8 Best Sanders For a Deck Refinishing

Have the splinters already started forming on your deck? If so, it’s time to invest in a sander!

Frustrating? Yes, considering the myriad of sanders on the market. However, you need not worry; I’m here to lend you a helping hand. 

Sanding a deck is quite difficult, especially if it’s your first time. Nonetheless, investing in top-quality sanders for a deck can make the process easier. 

Still, picking a quality sander that’s efficient, affordable, and easy to use isn’t a walk in the park. So, to help you make a wise choice, I have compiled a list of the best eight sanders for deck refinishing available on the market right now! 

Let me not keep you waiting.

Makita 9403 Belt Sander 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Makita is at the top of this list. This manufacturer is well-known for producing high-quality and efficient products, and the 9403 belt sander is no exception. 

With the 11-amp motor, you can be confident that this sander will deliver nothing short of magnificent. However, my favorite feature is the quiet operation. Yes, this is definitely the quietest of the sanders on this list, as it operates at 84 decibels.  

Moreover, it sports a substantial front grip for improved and comfortable handling, while the dust bag pivots 360 degrees for incredible ease of use. The Makita 9403 is a corded power tool, but the cord location is strategically positioned on the upper part of the handle to eliminate any inconvenience. 

What I Like 

• It offers incredibly quiet operation. 
• The powerful 11-amp motor ensures even sanding. 
• The location of the cord is convenient. 
• The sturdy construction offers unrivaled durability. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It doesn’t have variable speed. 

Black + Decker BDERO100 Sander 

My second choice is this top-quality sander with a lightweight and compact build, making it one of the most versatile options. 

A handful of features impressed me, including the 2.0-amp motor that guarantees great performance and an even finish. Besides, due to the compact build, you can use it to sand in tight spaces. 

Moreover, it has a comfortable grip, allowing you to use it for long, while the dust collection bag helps keep your workshop dust-free. On top of that, the paddle switch lets you work quickly. 

Unfortunately, the dust bag is relatively small. 

What I Like 

• It has a capable motor. 
• The design is lightweight and compact. 
• The grip is comfortable to use. 
• It is affordable. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It has a small dust bag. 

DeWalt DWE6423K Sander 

This Dewalt Dwe6423k Sander random orbital sander is definitely a top-tier pick for the best sanders for a deck. This machine stands out thanks to its unmatched ergonomics, excellent speed control, and incredible dust collection system. 

The 3-amp motor is coupled with the 8,000 to 12,000 OPM changeable speed range. This is higher than the Makita 9403’s OPM. This speed facilitates efficient and smooth performance, the perfect choice for anyone undertaking deck refinishing. 

You will love the vibration-decreasing build; DeWalt was kind enough to integrate a separate counterweight, which considerably lessens vibration as you work, resulting in a better sanding experience. You won’t find this feature in any other sanders on this list. 

Lastly is the dust collection bag and in-built vacuum port for an exceptional dust collection system. 

What I Like 

• It’s easy to use thanks to its ergonomic and comfortable design. 
• The separate counterweight feature lessens vibration for a better sanding experience. 
• It’s durable and reliable. 
• The powerful motor and changeable speed give you more control over your workpiece. 

What I Don’t Like 

• The power cord is somewhat short, which might limit your movement. 

Skil 7510-01 Belt Sander 

I know I didn’t promise you a budget-friendly option, but I have delivered it. The Skil 7510-01 sander is affordable and, fortunately, doesn’t compromise any features. If your priorities are comfort, then this is your best choice.

It has a user-friendly build and comfortable grip, while the compact size makes it a flexible option for demanding and simple projects. Even though it doesn’t compare to some top-of-the-line models, it still has multiple impressive features to help get the job done. 

The 6-amp motor is powerful enough to handle even demanding tasks, while the micro-filtration setup captures even the smallest dust particles, which makes cleaning easier. Additionally, the exclusive auto-track system holds the belt in position, guaranteeing consistency and boosting general performance. 

Finally, the pressure regulator technology signals when using excess pressure, hindering accidental damage to the deck. 

What I Like 

• It is an affordable sander. 
• The auto-track system guarantees the stability of the belt. 
• Micro-filtration setup helps trap the finest of dust particles.
• It has a compact and user-friendly design. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It might not be as powerful as some high-quality models. 

Bosch OS50VC Sander 

This orbital finishing sander is my next recommendation to any serious woodworker. This tool is incredibly efficient, precisely when it comes to deck refinishing. I love the 3.4-amp motor, which offers constant sanding performance despite your project. 

The ultra-smooth finish it leaves behind is something to talk about, while the suspension system guarantees reduced vibration, making this machine easy and comfortable to use. 

The outstanding attribute of this machine is the micro filter system built to capture dust particles, which ensures a cleaner workspace. Besides, the suspension system decreases vibration for great handling and optimal comfort. Lastly, this tool’s SheetLoc Clamping system gives room for easy paper changes. 

What I Like 

• It has a robust 3.4-amp motor for great deck refinishing performance. 
• The suspension system reduces vibration and boosts user comfort.
• The changeable speed gives you control over your work. 
• The micro-filter setup captures dust effectively. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It is expensive. 

WEN 6301 Sander 

Here is yet another budget-friendly sander linked to one of the best brands on the market. While a huge brand, WEN is famous for its top-quality sanders, which is why the 6301 sander is among my favorites. 

First, it has a 1-amp motor, which produces 13,500 OPM, rendering it highly productive and incredibly fast. Also, it is a lightweight power tool that weighs a mere 2 pounds, fitting properly beneath your palm to assist you in getting accurate results for your deck refinishing project. 

Moreover, the beveled tip allows you to access tight space for added precision. The hook-loop feature allows you to switch sandpaper grits as you need easily. The dust slots collect sawdust, which leaves your work area nice and tidy. 

What I Like 

• It is a budget-friendly option. 
• It’s easy to use. 
• The design is extremely lightweight. 
• It comes with a one-year warranty. 

What I Don’t Like

• It’s hard to find the papers for this power tool. 

Ryobi P411

The Ryobi P411 sander is a versatile option, and if you do not like corded power tools, then this cordless option would be an excellent choice. This makes it highly portable. The 10,000 OPM is quite impressive, letting you perform any sanding or polishing job. What’s more, it has a rubber grip, making it comfortable to hold regardless of the vibrations produced by the motor. 

Something else to point out is the in-built dust collection bag plays its role perfectly well, reducing the post-cleaning tasks to almost nothing. Fortunately, it comes at an affordable price. 

What I Like

• It is cordless
• The price is reasonable 
• You can hold it for long hours.
• The in-built dust bag makes your workspace clean. 

What I Don’t Like 

• Not ideal for sanding jobs. 

Porter-Cable 352VS Belt Sander

Even though this sander is last on the list, it doesn’t mean it won’t deliver excellent performance. It has an 8-amp motor and adjustable speed, which facilitates 850 to 1300 SFPM, accommodating different wood types effortlessly. 

Its construction and design are based mostly on longevity, user comfort, efficiency, and control, guaranteeing great results in your deck refinishing job. 

The incredible dust collection system has a dust bag you can adjust to the right or left. The belt-switching system is simple and efficient, which saves you time. 

What I Like 

• It offers great value for your money. 
• The belt-changing system is user-friendly and efficient. 
• The dust collection setup features an adjustable collection bag. 
• The adjustable speed offers versatility and control. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It’s rather weighty at 10.75 ounces. 

Conclusion

Sanding your deck can be rather frustrating, but removing all the stains and splinters that gather with time is critical. Besides, you must sand it first if you want to paint it. For this reason, if you want to have an easy time refinishing your deck, it’s imperative that you invest in one of the best sanders for a deck. 

Fortunately, with the help of this review, you’ll be able to make a choice quickly.