Can You Sand Rough Sawn Timber?

You don't need to do any sanding whatsoever. Sanding rough lumber before, during or after finishing detracts from its natural beauty, and is not necessary, unless you prefer to do so; in that case, it might be easier to buy smooth-milled wood instead.

Can you sand rough cut wood?

In order to sand rough cut wood slabs, start with 40 grit sandpaper and work in 2 foot by 2 foot sections. ... Next, sand vertically with the grain. Then, sand in a 1 foot circular pattern with the grain. Repeat this step for the following grits on the entire surface: 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 grits.

How do I get a smooth finish on rough wood?

In order to get a smooth wood finish, you'll want to start with a low grit, like 80 or 100. This will leave the wood rough, but it takes away imperfections and finish faster. You go progressively finer in order to remove some of the roughness left by the coarser grit.