How long to strip / sand a 300sqft deck?

[jeff37]

I'm trying to make the DIY vs outsourcing decision on my deck. Due to its current state, I know I have to completely strip the current oil based product and start from scratch. I know the staining isn't a big deal, but I'm trying to figure out how much time I'm talking about if I prep it myself.

It has Flood CWF on it, which I've heard is tough to get off. I tested a couple treatments of stripper on a small section, and it didn't do the job. Of course, this was without using a powerwasher and it wasn't a very thorough test. My hope is that two treatments of stripper and low power pressure washing, followed by light sanding will do the trick.

The deck is about 300sqft, has no lattice, and also has railing with

1" squared poles every 5" or so. The part that worries me the most are these vertical rails. I think they will be tough to completely strip, and sanding may be very time consuming.

Just hoping someone who has undertaken a similar task can comment on the timeline.

Thanks!

[ransley]

For the deck dont strip it just rent a floor sander and sand it, be sure to countersink the nails deeply first, for railing you could just go over it with solid color stain. A day to sand.

[buffalobill]

from buffalo ny: subject ot your climate: i guarantee you will wish you could just put down outdoor Astroturf. the pressure washing and refinishing will never end, and is never as satisfying a look as when the deck was new. mine is 10' x 25', from 1986, pressure treated. we never used any oil containing products on it because we didn't want the kids and dogs tracking it indoors. but i regret i ever used transparent latex stain on it, it only lasts one year and after doing that several years ago i've decided it is more fun to enjoy a deck that's simply cleaned. your decision subject to your pet use/odor/ dirt/sun/rain/climate.