How much does balcony sanding cost?
The wood on your balcony has turned grey, scratched, or just looks tired, and now you want to know what it costs to have it sanded. The short answer: there is no single fixed price. Two balconies of roughly the same size can easily end up with different prices because condition, wood type, and access conditions each pull in their own direction.
Here, you'll find an overview of the factors that determine the price, when you can get away with just oiling, and how to ensure you get a price without surprises.
What determines the price of balcony sanding?
Area
The most obvious factor. A large balcony or terrace takes longer to sand than a small one. But square metres don't tell the whole story - board width, details, and access conditions determine how quickly work can be done.
Condition
A balcony that is only lightly greyed and needs fresh oil requires much less sanding time than a balcony that has been untreated for ten years with deep scratches, raised fibres, and remnants of an old, cracked finish. Therefore, it's well worth maintaining the balcony with regular oiling - it pushes the next sanding several years into the future.
Wood type
Soft conifers like pine and spruce are sanded quickly. Hardwoods like ipe and cumaru - and bangkirai, for that matter - are a different story. They require more sanding time, specialized equipment, and the right low-viscosity oil afterward. In return, hardwood lasts significantly longer and needs less frequent sanding.
Access and complexity
A ground-level terrace is easy to access. A balcony on the 4th floor is another matter, as are terraces with many building elements, planter boxes, furniture, and fixed installations that need to be protected or moved before machines can get to them.
Finishing treatment
After sanding, the decking needs a finish suitable for its wood species and outdoor exposure. Our balcony service uses oil, and the quotation confirms the preparation and treatment required. Follow the chosen product's application and drying instructions.
Can you sand the balcony yourself?
On paper, yes. You can rent sanding machines and do it yourself, and for a small terrace in good condition, it can certainly work. In practice, the calculation is often more skewed than it appears. If you rent machines for two days for a weekend sanding, the real savings compared to professionals are often less than expected - and the result depends on whether you hit the right grit sequence and avoid sanding marks in the wood.
For large balconies, hardwoods, or balconies with many details, it usually makes more sense to use professionals.
Sanding or oiling - what does your balcony need?
If you can get away with just oiling, you save both time and money. This, however, requires that the surface is still smooth and intact. If the wood is grey and dull with raised fibres and visible damage, oil won't help much - then it needs sanding first, so the treatment can penetrate the wood properly.
How professional balcony sanding is done
For professional balcony sanding, we start with an inspection of the balcony: condition, wood type, and what needs to be done. Then we sand in one to three passes with progressively finer grit, depending on how damaged the wood is. The sanding dust is thoroughly removed before the treatment is applied - typically oil in one to two coats with curing time in between.
Get a fixed price for your balcony sanding
Do you want to know what it costs to have your particular balcony sanded and treated? Call us at 20 98 88 11 and briefly describe it: area, wood type, and condition. You will receive a fixed price before we start, and we always get back to you within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to have a balcony sanded?
The price depends on the area, condition, wood type, and finishing treatment. We always give a fixed price before we start, so you know exactly what the balcony sanding will cost. Call 20 98 88 11 and describe your balcony.
Is there a price difference between softwood and hardwood?
Yes. Hardwoods like ipe, cumaru, and bangkirai are harder and more time-consuming to sand and, in some cases, require specialized equipment and the right low-viscosity oil. This can be reflected in the price. In return, hardwood needs less frequent sanding than soft softwood.
Can you sand a balcony yourself?
Yes, with rented machines. For a small terrace in good condition, it can certainly be done. For larger areas, hardwoods, or balconies with many details, professionals typically provide a better and more durable result.
How long does balcony sanding last?
With regular oiling once or twice a year, most balconies and terraces can go eight to twelve years between sandings. The better you maintain the wood, the less often it needs sanding.