Having the best sander for your deck is paramount to the final appearance of your deck. It will make your deck appear more professional, as opposed to a project done by an unskilled homeowner.
Finding the perfect deck sander, which is ideal for your sanding needs, can be difficult because of the highly competitive marketplace. Well, even the model marked the “best” on the market cannot be trusted, as marketers use every gimmick to net your money in their pouches.
That is why we have taken it upon ourselves to review the best pieces on the market with a view to helping you make an informed decision.
The Best Sanders for Decks Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Makita 9403 Belt Sander |  Top Pick |
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| 2.Bosch OS50VC Electric Sander |  |
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| 3.SKIL 7510-01 Belt Sander |  |
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| 4.DeWalt DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander |  |
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| 5.PORTER-CABLE Belt Sander |  |
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| 6.Bosch 1250DEVS Sander for Deck |  |
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| 7.Craftsman 7A Sander for Deck |  |
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1. Makita 9403 Belt Sander
Makita 9403 is simply the best sander on the market for sanding any wooden deck. It is fast, quiet, easy to control, and weighs 13 pounds – really heavy. The sander is designed with a 4-inch wide belt that works at a maximum speed of 1,640 orbits per minute. This, coupled with a wide grip makes sanding tasks easy and fun too.
Weighing 13 pounds, this sander for deck is by all means really heavy, right? But hold on, the weight need not be a red flag or dissuade you from purchasing it. On the brighter side, It makes the sander firmer, and controllable because you do not need to use a lot of pressure. The heavy design works well with the powerful 11 AMP motor to help you sand the entire deck fast.
Another top feature of this sander is the conveniently located power cord. Joining the sander at the top, the cord is perfectly positioned away from your hands so that you can concentrate on the sanding task at hand. The sander further comes with a large dust bag carefully constructed to rotate at 360 degrees so that it will block your view. The design further helps to seal and protect the motor from dust and other contaminants.
Specs
- 13 Pounds
- 16.1 x 8.9 x 9.8 inches
- Corded/ electric
- 4 x 24 inches
- 11AMP
Pros
- One of the quietest sanders for deck out there
- Durable
- Perfectly positioned front grip that helps to guide it with ease
Cons
- Clogs up with dust when working with softer wood
2. Bosch OS50VC Electric Sander — Runner Up
If you are looking for a heavy-duty sander for deck, the Bosch OS50VC will be a perfect pick. The sander is powered by a powerful 3.4 AMP that generates 8,000 to 11,000 OPMs. With all this power, simply turn on the sander, and smoothing the entire deck will be easy and fast.
The sturdy design and durability of this sander did not surprise us at all because Bosch has made a name for quality. The sander has a rugged construction of die-cast aluminum that serves two purposes; enhancing its durability and reducing vibrations.
In addition to its powerful motor, the sander is notably versatile with its flush sanding ability that works close to vertical surfaces on three sides. Further, it features multiple ergonomic soft-grip locations that help you make changes easily to prevent fatigue. This is very crucial, especially when you have a tough or extensive deck to work on.
Specs
- 9 pounds
- 17.9 x 5.8 x 8.9 inches
- Corded/ electric
- 8,000 – 11,000
- 9 AMP
Pros
- Unique Sheetloc clamping system that holds the sandpaper in place
- Designed with an inbuilt dust canister for collecting dust when sanding.
- Uses Vibration Control Bosch-exclusive suspension system that helps to reduce vibrations when sanding
Cons
- Difficult to connect to a vacuum cleaner
3. SKIL 7510-01 Belt Sander — Most Affordable
The SKIL 7510-01 is a powerful, versatile, stylish, and amazingly low priced sander. We found the price incredibly affordable considering its features qualify it for a higher price tag.
One of the most outstanding things about this sander is its pressure control technology. Unlike other sanders that allow users to guess the pressure to apply, SKIL 7510-01 has a warning system. When you apply a lot of pressure, it warns you to relax a bit — no need to waste your energy!
Another selling point of this sander is its auto-track belt alignment system designed to keep the machine belt centered. This implies that you can work with the sander without worrying it will slide to one end, which reduces overall efficiency. We liked the design because it also keeps the downtime as low as possible.
Specs
- 6.75 pounds
- 6.6 x 13.8 x 6.5 inches
- Corded/ electric
- 3-Inch x 18-Inch
- 6 AMP
Pros
- 6AMP motor powerful enough to smooth even tough surfaces
- Effective micro-filtration system for capturing dust particles
- Vacuum compatible
- Cheap
Cons
- Poor dust collector unless you connected to a vacuum cleaner
4. DeWalt DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander
If you are searching for a weekend, holiday, or one-time sander for deck, the DeWalt DWE6423K Random Orbit Sander will be a great pick. It is designed with a 3 AMP motor, which we found powerful enough for most DIY (do-it-yourself) sanding tasks.
One of the key selling points of this sander is its ability to deliver smooth and precise surfaces fast. Its shorter height is particularly a plus because you are able to get close to the workpiece for better results.
We also liked the unique sander’s dust collection system. Its dust bag was designed after reviewing other models in the market, and it is awesome. Using just one hand, you can easily snap the dust bag into position after emptying to avoid wasting time.
For years that DeWalt has been in the market, its goal of improving its tools is manifested through creativity. In this sander, we noted the improved dust-sealed switch that helps to prevent dust ingestion. This is a perfect way to make the sander last longer.
Specs
- 4 Pounds
- 10.4 x 7.2 x 6.2 inches
- Corded/ electric
- Yes
- 3 AMP
Pros
- Variable speed dial for easy adjustment based on the sanding task at hand
- Powerful enough for most home sanding tasks
- Reduced vibrations that make sanding smooth
Cons
- Difficult to connect to a vacuum cleaner
- Pricey
5. PORTER-CABLE Belt Sander
When the name “Porter-Cable” is mentioned, what runs in the minds of most people is a fast-growing model that uses every feature of its power tools to impress. In the case of the PORTER-CABLE Belt Sander, we found the all-metal construction housing very effective in giving it a solid-feel. This makes it one of the most durable pieces on the market today.
The all-metal construction design of this sander might make you think it is heavy, right? But it is surprisingly light. At only 10 pounds, this sander is easy to carry and work with, even over long sanding sessions.
As a heavy-duty sander for deck, the dust this tool generates should not worry you because it comes with a large dust bag. Also, the dust bag is positioned well so that it easily swivels 360-degrees to avoid blocking visibility.
This sander also stood out in the market because it is able to avoid one problem that is common with others, belt misalignment. The housing keeps the solid belt well positioned so that you can concentrate on the job with little disturbance.
Specs
- 10.75 pounds
- 14.2 x 8 x 10.2 inches
- Corded/ electric
- 3 inches x 21 inches
- 8 AMP
Pros
- The front grip is positioned well to make it easy for you to guide the sander.
- Using the quick-release belt changer, changing belts is easy and fast.
- Sold with a one-year limited warranty.
Cons
- The power cord placement interferes with the user’s hands when sanding.
6. Bosch 1250DEVS Sander for Deck
Are you looking for a multi-purpose sander for deck that you can use for both professional tasks and DIY home sanding? This Bosch 1250DEVS is the perfect answer because of its sturdy design that makes it firm, effective, and long-lasting. Well, it has almost every quality that you would wish for in a sander.
The sander for deck is powered by a powerful 6.5 AMP motor that creates 3,100 to 6,650 OPM, which is ample to tackle any type of sanding. Further, the sander uses a Constant Response Mechanism that helps to maintain constant pad speed even when working on heavy loads.
Like most Bosch power products, this sander is made to last. Its rugged die-cast aluminum housing not only makes it sturdy but also long-lasting. Also, it helps to keep vibrations at bay so that sanding feels smooth.
Another feature that makes this sander a perfect option for multiple tasks is its dual-mode design. The sander has a mode selector on the back that allows you to change between random orbit mode and turbo design. If you have a lot of work or need to work fast, hit the aggressive turbo mode, and the incredible Bosch 1250DEVS will finish it in no time.
Specs
- 7.41 pounds
- 14.8 x 7.8 x 6.2 inches
- Corded/ electric
- 3 × 21 inches
Pros
- Soft microcellular backing pads for smooth or contoured surfaces
- Dial sanding system makes it efficient no matter the task at hand
- Very easy to use, even for newbies
Cons
- Dust collection bag is small.
7. Craftsman 7A Sander for Deck
The Craftsman 7A is a respectable sander — performance you will like, the ease of use you will love. With its unique Vibra Shield grip and lighting system, you will no doubt miss the next weekend to do some sanding at home.
The sander’s design is aimed at making it easy for you to sand any type of wood, from soft to hard boards. With its 3 x 21 inch belt, we found this sander effective for most home smoothing tasks.
To make the sander more efficient, it comes with a variable speed design. If you are smoothing tough or very rough deck surfaces, go for the optimum OPM to get the job done faster.
If you are working in foggy areas or do not want to leave the deck until the job is done, this sander has a LED lighting system for illumination.
Specs
- 8.73 pounds
- 16.5 x 7.1 x 6.7 inches
- Corded/ electric
- 3,100 to 6,650 OPM
- 8 AMP
Pros
- Sturdily built for excellent performance and durability
- Priced affordably.
- Easy to use, even for newbies
Cons
- No dust collection bag or system for connecting to a vacuum
Buying Guide
Now that you’ve read through our best sander for deck reviews, you are probably thinking about the best piece to pick for your situation. Do not worry because we got you covered here too.
Our buyer’s guide will help you to understand what to look for when picking the ideal piece. As a general rule: go for top performance and value!
Types of Sanders for Deck
Belt Sander
These are electric sanders designed to use abrasive belts to smooth wooden surfaces. The belt is wound on two drums and then rotated by a motor. As the motor rotates the abrasive belt, it can sand, trim, or level the wooden surfaces.
Orbit Sander
This sander is designed with round pads that make different movements to smoothen wood. The pads vibrate and revolve in circles to eliminate swirls on wood that other types of sanders often leave behind.
Sheet Sanders
These sanders are manufactured to smooth flat surfaces. The sandpaper in a sheet sander is held on flat pads and clamped with a spring. The pads vibrate in tiny orbits that allow you to move the sander in different directions.
Top Sander for Deck Brands
Another crucial consideration when buying a sander for deck is brand. If you want a high-performance sander for deck, it is advisable to go for the models designed by top brands.
So, here are the top brands in the market that have made names for their focus on quality and customer value:
Things to Look for When Buying a Sander
Sanding Area
We know that your aim is sanding your wooden deck. But what type of deck is it? If it is designed with corners and surfaces that are variable, it is advisable to look for a versatile sander capable of smoothing all of them. But if the deck is flat and all that you need is smoothing it, simply go for top speed and power.
Sander Type
Because you will be working on your deck, it is advisable to go for belt sanders because they are not only fast, but powerful too.
Power Input
Sanders can be broadly categorized into two, wired-electric and battery-powered. Wired sanders are more powerful and effective because they use electricity. If you opt to use a battery-powered model, at least, go for the one with lithium-ion batteries.
Dust Extraction
Sanders generate a lot of debris and dust as they rip the wood on your deck. Therefore, you should look for a sander with a reliable dust collection system.
Price
Today, it is possible to get a high-performance sander without draining your entire bank account. Because of the high competition out there, many brands have pushed their prices down significantly.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to see why the above seven sanders for decks were selected for this review; they have enviable designs and creative features that make them highly regarded by professionals and DIY people. Therefore, no matter the model you select in our list above, rest assured of efficient sanding and value for investment. Always remember one thing: you should choose the sander for deck based on the intended use.
While we can vouch for each of the seven models we’ve reviewed (they are amazing, no doubt), our overall best pick is the Makita 9403 Sander for Deck. This sander for decks prides itself on quality construction, well-rounded features, and guaranteed performance. No matter what you would want in a sander, it is well packaged in this particular model!
