Could your deck use some sanding? If it has been a few years since you bought your deck, maybe it is time to bring about some changes by giving it a slight touch-up.
Of course, you don’t want to spend extra bucks on sanding tools before closely checking out the status of your wooden deck. But, if you need one, I have researched, used, and tested the 7 best sanders for decks. While most of these help you with sanding, many other features make each one unique.
Decks bring a beautiful touch to the wood, and for me, Makita 9403 does this job. However, there are 6 more best sanders for decks that excel in providing the best finish. These are divided according to many factors. For instance, affordability, ease of use, comfort, performance, dust collection system, and power.
Also, I have pulled a comprehensive buying guide for these best sanders for deck refinishing. It has some of the recommended tips to help you choose a reliable one for your job.
So, let’s start reading.
Best Overall: Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander
This is a must-have tool for all professional woodworkers, carpenters, and furniture makers. It has a powerful but relatively quiet motor. It has a range of interesting features to make it to the top of best sanders for deck list.
Features:
- Type: Belt Sander
- Motor Power: 11 Amps
- Size: 4″ wide belt
- Speed: 1,640 ft./min
- Weight: 13.0 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
What I liked about Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander?
This sander uses a continuous loop of sandpaper. Thus, it works great for large spaces. Is the work surface flat and linear with corners and edges to sand? If yes, then this Makita belt sander is one of the best sanders for your deck. It works pretty silently at 84 dB noise level of operation. It has a ceramic wear plate. As a result, it requires little maintenance.
What I didn’t like about Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander?
The dust bag seems more like a flag of advertisement. The front handle emits a lot of hot air. You would not find it as a problem if you are a right hand person. However, the hot exhaust causes uncomfortness for the left-handed people. Also, this sander does not have any speed settings.
Pros:
- Easy lever control
- Speed of 1640 ft/min for easy sanding
- Large front grip for ease of functioning.
- Motor and bearings are protected from dust and debris, making them durable.
- Relatively lightweight and can be moved easily.
Cons:
- The dust bag is not very useful for large collections.
- If you are left-handed, you will feel the hot exhaust from the front handle port.
- No speed settings.
Who can use it?
Professional woodworkers and carpenters will love using this product. Homeowners can use it too for their wooden decks.
Best Value for Money: Makita BO5030K 5-inch
Makita BO5030K delivers smooth and fast performance. It has a range of easy-to-use and comfortable features.
Features:
- Type: Random Orbit Sander
- Motor Power: 3 Amps
- Size: 5″ disc
- Speed: 12,000 opm
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
What I liked about Makita BO5030K 5-inch?
It has an ergonomic, comfortable grip. This machine does not vibrate too much when functioning. The 12000 oscillations per minute provide a smooth finish with detailed sanding. A dust collection system is in place too.
What I didn’t like about Makita BO5030K 5-inch?
It just has one speed. So, changing speeds to align to the work may not be possible.
Pros:
- A 1-year limited warranty.
- User grip area is of rubber for increased comfort and control.
- Powerful
- Handy carry case
Cons:
- One speed
Who can use it?
If you are looking for a random orbit sander that can offer a finished look, go for this one. Finish carpenters and woodworkers can greatly benefit from this tool. You can sand down cabinets, doors, or even wall edges.
Best Easy-to-Use: DeWALT DCW210B
This low-height power sander with a brushless motor allows for an efficient, precise, and detailed sanding job by its operator.
Features:
- Type: Orbit Sander
- Motor/Battery Power: 20 V
- Size: 5″ disc
- Speed: 8,000 to 12,000 opm
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Power Source: Battery Powered
What I liked about DeWALT DCW210B?
Its small height and powerful motor ensure a detailed, smooth finish on the wooden deck. This lightweight product is very easy to maneuver across surfaces. Further, it has a variable speed of between 8000 and 12000 oscillations per minute. Thus, it allows for different types of applications. It may seem a better option for giving final touch-ups.
What I didn’t like about DeWALT DCW210B?
The battery may die out early for heavy sanding jobs.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at 2.5 pounds.
- The switch is protected against dust for longer life.
- Low height allows for a closer distance to the work surface and a precise finish.
- Easy change of sanding disc
- No arm soreness or hand fatigue
- Replaceable velcro pad
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost.
- Not enough power for operations.
Who can use it?
Both beginners and professionals in woodworking will find this product appealing. Especially those who need to work in close quarters or in small, cramped spaces will prefer DeWALT. This cordless product can reach just about anywhere.
Best Comfort: Bosch GET75-6N
The Bosch electrical orbital sander has a powerful Turbo motor for in-depth polishing and carpentry. It has 2 sanding modes. With this, it offers variable speed to suit different kinds of sanding activities. Indeed, it is easy to use.
Features:
- Type: Orbit Sander
- Motor/Battery Power: 7.5 Amps
- Size: 6″ disc
- Speed: 3,300 to 7,300 opm
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
What I liked about Bosch GET75-6N?
This comfortably designed Bosch sander has two sanding modes –
- a standard, random-orbit mode
- direct-drive, eccentric-orbit turbo mode
It has an auxiliary handle that can be mounted on either side of the sander for better machine control. This sander comes with a sanding pad control system having many holes where numerous abrasive discs can fit in. It also comes with an enhanced dust-collection system to avoid a post-sanding mess. While random orbit mode gives an excellent finish, you will love the turbo mode. It will quickly help you smooth even the most challenging walnut stock in no time.
What I didn’t like about Bosch GET75-6N?
It makes a lot of noise.
Pros:
- Quite lightweight at 5.7 pounds.
- Fairly aggressive stroke but can work with slow movements
- Great dust box to quickly dispose of the dust collected.
- Easy-to-change attachments.
- 1-year limited warranty
- Little to no vibration
Cons:
- Quite costly
- Noisy
Who can use it?
This sander can be used by people who need to accomplish fine finishing of large wooden surfaces. You can definitely use it to easily make arcs, curves, and contours on wood.
Best Performance: Black + Decker BDERO 100
Black + Decker Random Orbital Sander offers special high-quality finish to any woodworking project. This 2.0-amp corded sander is powerful enough for sanding, smoothing out wooden floors. It also helps in removing paint. This ideal tool is small enough to reach those remote nooks and crannies.
Features:
- Type: Random Orbit Sander
- Motor/Battery Power: 2 Amps
- Size: 5″ disc
- Speed: 12,000 opm
- Weight: 3.15 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
What I liked about Black + Decker BDERO 100?
It comes at an extremely pocket-friendly price yet delivers 12000 oscillations per minute. You can use it to remove paint and wooden surfaces and achieve a great finish. There is also a lock-on paddle switch for enhanced safety. Apart from wood, it can work on metal and plastic surfaces too. You may have difficulty sanding corners. But, once you have found the right angle, it will give you the best-sanded corner.
What I didn’t like about Black + Decker BDERO 100?
The dust collection bag is small.
Pros:
- Extremely economical
- 2-year limited manufacturers’ warranty
- Quite lightweight too, hence portable.
- Small size, can reach just about anywhere.
- High in performance and efficiency.
- Very quiet
- Does not heat up even after prolonged use
Cons:
- The bag may fill up fast with dust
Who can use it?
Due to its low cost, this is basically great for people starting out in woodworking. Professionals will find this a handy tool, too, though. You can use it to give a finished look, shape wood, or remove varnish or paint.
Best Dust Collection System: Lagler Hummel Belt Floor Sander
This new 2020 model is one of the most popular floor sanding machines out there. It has a long life and enormous machine power.
Features:
- Type: Belt Sander
- Motor/Battery Power: 30 Amps
- Size: 7.9” Belt
- Speed: 2880 RPM
- Weight: 174 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
What I liked about Lagler Hummel Belt Floor Sander?
This is a powerful machine for sanding and polishing woodwork, ideal for large projects requiring detailed work. Its LED light illuminates the workspace and adds to aesthetics.
What I didn’t like about Lagler Hummel Belt Floor Sander?
It is heavy in weight.
Pros:
- Claims to have a great lifespan of 30 years
- It has an 8-inch sanding belt to cover more area
- Ideal for working with both large surfaces and small spaces
- Comes with an LED work light
Cons:
- Quite heavy
Who can use it?
This machine is ideal for professionals who need to work aggressively on a wood surface. Commercial workers can also easily take up woodworking activities with this tool. Novice woodworkers might find this machine cumbersome due to its weight.
Best Power: SKIL 7510-01
Skil 7510 uses an innovative pressure control electronic feedback system. That helps you to enhance the finished look of your project. The micro-filtration and 6 amp motor work well in favor of your woodworking job.
Features:
- Type: Belt Sander
- Motor/Battery Power: 6 Amps
- Size: 3” Belt
- Speed: 1050 fpm
- Weight: 5.51 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
What I liked about SKIL 7510-01?
The first thing that you would simply adore after using it is the quick belt changing system. It is reliable, maneuverable, and light. The only word of caution would be to turn off the machine before changing the belts. It really digs in with power. So, you get the best professional-like product. It is low cost, charges you quite less, and the belt stays in place. Also, it gives smooth surface movement on the entire deck, no heat from the motor, and makes no extra vibration.
What I didn’t like about SKIL 7510-01?
The dust collection is not up to the mark. So, you will need a shop vac connected to it.
Pros:
- Easy-to-change belts
- Less vibration due to good shock absorption
- Good belt alignment
Cons:
- You may have to connect a vacuum cleaner to the dust port to collect the debris.
My Verdict
With a sanding belt width of 4 inches and a speed of 1640 feet per minute, I will go with Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander. It is a super-efficient sander and easy to use. Though slightly on the pricier side, it is a good investment for the long run. Works fast but quietly; is easy on the ears. Those new to sanding will simply love working with this product. But it is great for experienced professionals too.
This is undoubtedly a winner amongst all of the above-mentioned deck sanders.
Buying Guide for the Best Sanders for Deck
Planning to buy a new sander from the long list of best sanders for your deck? Or, after inspecting your deck, do you think it is in dire need of sanding? Here’s a thorough guide that will help you determine which one is the best deck sander for you. Let’s look forward to a detailed list of all features that are a necessity.
Type of Best Sanders for Deck
There are a few types of best sanders for deck, four to be precise –
- a random orbit sander
- sheet sander
- belt sander
- commercial deck floor sander
Random Orbit Sander
A random orbit sander is equipped with rounding pads. It can reach tight spaces, is also more portable, and leaves a fine finish.
Sheet sander
A sheet sander comes along with sandpaper and is perfect for flat surfaces and will be one of the best options for a wood deck.
Belt sander
The best belt sander has two cylindrical drums attached to the abrasive belt. With this, you can trim, sand, or cut your deck to get a smooth finish.
Commercial deck floor sanders
Finally, commercial floor sanders are usually for large decks and the best option for anyone with a good experience.
In this case, an orbital sander should be your top pick from the list of best sanders for deck. That’s because decks that count as softwood are prone to gorges. It is beneficial to use an oscillating or orbiting sander to get the best results. With these, there are a very few marks left on the surface. Also, it offers more sandpaper contact. Thus, it results in an even surface as more material is removed. In addition, they are very easy to control.
Dust Collection method
None of us want to clean up loads of sanding, dust, and scrapes after getting finished with work. So, it is always best to ensure that your sander has a dust collector. It can be in-built or with a separate dust bag. But, I would always recommend an in-built one, because it can automatically collect dust in a canister which can be emptied later.
Also, another great feature while choosing from the best sanders for your deck would be a microfilter trap system. It traps the tiniest of particles. You’ll also need a dust-sealed switch to secure the dial so no dust enters the machine.
Speed
Mostly, there are best sanders for deck with a really high speed or low without any way to regulate it. The best way to go about this is to only purchase a sander with a variable speed setting. This switch allows you to change the settings as per your sanding measures. So, you can use it for soft materials and on a rough surface. The speed also depends on the power. The higher the power, the better the speed.
Portability, Compact Design, and Comfort
Try to pick a lightweight and easy-to-transport sander. If you have a smaller workplace, it would be best to get one that is smaller in size and can be stored in a cabinet easily. Plus, see to it that it has an ergonomic handle. For instance, it will have a rubberized over-mold to decrease vibrations and give you a soft and secure grip.
Noise Control
Working with a lot of noise in the background can be a headache. Also, loud noise for a prolonged period can cause ear damage. So, either purchase good quality earplugs or a sander with less or better no noise.
Power Source
If you have to move your workspace often to places that might not have a power source, it is advisable that you buy a cordless or battery-powered sander. You can charge it overnight and use it during your work hours. However, sometimes cordless deck sanders have low power. They can be used for smaller projects, though. If you have a proper workspace, you might as well go for a corded one.
Price
Doubtlessly, price is an important factor while buying a sander. Before you buy the sander, make sure that the rates are reasonable for all the features and attachments it offers. You don’t want to buy an overpriced sander with fewer or no unique features. But, also do not buy a low-quality sander at a cheap price; it will not be of any use in the long run. The price can be as low as $52 or as high as $350.
Motor
Check the size of the motor if you wish to know the strength of the sander. The size is measured in amperes. The most reliable sander is the one with a 3 amps motor. When you have a powerful motor, you can finish the job easily.
Precautions and Protocol to follow while sanding
Refinishing a deck is the same as sanding any other wooden material. There should be some safety rules to keep in mind in order to reduce any risks or damages.
Firstly, sanders can cause loads of dust, which can be either inhaled or get into your eyes. This situation will only cause unnecessary problems. Hence, the best solution is to wear eye protection gear like a dust mask and clear glass.
Another required addition should be earplugs or any other noise-canceling device. Often these sanders produce loud sounds that could cause irritation and slow productivity.
Useful Tips
These are some crucial aspects to consider prior to investing in a sander. If you follow this guide, you most certainly will find one from the best sanders for deck.
Remember to make sure your product is an item of longevity, quality, and a good investment in general. You can simply rub a few coats of boiled linseed oil to make this unique tool look new. It could also possess features that make it appropriate for multi-tasking. So, it could be used for other purposes when you need it.
Also, follow correct instructions while sanding your deck to obtain ideal results and a spot-on finish. Also, try to use gloves to absorb the vibration.
Conclusion
While choosing the best sanders for deck, there are a lot of things to take care of. Right from variable speed features to its ergonomics. One main factor to consider is power. You need a very effective sander for sanding the deck. According to my research, the vote in this category goes to Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander. It will certainly make your deck look new and tidy.
