Sanding is the first step to setting up your deck, fence, or exterior wood project for longevity and success. It may not be the funnest activity you’ll ever do, but if this crucial prep work is done how we recommend it, you won’t have to prep sand it for years—and perhaps ever again.

Unless you have pressure treated wood, do not skip this step. You need to sand your cedar wood deck, even if it’s brand new and hasn’t grayed yet. This is because it has what’s called mill sheen on its surface that even penetrating oils will not be able to soak into as easily as they should.

Remember, the two biggest reasons a deck fails (peels, blisters, cracks, chips, etc.) is because of: 1) poor prep work, and 2) product quality or type. Here’s how we avoid that first reason and how to get it right the first time.

Part 1: What You’ll Need …