Woodworkers who specialize in deck installation and remodeling are currently in high demand. Wooden decks help to make outdoor spaces more functional and aesthetically appealing.
Whether you are installing a new structure or renovating one, the sander is arguably the most essential tool you need. Its prime job is to give the planks a smooth, attractive, and professional finish.
So how do you choose the right tool for your project?
We understand that the quality of the sanding machine you use can make or break the outcome of your undertakings.
In this post, we review the best sanders for deck refinishing to help you find the right tool, the first time.
5 Best Sanders for Deck Refinishing
There is a whole world of sanders on the market. We have selected six of the most powerful, versatile, and practical machines that are crafted to get the job done swiftly.
1. Makita 9403 Super Duty Belt Sander
First on our review list is the Makita 9403. This is a reliable tool whose crafting matches industry standards. It has a wide belt of 4-inches and works at a brisk speed of 1,640 feet per minute.
This is an excellent tool for seasoned woodworkers and beginners alike. The sizeable front grip naturally makes the sander more stable, and you will not struggle to keep it in an upright position when working.
The device weighs about 13 pounds and is therefore more comfortable to hold and operate when compared to other bigger models. Plus, this guy has a dependable dust collection capacity.
Apart from including a reasonably large dust bag, the sander has a 360-degree rotation that helps to reduce the likelihood of particles blocking your sight during a project. If you are like most woodworkers, it is easier to do an outstanding job when working around a more unobstructed workspace.
Another major bragging point is that the power cord is on top of the tool. This saves you from the inconvenience of having to work with one hand as your other hand holds the cable. With the cord out of your way, the whole sanding process is more comfortable and less time-intensive.
A lot has changed within the woodworking industry over recent years. Currently, sanding tools are made using the finest technology that makes them less noisy than the majority of traditional machines. Lucky enough, this sander is one of the quietest you can find.
Pros
- Great sanding efficiency
- Dependable dust collection capacity
- Cord is on the upper part of the handle
- Solid front grip
- High speed for efficient stock removal
Cons
- Not as powerful as other sanders on the market
2. DEWALT DWE6423K Orbit Sander
When in search of a general-purpose sander, you are likely to fall in love with this tool. Its construction is practical, and you could easily find yourself going a little wild sanding certain areas of your deck and around your property.
There are not many sanding machines that are actually fun to work with. This one delivers reliable power and is excellent for smoothing hard surfaces, mainly concrete and stone areas.
When sanding your deck, using this machine is likely to be a lost cause. It has, even so, made to our best deck sander review list because it is a crude and powerful sanding tool with unmatched versatility.
Because the machine has circular pads, it may not get to all corners of square-shaped decks. It, however, does an excellent job removing paint from polished surfaces and can help you get your planks ready for a deck renovation project.
For the hobbyist working on a small-sized deck and in search of a more economical alternative to investing in a belt sander, then this is it. It is a multipurpose tool that can make an excellent addition to the device collection of a weekend warrior.
The machine has an in-built dust bag, and you can order an adapter separately or even a DWV012 or DWV010 dust collector.
Pros
- Shorter height reduces the distance between the workpiece and user
- Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander, 5″
- 3.0 Amp motor rotates the pad at OPM 8,000 – 12,000
- Practical design that minimizes vibration
- Dust bag with one-hand locking system
Cons
- You have to buy an adapter separately
3. Hitachi SB8V2 Sander
The Hitachi SB8V2 also qualifies to be listed on our best sanders for deck review because it has all the features needed to do a fine sanding job. It has, however, grown in popularity mainly because of its unbeatable value.
This machine has a 3×21-inch belt, which is smaller than what other sanders have to offer. Even so, this is a feature that gives the user total control during deck refinishing projects. You also have the added advantage of being able to carry it to your sites with ease.
With a powerful 9 amp motor, working on rough surfaces to remove paint and stains is a breeze. The elastomer handle grip, coupled with the speed control knob, makes this tool easy to use and control. It is equally easy to remove and reinstall the dust collection bag.
The v-belt of this sander is both water-resistant and resilient to wear and tear. You are promised a machine that can stand up to years of use without letting you down.
Another feature that cannot go without mentioning is the front tracking window. It affords you better visibility of your surface when sanding.
This is one of those inexpensive, yet versatile, durable, practical and low-maintenance sanding machines. On the downside, the sanding belt has to be purchased separately.
Pros
- Affordable and durable
- Portable
- Wear-resistant V-belt
- Comes with a dust collection bag
Cons
- Smaller sanding sheet
- Sanding belt must be purchased separately
4. Bosch PEX 220 Sander
Bosch products are beloved for their practical and durable designs. If you need a versatile sander that you can use to work on your deck and even polish your car’s paintwork, then look no further.
This tool, specifically, offers a unique blend of orbital actions and rotary. What makes it the best is its ability to ensure flawless, scratch-free sanding on a range of metals and wood. It does a particularly great job at sanding down painted surfaces.
Two distinct features make this sander ideal. First, it has a round base instead of a rectangular one. Second, its sanding discs are attached using a Velcro-type system, making them easy to install and remove.
The sanding discs have a range of grits from coarse to fine. Because the sanding pads move simultaneously in an orbital and rotary style, this speeds up the process of preparing professional-looking planks.
Whether you are preparing curved or flat surfaces, this tool is an invaluable companion. It has a 220-watt motor and works at a constant speed of 24,000 orbits per minute. Furthermore, it only weighs 1.4 kilograms, making sanding fatigue-free and generally more comfortable.
Generally, this is a decent sanding machine that will afford you a lot of professional-grade results. It is, however, a model that is not suitable for projects with a more significant scope.
Pros
- Offers scratch-free, flawless sanding
- Powerful integrated Microfilter dust collecting System
- Minimal vibration
- Main handle has rubber soft grip
Cons
- May not be up to tough jobs
5. Bosch OS50VC Sander
As far as performance goes, this is the best deck sanding beast, and it is specially crafted for experienced users. It is a powerful, heavy-duty machine that can stand up to years of repeated use.
With the 3.4 amp motor that has an output of about 11,000 Orbits per Minute, you can get your projects completed quickly and effectively. This tool offers a more powerful sanding rate and speed. Further, it has a ½ sheet sanding pad, meaning that you can cover more surface area in no time.
Another bragging point of the machine is that it is automatic, yet it moves steadily and with minimal vibrations. This reduces hand fatigue, allowing you to work for hours on end.
Because the sander is designed to cover more area within the least time possible, its dust collection system is quite reliable. In fact, it makes the device work as though it is attached to an actual vacuum.
It extracts dust specks and also filters the finest particles and disposes of them in a canister for your convenience.
To prevent unexpected messes, the dust canister is translucent blue, meaning you can tell when it needs to be emptied. It is not necessary to get the cup detached, and you can simply use the twist cap located at the end to remove the collected debris with ease.
Pros
- Crafted for professional use
- Low vibration
- Adjustable speed dial
- Low vibration
- ½ sheet sanding pad
Cons
- Considerably expensive
6. Clarke Drum Sander Ez-8
Last but not least on our best sander review list is the Clarke Ez-8. This is one of the most expensive sanding machines on the market, although its overall quality is unmatched. For skilled contractors, this beast assures you of a good return on your investment.
Time is money, especially for those who are more than just weekend woodworking warriors. Skilled contractors who regularly deal with large-scope projects would find this tool to be a perfect companion. It is designed for impeccable performance and can also get the job done quickly.
The power cable is about 40 ft long. You do not need to connect extra cables to operate the device when working on a large deck. The heavy-duty 1-1/2 HP, 12 amp motor is dust sealed and hence does not require regular cleaning and maintenance.
Because this machine is designed for heavy use, its body is constructed from rugged cast aluminum. It can stand up to years of use without showing significant signs of tear and wear. This further assures you of getting optimal bang for your buck.
The whole equipment is about 150 pounds. For hassle-free storage and transportation, you can disassemble it. Beware that you may still require help carrying the parts. The cost and weight of the device make it less ideal for small-scope DIY projects.
Pros
- Long 40 ft. power cable
- Heavy-duty 1-1/2 HP, 12 amp motor
- Motor needs minimal maintenance
- Gets the job done quickly
Cons
- Expensive
- Too heavy
Final Word
How well you can sand your deck will determine the overall quality of the outcome of your project. Herein, the best sander for deck refinishing is just the worthwhile investment that can help you give your wooden surfaces a smooth, flawless finish.
For the best experience, choose a tool whose features and bragging points are ideal for your precise project needs.
You can also read other sander review Wen 6502 belt-disc sander, best random orbit sander, best drum sander,