Complete Deck Restoration in Los Angeles: Full Sanding, Repairs, and Professional Re-Finishing — A Real Project by ProHands Handyman

Wooden decks in Los Angeles face one of the harshest climates for exterior wood. Intense UV radiation, seasonal moisture changes, and year-round outdoor exposure quickly break down even high-quality lumber. Coatings fade, wood becomes grey and dry, and surface fibers lift, making the deck rough and unattractive.

RESTORATIONWOODOUTDOOR WORKOUR WORKSDECKS, PERGOLAS & GAZEBOSPAINTING & STAINING

12/2/20253 min read

But in most cases, full replacement is not necessary. A professional restoration — when done correctly — brings the deck back to a like-new appearance and significantly prolongs its lifespan.

This project is a real example of a complete deck restoration performed by ProHands Handyman in Los Angeles.

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1. Initial Condition of the Deck

When we arrived, the deck had clear signs of long-term weathering:

• Heavy fading and complete loss of the original finish

• Grey patina and embedded dirt

• Surface roughness and splintering

• Uneven boards caused by wear and old coatings

• Moisture marks, stains, and discoloration

Structurally, the deck was solid — which made restoration the ideal and cost-effective solution.

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2. Full Professional Sanding: The Foundation of Quality Restoration

The most important step in restoring a deck to its original beauty is deep, thorough sanding. For this project, we used a two-stage process.

Stage 1 — Belt sanding (deep resurfacing)

This heavy-duty machine removes:

• Old paint and coatings

• Sun-damaged wood fibers

• Uneven areas

• Raised grain and rough texture

Belt sanding exposes clean, fresh wood and levels the entire surface. This is essential for achieving a consistent finish later.

Stage 2 — Orbital sanding (precision finishing)

After the main resurfacing, orbital sanders are used to:

• Smooth edges, corners, and difficult areas

• Remove swirl marks

• Prepare the wood for uniform stain absorption

Once sanding was complete, the deck looked dramatically different: natural, clean, and ready for finishing.

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3. Surface Repairs and Preparation

Before applying any coatings, we carefully inspected and repaired the surface:

• Re-secured loose screws and fasteners

• Filled minor cracks and imperfections

• Cleaned out debris between boards

• Removed dust with vacuums and compressed air

• Smoothed transitions between boards and stair edges

Proper preparation is half of the final result. Skipping these steps leads to premature peeling and reduced coating lifespan, especially in Los Angeles weather.

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4. Choosing the Right Exterior Finish for the Los Angeles Climate

For this project, the homeowner selected a solid-color exterior deck coating, which offers superior protection for older wood. It is the best choice for Southern California because:

• It provides strong UV resistance

• Creates a uniform, modern appearance

• Hides imperfections and variations in wood tone

• Lasts longer than transparent or semi-transparent stains

• Forms a moisture-resistant protective film

This type of finish is ideal when the client wants both protection and a fresh, consistent color.

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5. Application of the Protective Coating

Once the deck was fully sanded and prepared, we moved on to the finishing process:

1. Cut-in work by hand around walls, edges, and tight areas

2. Roller application on the main surfaces for smooth, even coverage

3. Penetration and saturation to ensure the wood absorbed the protective layer

4. Second coat for durability and uniform color

5. Final inspection to eliminate streaks, overlaps, or missed spots

The transformation after the coating cured was immediate — the deck looked refreshed, modern, and completely protected.

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6. Final Results: A Renewed Deck That Looks Like New

After restoration, the deck offered:

• A smooth, safe walking surface

• Completely refreshed appearance

• Strong weather and UV protection

• Extended lifespan for many more years

• Improved property value and curb appeal

The difference between “before” and “after” was dramatic, proving again that full sanding and refinishing can be just as effective as installing a new deck — but much more economical.

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Why Los Angeles Homeowners Choose ProHands Handyman

✔ Complete restoration, not temporary touch-ups

We perform full resurfacing, preparation, repairs, and finishing.

✔ Professional equipment

Belt sanders, orbital sanders, dust removal systems — everything needed for a premium-grade result.

✔ Materials that last in California weather

We choose coatings engineered for high UV exposure and outdoor durability.

✔ Clean, careful workmanship

We protect surrounding areas and keep the job site meticulously organized.

✔ Honest communication

We explain every step and provide clear expectations before starting the project.