final thoughts

As you can see, even a light sand can cause extra issues. Staining pressure-treated wood is a sure way to fix and protect your old wood for a long time.

Craig Gordon

Welcome to the world of woodworking and the artistry of crafting your dream home from wood. I’m thrilled to be your guide on this journey of turning timber into cherished memories.

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