If you need to sand the handrail or corners of a deck, then you’re on the right track with an orbital sander. Although you know how to best sand your deck now, you probably still have a few questions about the sanding process and the best sanders for the job. Using a random orbital sander is by far one of the most efficient and smoothest ways to sand your deck.
Just wondering whether a big belt sander or disc sander would be better for this sort of job. You’ll need to use a hand orbital sander to get to the places the floor sander can’t. Had to finish out the corners and low spots with the belt sander and my orbital sander.
Now let’s take a look at five different models of sanders that I believe will work best for wood deck refinishing. Makita BO5041K – Best Random Orbital Sander For Deck OVERVIEW. For many woodworkers, including novices, orbital sanders are easier to control than the more aggressive belt sanders. Of the products listed, I believe that the Makita 4″ X 24″ Belt Sander is the best sander for deck sanding, including refinishing.
For any deck refinishing job to look its best, you’ll need to sand the surface before refreshing the finish. Choosing the right sander for your deck refinishing job will make the difference between a job that looks like a professional did it, or one that looks like a homeowner tried to cut corners. Consider using a palm sander for final finishing after using a disc or belt sander.
We check out the 7 best sanders for decks to make your life easier. Finding the best sander for your dollars is a minefield, so knowing what to look for is crucial. Here are our favorite sanders suitable for sanding decks.
belt vs orbital sander for deck Related Question:
Should I use a belt sander or orbital sander for deck?
Remember that woods used on decks are typically soft-wood species. Belt sanders, whether hand-held models or large uprights, tend to gouge softwoods, so an oscillating or random orbit sander is usually the better choice. Make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you sand.
Can you use a belt sander to sand a deck?
Can you use a belt sander on a deck? Using a belt sander on a deck is one of the great ways to sand your deck. So ‘yes” I would definitely use a belt sander on a deck. Just make sure you go in the direction of the timber.
What sander is best for outside decks?
A random orbital sander is a specialized tool that sands wood in an elliptical pattern. It’s the most efficient sander to use when refinishing a deck, as they’re easy and practical to use.
How do you sand an old deck?
Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards. You may need to use a sanding sponge on the railings or balustrades. Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails.
Which is better palm sander or orbital sander?
As compared to a palm sander, orbital sanders are more massive tools, which means that palm sanders are smaller and more lightweight. The motions of orbitals are Circular and orbiting, and palm sanders only have orbiting motion. If you want to work with larger pieces, orbital sanders are better than palm sander.
What if it rains after sanding deck?
It’s important that you make sure there is no chance of rain when you begin to sand. If the wood gets wet after it’s been sanded, but not before you’ve had the chance to stain or paint it, you’ll be back to square one — you’ll need to wash and sand it all over again.
Should I use a drum sander on my deck?
Use an Orbital Sander—Not a Drum Sander An orbital flooring sander is safe to use on decks, and it’s faster and easier than hand sanding. A flooring drum sander removes too much material too quickly to use safely on a deck. Most decks are made from softwoods, and the surface is more uneven than an interior floor.
When should I sand my deck?
After the wood is dry, it’s ready to sand. Sanding may take an hour or several days depending on the size of the task. The best time to sand a deck is when the forecast predicts 3 or more consecutive dry days. Once sanded, the wood needs to be stained, painted, or sealed before it rains.
Is it better to sand or power wash a deck?
DO sand your deck before sealing. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. A pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper will suffice; a power sander is overkill. Then seal the deck to protect from cracking, cupping, and warping.
Should I sand new deck before staining?
Do I need to sand the deck before staining? The answer to this is “it depends.” You won’t hurt the deck by applying a light sanding. It really depends on the age of the decking and it’s condition. Sanding is more for the feel of the deck than to prepare it to accept a new stain.
How long after sanding Can I stain?
After sanding, power-wash the deck and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before staining. Sanding exposes porous wood that’s ready to soak up the stain, but this isn’t possible if the wood is full of water.
Can you sand decking boards?
Sanding is only practical when your garden decking is smooth, with no grooves. If you have grooved decking, like most people, sanding won’t remove the finish from the grooves. Jet washing is a popular choice for removing flaky or peeling sealers.
Can I use a drywall sander on a deck?
The answer is yes. This is possible to do. Drywall sanders, although commonly used to sand down plaster and taping, as well as preparing a wall for painting. This type of sander can be used to sand off anything, this is including wood.