Sanding re-stain table??

MrCookingNurse

My table is around 2-3 years old and has been outside the last 1.5 years. It looks awful. In the process of moving and have taken everything off of it. It's made out of 2x4 studs and the tops are PT decking. It is stained and sealed. The wheel bases weren't stained and are almost rotted completely. What do yall think I should do? Can I sand it? Chemically strip it? Or pitch it and make something new at my new place.

Boss429

Is there is anything you would have liked to have different but was to small to warrant a new table? If so, seems like the perfect opportunity.

GrannyX4

@Henapple is the expert on refinishing. He would be able to tell you exactly what and how to finish it. ;;)

MrCookingNurse

It didn't cost much to build so I don't mind parting with it, but there really isn't anything else I'd like in a table. My new porch will be covered so it will be better taken care of. I didn't know about sanding the pressure treated wood and the stain. If it was safe or not.

Jeremiah

No expert here but I'd pressure wash it with lots of bleach first to kill the mold. Then yeah sand and restain.

RRP

MrCookingNurse said:

It didn't cost much to build so I don't mind parting with it, but there really isn't anything else I'd like in a table. My new porch will be covered so it will be better taken care of. I didn't know about sanding the pressure treated wood and the stain. If it was safe or not.

Since you asked I assume you meant it. Personally with the combination of untreated studs and pressure treated parts, plus the condition of the lower sections if it was me I would rather take the time to build a new one, rather than the "pita" of replacing some, sanding the rest and then re-staining. Especially since your new location will have protection from the elements. BTW yes sanding pt wood has some issues and you should wear a mask. As for chemical stripping or a dipping service I think that would cost you more than the wood is worth. I hope you aren't offended, but you did ask for opinions!

RRP

Oh I forgot to ask - how did you get a slide show from PhotoBucket to post here? I've never been able to do that on this forum! TIA

QDude

You would be surprised at what a good sanding will do.  The base 2x4's look like they should be replaced though.  I recommend that you sand/finish all pieces on every side. This will prevent warping. You may want to consider going with a different wood though such as cedar or white oak.  

Lit

If you have a pressure washer and an orbital sander it wouldn't be too bad to redo. If not start over. Mine looked about the same as yours but it is red cedar so the wood is still in great shape and after about a half hour of pressure washing it looks way better.

MrCookingNurse

Thanks guys. @RRP‌ I wanted the truth! @Lit‌ I'm give it a good pressure wash with bleach and see what happens. If anything I can save the casters. They were expensive!!! I don't really want anything different from the table, but we might do more after we get settled like a different style patio.

@RRP‌ it's in the newest photobucket app. Called GIF maker. It's kinda fishy but it works every now and then. I just tried to make one to show you the steps but it was cropped wierd. Then you just use the same HTML link to put it on the post

RRP

MrCookingNurse said:

 @RRP‌ it's in the newest photobucket app. Called GIF maker. It's kinda fishy but it works every now and then. I just tried to make one to show you the steps but it was cropped wierd. Then you just use the same HTML link to put it on the post

Thanks - I'll have to try again as I really miss posting some slide shows which I think can be more helpful than just  wordy verbiage!

henapple

A few questions. ..
Are you emotionally attached
Are you financially attached
How much are you willing to invest in a new one
Do you want a new one

Bleach and pressure wash but keep the washer at a safe distance or it'll eat the wood up. It can be sanded after it dries.

If you have 2 cases of PBR I'll head east and help you out.

caliking

How close are you to being settled in at your new digs? If not too long, then wait until you are situated and build a new table to fit your new space and needs. If its going to be a while , then it may be worth it to refinish it. And like @RRP said, a mask would be a good idea. PT wood has arsenic in it right? Refinishing your table won't kill you, and it took a fair bit of arsenic to kill Napolean, but why chance it?

DaveRichardson

Depends on the age of the PT.  Arsenic was stopped in residential applications several years back.  Most of the time it is a micronized copper preservative used now.

PoshPatios

As stated, a good sanding and replacing a few pieces here and there would be all the TLC this table needs. I'd say, get some Penofin and oil it up (make sure to wipe off the oil after 30 minutes to prevent coagualtion) and BOOM... done. It's still a good table.

MrCookingNurse

I brought it with me to give it a good clean up and see what happens.

Tinyfish

Thats why I'm getting a stainless steel table made.