Why would you sand a brand new cedar deck? I sand the top cap on the rail, but that's it.

What to do now? Apply TWP stain, I would use the cedar color in the 100 series. Let it dry & bust out the beers.

It was my understanding that the stain would not take as well without a light sanding. The 'handyman' that has been helping suggested this.

I had been giving him the benefit of the doubt because I've no pro experience in this area. I frame and that's all.

Now that I've already sanded half the deck, I'm guessing I should finish? Do I rinse the deck or use compressed air to clean the dust off completely?

Thanks for the quick reply by the way.

Link below to picture of deck

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

Al is right its time for the finish.

May a well complete the sanding. Nice Project. J.

Thanks John and Al. I wish I had thought to find this forum before starting the project. I checked out both of your sites and you guys do excellent work and really know your stuff. I work as a framer but I just build a place. The things you guys do is so much more 'artistic' I guess you'd say.

It just started raining. I'll need two or three days without rain before staining correct?

Thanks again guys.

Good to see a Fellow Tradesmen that started out in the trenches. Most all of us that put up decks on a Pro nature started out framing.

Use the sprit of a sound mind with the finish most often one day of sun, a couple hours of dry after is all you need puting on twp anyway.

Go Get Em Bo !! J.

Thanks for the help guys! Next time I do a deck, I'll be stopping by here first. I'll be posting some pics after staining and all.

Did you forget your railings?

Welcome to Fargo!

Yeah...finish the sanding! It's the perfect prep.
Your new sood will absorb and hold stain EVENLY because you sanded.
After sweeping/vacuuming, I've wiped down my deck with paint thinner....I was surprised how much more dust came off!

My deck is 15 y/o Redwood.

Faron
(in Fargo!)

After much debate about style and function, the railing was added. The color came out so pretty. I'm adding a nighttime picture. The color is exactly what I wanted.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}