Professional Deck Sanding Services in Melbourne

Expert deck sanding across Melbourne’s North. We use 5 waves of sanding with various methods and grits to actually fix cupping and level your deck—not just scratch the surface. 17+ years experience, 183 five-star reviews. Call 1300 363 478 for a FREE quote.

What Is Professional Deck Sanding?

Deck sanding isn’t just running a hired sander over your boards for an afternoon. Real professional sanding means removing old coatings, eliminating grey weathered timber, fixing cupping and warping, removing splinters, and preparing the surface for maximum oil penetration.

Most DIY attempts (and many “cheap” professional jobs) only scratch the surface. They remove some of the grey, but they don’t address the real problems: uneven boards, raised grain, embedded dirt, and cupping that causes water pooling.

Professional deck sanding means using the right equipment (belt sanders, orbital sanders, edge sanders, hand tools), the right grits (from 24 grit for levelling to 120 grit for finishing), and the right technique to achieve a completely smooth, level, splinter-free surface.

We Actually Fix Cupping — Most Companies Don’t

Here’s what separates us from every other deck company in Melbourne:

They skip the hard work. Most companies run a light surface sand with an orbital sander. It removes some grey, makes the deck look “freshened up,” then they slap on 3 heavy coats of oil to hide the fact that the boards are still cupped, uneven, and rough.

We do the opposite. We use 5 waves of sanding with various methods and grits to actually rectify cupping and level your boards:

1. Wave 1: Aggressive belt sanding with 24-36 grit to flatten cupped boards and remove heavy coatings
2. Wave 2: Medium belt sanding with 60 grit to smooth the surface and remove deep scratches
3. Wave 3: Orbital sanding with 80 grit to refine the grain and remove belt sander marks
4. Wave 4: Edge sanding for corners, balustrades, and hard-to-reach areas
5. Wave 5: Hand sanding for details, stair treads, and final touch-ups

It’s harder work. It takes longer. It costs more. But it means your deck is genuinely flat, water drains properly, and the oil penetrates evenly across the entire surface.

The difference? Our decks stay protected for 3-5 years. Their decks look okay for 6 months, then the oil film breaks down because it was never properly bonded to poorly prepared timber.

Our 9-Step Deck Sanding & Restoration Process

Sanding is the core of deck restoration, but it’s not the only step. Here’s our complete process:

Step 1: Countersinking & Prep

We neatly countersink any raised fixtures (screws, nails, bolts) so the deck can be sanded safely and evenly. No ankle-biters, no snags, no drama. We also move furniture, pots, and BBQs—and put everything back when we’re done.

Step 2: Decupping & Levelling Sand

Your boards get a flattening pass to remove cupping and uneven spots. We use aggressive-grit belt sanders to actually level the timber, not just scratch the surface. This stops water pooling, eliminates trip hazards, and gives your deck a smoother underfoot feel.

This is the step that separates professional sanding from amateur work. Most companies skip it because it’s physically demanding and time-consuming. We don’t skip it—ever.

Step 3: Full Deck Sanding

We take the entire deck back to a fresh skin of timber—removing old coatings, splintering, rough grain, and years of weathering. This is where we use our 5-wave sanding system: belt sanding (heavy and medium grits), orbital sanding, edge sanding, and hand sanding.

By the time we’re done, your deck looks like new timber. No grey. No splinters. No rough patches. Just smooth, clean wood ready for finishing.

Step 4: Deep Degrease

A specialised degreasing treatment draws out oils, tannins, contaminants, and anything that has worked its way deep into the boards. This is critical for Melbourne decks with eucalypt leaf litter (tannin staining), BBQ grease, or old oil buildup.

Standard cleaners sit on the surface. Our degrease penetrates deep and pulls contaminants out from the timber pores.

Step 5: Orbital Scrub Treatment

An orbital power scrubber agitates the degreasing treatment throughout the grain, lifting dirt and grime that basic washes can’t touch. This ensures maximum oil penetration in Step 9.

Step 6: Fine Sand Finish

A second, softer sand removes any remaining coating residue, raised grain from the wet treatment, and prepares the timber for a premium finish. This creates the smooth, open-grain surface that allows maximum oil absorption.

Step 7: Low-Pressure Clean

We wash the deck using no more than 1000 PSI to protect the timber while flushing out the final impurities. High-pressure washing (2500+ PSI) damages timber fibres and causes premature deterioration—we never use it.

Step 8: Timber Brightening

A brightening treatment restores natural colour, balances the tones across the entire deck, and increases oil penetration for a better final result. This is especially important for Merbau (brings back the rich browns) and spotted gum (enhances the honey tones).

Step 9: Return Visit for Coating (Weather Dependent)

Once the deck is completely dry and weather conditions are right (no rain forecast for 48 hours), we return to apply 2 coats of high-performance water-based oil for UV protection, water repellency, and a beautiful finish.

We use premium brands like Cabot’s Aquadeck, Intergrain UltraDeck, and Cutek—chosen specifically for Melbourne’s climate and your timber type.

New Deck Sanding vs Restoration Sanding

Not all deck sanding is the same. We tailor our approach based on your deck’s condition:

New Deck Preparation (Light Sanding)

For brand new decks that have never been finished, we use a light sanding approach to open the grain and remove mill glaze (the shiny surface from sawmill planing). This typically uses 80-100 grit only—no aggressive levelling needed. Then we apply 2 coats of oil to protect the fresh timber.

Restoration Sanding (Full 9-Step Process)

For weathered, old, or neglected decks, we use the complete 9-step process with aggressive decupping, deep degreasing, and our 5-wave sanding system. This takes 2-3 days but delivers a completely rejuvenated deck.

Why Choose Deck Rejuvenation for Sanding?

We Own Professional Equipment

We don’t hire cheap orbital sanders from Bunnings. We own commercial-grade belt sanders, drum sanders, edgers, and dust extraction systems. This means faster work, better results, and minimal mess.

We Know Melbourne’s Timber Types

Merbau needs different sanding than spotted gum. Jarrah sands differently to treated pine. We’ve sanded hundreds of Melbourne decks—we know exactly which grits, techniques, and speeds to use for your specific timber.

Dust Minimisation

We use industrial dust extractors connected to our sanders. This captures 90%+ of dust at the source—keeping it out of your house, garden beds, and pool. We still recommend moving indoor furniture away from windows, but our dust control is far superior to DIY or cheap operators.

17+ Years, 183 Five-Star Reviews

We’ve been sanding Melbourne decks since the early 2000s. We’re a family business based in Carlton, servicing Melbourne’s North. Our 5.0 star rating from 183 genuine customers speaks for itself.

Understanding Melbourne’s Most Popular Decking Timbers

Merbau

Dark red-brown hardwood. Very hard, dense, oily. Requires aggressive sanding (24-36 grit) to remove oxidised surface and tannin staining. Needs proper degreasing before oiling. Melbourne’s most popular deck timber from 1990s-2010s.

Spotted Gum

Light to medium brown with distinctive grain. Extremely hard—harder than Merbau. Weathers to silver-grey but responds beautifully to sanding (goes back to honey tones). Popular choice for 2010s+ decks.

Jarrah

Rich red hardwood. Similar hardness to Merbau. Common in 1980s-90s Melbourne homes. Needs careful sanding to avoid over-darkening—we use medium grits (40-60) for initial passes.

Blackbutt

Pale yellow-brown hardwood. Medium density. Sands easily but needs gentler technique than Merbau or spotted gum. Popular for coastal and modern builds.

Treated Pine

Softwood, light colour. Requires gentle sanding (60-80 grit only)—aggressive grits will damage the soft fibres. Common for verandahs and budget decks. Can be stained darker colours after sanding.

Service Areas

Based in Carlton, we service Melbourne’s North within a 30km radius of Eltham. We regularly provide deck sanding in Eltham, Diamond Creek, and surrounding suburbs including:

Warrandyte, Park Orchards, Gisborne, Ivanhoe, Northcote, Thornbury, Blackburn, Montmorency, Rosanna, Research, Greensborough, Bundoora, Macleod, Heidelberg.

Not sure if we service your area? Call 1300 363 478 and ask.

Transparent Pricing

Most Melbourne deck sanding jobs cost between $2,500-$7,000 depending on:

• Deck size – Measured in square metres (m²)
• Timber condition – Heavily cupped or weathered decks need more sanding time
• Timber type – Merbau and spotted gum are harder (slower) than treated pine
• Repair requirements – Structural repairs add to the cost
• Access – Second-storey decks may require scaffolding

We provide exact quotes over the phone once we know your deck dimensions and timber type. No hidden costs. No surprise extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does deck sanding take?

For a standard 40-60m² deck, sanding and preparation takes 2 days. We return on Day 3 or later (weather permitting) to apply the finish. Larger decks or heavily damaged timber takes longer.

Can you sand decks that are really uneven?

Yes—that’s our specialty. We’ve levelled decks with 10mm+ cupping. As long as there’s enough timber thickness left (minimum 15mm after sanding), we can flatten it.

How much timber do you remove when sanding?

Typically 1-3mm on lightly weathered decks, 3-5mm on heavily weathered or cupped decks. We never remove more than necessary—the goal is to preserve as much timber as possible while achieving a smooth, level surface.

Do you sand balustrades and stairs?

Yes—we sand everything: boards, balustrades, handrails, stair treads, fascias. We use edge sanders and hand tools for vertical surfaces and details.

What’s the difference between belt sanding and orbital sanding?

Belt sanders are aggressive—they remove timber quickly and can level uneven boards. Orbital sanders are gentler—they refine the surface and remove scratches. We use both in our 5-wave system for optimal results.

Can I just hire a sander and do it myself?

You can, but it’s harder than it looks. Hired sanders are usually low-quality orbital sanders that can’t fix cupping. You’ll spend $200+ on hire, $100+ on sandpaper, waste 2-3 weekends, and likely end up with an uneven result. Most DIY deck sanding jobs we see need to be re-sanded professionally within 12 months.

Your Benefits

• A safer, flatter, splinter-free deck – Kids, dogs, bare feet—everyone wins.
• Proper water drainage – No more pooling from cupped boards.
• Restores natural timber colour – From grey back to rich browns or honey tones.
• Maximum oil penetration – Properly sanded timber absorbs oil deeply = longer protection.
• Extends deck life – Removes damaged surface before it becomes structural rot.

What Our Customers Say

“Ben’s team managed to get my tired deck sanded, cleaned, treated and restored all in one day. They were very careful, professional and punctual. 100% would recommend.”

“Extremely happy with the professional service and the quality of the work. The deck looks brand new again.”

“Punctual, professional, and the result exceeded our expectations. The deck looks amazing.”

Ready To Sand Your Deck?

Call 1300 363 478 now for a FREE same-day quote. We’ll discuss your deck size, timber type, and condition—and provide an exact price over the phone.

We also offer complete deck restoration, professional deck oiling, and structural deck repairs across Melbourne’s North.

Deck Rejuvenation
Suite 47/139 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053
Phone: 1300 363 478
17+ Years Experience | 183 Five-Star Reviews