7 Best Floor Sanders for Decks – 2022 Guide

Are you hunting for the best floor sanders for decks?

To keep your woodwork intact and in great shape, you require proper maintenance from time to time. The wood deck might contain stains and other sources of dirt and grime because it is exposed outside.

So, therefore it requires maintenance to keep it in shape and prevent it from discoloring; you need a flooring orbital sander.

A random flooring orbital sander is a specialized tool that is specifically designed to sand the wooden deck in a proper shape.

The sanding process allows to cut through rough materials and gives a smooth surface finish to the wood deck. Understanding how the sander works properly and learning to use it helps you a lot.

Our Top Picks

In the detailed guide about the best sander for your decks and woodworks, we’ll further talk by reviewing some of the best sanding products.

Best Types of Floor Sanders for Decks

There are various types of floor sanders for decks in the market, and each sander has its own specific purpose. But on, the main priorities are usually considered between the floor sander and the belt sanders.

Belt Sander

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The most commonly used sander is called the belt sander. The best feature of this belt sander is that it has the maximum and high rate of dust removal out of all the other options available between the sanders.

It’s compact, easy to use, and a mid-sized deck wood with a coarse. This belt sander contains a belt with sandpaper attached to it.

The way to operate and use them is just like the chainsaw; it’s just that this product is not that heavier and difficult to operate and has a low risk of injury as compared to the chainsaw.

So to use it accurately, you gradually move the device over the entire deck surface while the sandpaper moves with it, leaving the surface smoother.

The main part is to handle it with care and focus to maintain the right balance and achieve the desired results. To sand large decks, you will require a heavy-duty and professional belt sander.

Floor Sander

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The floor sander is best used to finish the floors, but it might not be as effective as the belt sander.

The reason behind the flooring sander being less effective than the belt sander is that the user has less control over it, whereas you cannot apply as much pressure as you can with the belt sander.

Moreover, if you lose control while using the floor sander, you can also damage the floor and ruin its overall look and quality.

The only advantage of the floor sander is that because of its high occupancy and larger size, the material removal rate is much faster.

To use and work easily with the floor sanders for decks, you must move over the surface with them gently so it covers the entire area and works with accuracy.

Random Orbital Sander

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The random floor orbital sanders are also best suitable for sanding decks. This sander has a large and round surface that works best and is ideal to be spun by the motor.

These are almost like the floor sanders, but they only have discs with them for better control.

The only slight issue with the floor orbital sanders is that they keep moving in a circular motion on the wood unless you move your sander.

Marks are also left by other sanders, such as belt sanders, but they are harder to notice.

Disc Sanders

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Disc sanders are not suitable if there is grime and gunk present on the deck surface.

These grime and gunk can be removed easily by using the floor and belt sanders but having a disc sander for this purpose might not be a very good option.

Details Sanders

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These sanders are best suitable and ideal for sanding the smaller areas of the wood. These can reach even the hard-to-reach spots that the other sanders are unable to reach because of their size.

These are typically made to use in tighter spaces and surfaces that are hard to get.

7 Best Sanders for Deck Sanding Process

Here are some of the best products listed below:

1. Dewalt Random Orbital Sander

The Dewalt random orbital sander with the 5 inches of single-speed orbital sander element makes it unique and effortless to use.

Plus, having the 3-amp motors deliver around 12,000 rpm sanding speed with a hook and loop pad.

It has a comfortable rubber over-mold grip to provide extra smooth sanding while reducing vibration because of the separate counterweight.

These random orbital sanders have a shorter design style to get a closer working surface. With only a single-handed lock dust bag attached to it, to cover up dust and to send it to the dust collection bag.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Single-speed random orbital sander: This feature of the Dewalt random orbital sander allows the device to run at a 5 inches single speed.
• Perform and protect: The Dewalt performs and protect power tool is designed to provide a high level of dust control containment, and low vibration without sacrificing performance.
• Dust sealed switch: The dust-sealed switch option here allows this device to increase the tool life by increasing performance and dual control over dust switching.
• Rubber overmold: The rubber over-mold that is pre-installed in this device allows you to handle it with care and is an excellent option for the comfortable grip
• Separate counter wise design: A separate stabilizer configuration reduces vibration for further developed comfort of the electric floor sanders for decks.

Cons

• Outdoor sanding: The dust port for dust collection does not work pretty well on outdoor sanding

2. Makita BO5041 5” Random Orbit Sander

Makita’s 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander with variable speed joins power, speed, and execution with further developed grasp and control.

Including an imaginative movable front handle, it is great for carpenters, finish craftsmen, and general workers.

The speed dial of Makita allows the user to run this machine at speeds starting from 4000 to 12,000 rpm. It also has a large two-finger switch control for better pace control and for increased operating comfort.

The massive 1/8-inch irregular circle activity conveys quick and smooth sanding and a twirl-free completion. With a cushion control framework for controlled cushion speed upon fire up.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Variable speed dials: The speed dial of Makita allows the user to run this machine at speeds starting from 4000 to 12,000 rpm.
• Two-finger switch control: It also has a large two-finger switch control for better pace control and for increased operating comfort.
• Variable speed option: With variable speed joins power, speed, and execution with further developed grasp and control.
• Adjustable front handle: Customizable front handles to take into account sanding in corners and restricted regions.
• Ergonomic rubber: Ergonomic rubber to treat and handle it for further advanced support and control.

Cons

• The electric motor can get heated with long term usage

3. DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander, Tool Only

This orbital sander, with the huge runtime capacity, works great for indoor and outdoors sanding. The variable speed control option works starting from 8000 to 12000 rpm of high-end action.

The tremendous low height of this one of the most powerful floor sanders for decks allows the users to get an extra smooth and firm grip. It has a replaceable loop and hooks 8 hole sanding pad for faster and quick paper changing.

The Dewalt 20v orbit sander has a texturized rubber over-mold grip for better control over the machine and easy-performing tasks.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Runtime capacity: With the huge runtime capacity works great for indoors and outdoors sanding.
• Variable speed control of the entire deck: This speed control option works starting from 8000 to 12000 opm of high-end action.
• Replaceable hook and loop: A replaceable loop and hooks 8 hole sanding pad for faster and quick paper changing.
• Powerful sander: The low height of this powerful sander allows the users to get an extra smooth and firm grip
• 20v orbit sander: The Dewalt 20v orbit sander has the texturized rubber over-mold grip for better control over the machine and easy performing tasks

Cons

• Dust storing capacity: A relatively smaller dust storing capacity than the other DeWalt orbit sanders

4. Ingersoll Rand Orbital Air Dual Action Quiet Sander

Ingersoll has been working and making the compressor system and the power tools for over a time period of 100 years now. They produce the best high-class quality products that are reliable, durable, and top performance.

This air dual action orbital sander has all the features and qualities needed in a perfect sander.

With the perfect combination of power and precision, this brand proves that its products are long-lasting and durable. The built-in silencer of this orbital sander makes it less noisy and perfect to be used even in outdoors.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Power and precision: Smaller, versatile, and dependable, the 311A Dual-Action Sander makes twirl-free machines, making it best for feather edging, metal readiness, and finish work.
• Quiet and balanced operation: With the built-in silencer, this machine is a great option to have when it comes to working on the floor and wood sanding.
• Low vibration control: This machine is very lightweight, around 4lbs only, for the ease of the users.
• Adjustable handling: The built-in regulator of the Ingersoll is adjustable with firm and steady control of approximately 12000opm.
• Balanced ball bearing: This machine has a perfectly balanced ratio of ball bearing and ideal construction to make it easy to use.
• Pad diameter: The 6-inch pad diameter that it has allows the user to freely work and use it without a hassle.

Cons

• The sandpaper sheets will get slow with regular overtime usage

5. Black Decker Orbit Sander

Black decker orbit sander is a really powerful 2 amp corded electrical sander.

Having the extreme power to handle sanding, smoothing of surface, plus paint removal. This device is solid enough to be used in even hard-to-get areas.

The paddle switch function of the black deck allows the users to switch it on and off with the lock on easily. With a comfortable grip for enhanced control over this sanding machine.

The black decker has a separate bag for dust collection, making it a reliable sander. Because of the hook and loop, it just takes a few seconds to change the paper.

Additional Specs

Pros

• High performance: This orbital sander is a 2-ampere electrical corded sander making it a high-performing sanding machine.
• Paint remover: The black decker has the extreme power to handle sanding, smoothing of surfaces, and paint removal.
• Hard to reach areas: This product is ideal as it reaches the hard-to-get areas with ease and with less effort.
• Comfortable grip: Works comfortably and efficiently with the ultra-modern and durable grip handle.
• Lightweight and compact: The black deck can easily fit into tighter spaces because it is lightweight and compact.

Cons

• Smaller dust bag: Small and conducted dust bag

6. Bosch Power Tools – Electrical Orbital Sander

This sander comes with an ergonomic design and low vibration. At the same time, it grips on your hands perfectly to balance out the hand fatigue. Making it perfect for hand sanding.

This sander is best used for finishing large surfaces, edges, and corners. The attachments coming with this product are easy to use and will allow you to change them with ease and less effort.

It also comes with a dust box so you can dispose of it easily and maintain the overall environment clean.

With the pad braking system to prevent the swirl and swift marks and having a small hook and loop backing pad. The die-cast aluminum helps the vibration to get low with the dual bearing pad.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Dual-mode: The bosch orbital provides two different sanding modes. One is the standard and random orbital mode for smoother finishing. And the other is the turbo mode for aggressive stock removal.
• Variable speed: The powerful variable speed of 7.5 amp variable motor speed. Providing extra power and flexibility.
• Turbo mode: It includes the turbo-driven mode for the extra drive rotation and removal of the usual orbit mode.
• Multi-hole pad system: It allows a flexible tool that can be done with various different abstractive thoughts.
• Passive dust collection system: It includes an inactive dust collection system that requires a vacuum system and hoses.

Cons

• Works best with small deck only.

7. 3 M Orbital Sander Elite Non-Vacuum

The precision and power-packed non-vacuum orbital sander are one of the best choices to have.

With its high performance and less vibration, it works well in industrial environments as well as other commercial environments.

One of the best features of this includes the curved wrist support and gripper to perfectly grip and add comfort for use in more extended periods.

3m disc pads allow it to absorb the shocks while providing excellent disc adhesion and easy removal. The pneumatic power provides the device’s use for many continuous hours without a hassle.

Additional Specs

Pros

• Precision and power: The precision and power-packed non-vacuum orbital sander is one of the best choices to have.
• High Performance and Less Vibration: With its high performance and less vibration, it works well in industrial environments as well as other commercial environments.
• Curved wrist support: One of the best features of this includes the curved wrist support and gripper to perfectly grip and add comfort for using in more extended periods.
• 3m disc pads: 3m disc pads allow it to absorb the shocks while providing excellent disc adhesion and easy removal.
• Pneumatic power: The pneumatic power provides the device’s use for many continuous hours without a hassle.

Cons

• Heated cord: The power cord gets heated with continuous usage.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What Grit Sandpaper for Deck Sanding?

It’s highly recommended to use 60-80 grit sandpaper for deck sanding.

Can You Sand Wet Wood?

No, it is absolutely unnecessary to wet the wood before sanding.

How to Use a Flooring Drum Sander?

A flooring drum sander is an impressive tool with a solid coarse sheet that sands the wood to a perfect finish.

How to Sand Between Deck Boards?

The best way to sand between the deck boards is to use a thin sanding block, usually around 60-80 grit.

Can a Floor Sander Be Used on A Deck?

A floor sander can be used on a deck; however, it is best to use the handheld belt sanders for this purpose.

What Type of Sander Is Best for The Deck?

Random orbital sanders are the best choice to have for sanding the wood deck out of all the other options.

Our Verdict

We have reviewed and explained the best suitable floor sanders for decks with their pros and cons to make it easier for you to use them.

And we hope that with the details and information provided in this article, you will achieve your desired result.