Wooden deck refinishing is a home improvement project that most DIY enthusiasts are fond of. The problem is not all floor sanders can achieve a smooth finish on a rough wood deck surface.
If you don’t want to risk spoiling your deck, our woodworking experts shared their insights on the best sanders for deck refinishing after a series of hands-on tests.
Reviews of the Top Sanders for Deck Refinishing
1. Makita 9403
Normally, a heavyweight power tool like Makita 9403 wouldn’t be on our list, but it’s great for sanding jobs. In fact, the heavier mass of this power sander enhances user control during deck sanding.
Unlike other sanders, this unit has its power cord on the top. Through this, our testers could sand the entire deck without the need to adjust the cord as we moved constantly.
Although some people would recommend a model that can cover large decks, we’re certain its 4-inch belt can reach areas other deck sanders can’t.
What We Like
- It has lower noise levels than other belt sander options
- Fast material removal at a speed of 1,640 ft per min
- Wide belt and high power capacity
- Long-lasting and well-engineered construction
- Best belt sander for collecting wood dust
What We Don't Like
- Frequent dust bag cleaning
- With cord
2. BOSCH OS50VC
If there’s anything we liked about BOSCH OS50VC, it’s its half-inch sanding pad. Not many sanding machines include this feature, but it’s handy when sanding extensive wooden decks.
It’s a popular option for sanding decks because it features a suspension mechanism that aids in better control as it minimizes vibration. During our hands-on test, its variable speed dial allowed us to match the needs of different woodworking projects.
And because this orbital sander has an efficient Sheetloc clamping system, you can expect the unit to stay in place consistently during the deck sanding.
What We Like
- Suitable orbital sander for large deck boards
- Easy to control because of its suspension mechanism
- Made of long-lasting and durable aluminum casing
What We Don't Like
- No dust bag inclusion upon purchase
- More expensive than other orbital sanders
3. Skil 7510-01
Despite its obviously lower price tag, Skil 7510-01 is the kind of belt sander suited for sanding a rough surface. It has a 6.0 amp power rating, so this sander works well with any deck wood.
The function that makes it one of the best sanders is undoubtedly its auto-tracking belt alignment. Thanks to this, it’s less likely for the belt to go astray during the sanding process.
On top of that, this belt sander has a pressure control feedback system. It includes indicator lights that signal the user when the pressure should be applied to the sanding surface.
What We Like
- More affordable than other belt sanders
- Manages all the dust particles during the process
- Efficient pressure control for optimal finish
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for a bigger deck refinishing project
- Smaller and less powerful than other belt sander options
4. DEWALT DWE6423K
Another economical but efficient option you can consider is DEWALT DWE6423K. Upon closer inspection, our resident woodworkers noticed that this random orbital sander has a shorter height than other models.
Because of this, it can get really close to the deck material to get a smooth surface. And unlike other similar units, it features a dust port. All you have to do is connect it with other vacuum systems with 1-¼ inch configurations.
The switch on this hand sander is also dust-sealed. It will prevent the switch from ingesting dust and getting damaged.
What We Like
- Random orbital motion that delivers an excellent finish
- Motor air vents that prevent overheating
- Highly adjustable orbits per minute
What We Don't Like
- Not the best random orbital sanders for an old deck
- More expensive than belt sanders
5. Metabo HPT SB8V2
The right sander for the toughest sanding tasks should have a powerful motor like Metabo HPT SB8V2. Besides running with a power rating of 9-amp 1020-watt, you can match any application with its variable speed dial.
It’s designed with a clear cover in the front, so everything will be clearly visible to the users as the unit continues sanding the surface. And thanks to its flush surface construction, you can complete sanding tasks as fast as possible without compromising the deck’s smoothness.
With its soft grip, we can ensure that you can use this unit comfortably, even in long sanding sessions.
What We Like
- Left-mounted dust collection suited for sanding outer edges
- Capable of removing rust and old pain on an older deck
- It has a tracking window that enhances visibility during usage
What We Don't Like
- Not as highly rated as other models on the list
- Warranty terms and conditions may vary
Sanders for Deck Refinishing Buyer’s Guide
Sanding Area
When shopping for the best sander, you must consider what kind of surface you’ll be sanding. As we mentioned, not all models have enough grit sandpaper contact to smoothen rough areas.
If the deck you’re working on is flat, we recommend going for a sander with adequate speed and power. Meanwhile, you’ll need a more versatile unit if you sand inconsistent surfaces and corners.
Type of Sander
You’ll encounter different sander options if you scan through today’s market. Here are the most common and versatile ones you need to watch out for.
Belt Sander
These electric sanding machines are made with abrasive-coated [1] belts. These components are rotated by powerful motors, making them suitable for sanding, trimming, and leveling round and flat surfaces.
Random Orbit Sander
Because they have round sanding paddings, our experts consider random orbit sanders the most versatile sanding machines in the industry.
It revolves in circling motions, so it’s not a surprise any random orbit sander can get rid of surface swirls that other tools leave behind.
(You may also want to know more about the differences between orbital sander vs belt sander for an in-depth comparison)
Commercial Wood Floor Sander
This category includes the likes of orbital and drum sander options, which are regularly available in rental outlets. They’re heavy machines, making them unsuitable for transportation or beginner use.
Sheet Sanders
For this type of sanding tool, you’ll need to insert 9×11-inch sandpaper inside for it to work. The sander will deliver tiny orbital vibrations, allowing it to move in various directions without any hassle.
Power
Another thing you should know before purchasing a sander is it comes in electric and battery-powered variations. If you ask us, wired or electric models offer more power than wireless alternatives.
However, if you really should buy a battery-operated sander, we suggest going for one with lithium-ion batteries.
Dust Collection System
Like any other power machine, your sander will produce dust. So besides wearing a particle mask, you can protect yourself with the unit’s dust collection system. It also lessens the wasted time cleaning dust particles in your workshop.
Cost
Finding the perfect sander for deck refurnishing doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re doing regular home improvement sanding, there’s no need to buy models with premium features. However, we still recommend weighing your options wisely.
Deck Maintenance
Importance of Power Washing
Before sanding the deck, we encourage you to consider pressure washing the entire area first. Using a power washer will reveal if the deck has heaved wood fibers. You can also do this to do a pressure test on the material.
How to Properly Sand for Every Refinishing Job + Get Rid of the Sanding Dust
After the pressure wash, don’t forget to check if there are screws or nails on the surface that can damage the sander while sanding. Once cleared, you can begin the task. The railing must be sanded in a uniform manner as it’s the most visible part of the deck.
After sanding, you must vacuum and wipe the area thoroughly. If you can, use a tack cloth for wiping. Through this, you can gather even the smallest particles in the deck. And then, finish it by applying denatured alcohol so the surface will be left with enough moisture.
Sandpaper to Use
Don’t use a sander with rough grit specifications if your deck is made of softwoods. Sandpapers around 60 to 80 grit should work well if you’re trying to remove old paint or stain without jeopardizing its smoothness.
On the other hand, 120-grit sanding papers are great for smoother finishes. However, we recommend applying minimal pressure when using this.
While there are different grits suitable for finishes, it’s important to keep in mind that there’s also a particular sandpaper grit specification before painting wood.
Safety Reminders to Know
As you’re dealing with a powerful tool, you should not forego using a dust mask, knee pads, and hearing protection for woodworking. It’s also best to do the sanding in good weather because all of these will be for nothing if it rains.
FAQ
Will you feel sick after sanding wood? Is it dangerous?
Sanding wood produces dust particles that can harm your health and trigger allergic reactions. However, it wouldn’t be dangerous if you’re wearing the right safety gear and if your sander has a reliable dust collector bag.
Is it possible to sand a wet deck?
No, a wood sander won’t operate in a wet area. We highly recommend letting the surface dry before doing this task.
Our Top Pick For a Sander for Deck Refinishing:
Makita 9403
Out of all the best sanders for deck refinishing, our tool experts chose Makita 9403 as our top pick. During the hands-on evaluation, we noticed that this unit could finish sanding tasks more quickly than regular orbital models. With enough speed and power, it can match different sanding needs in any project.
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