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If your deck has gone grey, rough, and tired-looking, I promise you — the right sander makes all the difference. I’ve refinished more decks than I can count over the years, and every time I’m amazed by the transformation: dull, weathered boards stripped back to reveal clean, fresh grain that practically glows under a coat of oil or varnish. The good news is that decks are one of the more forgiving sanding projects out there. They’re flat, open, and wide — which means you can use big, powerful tools and cover ground fast. On the SandersCore blog I cover everything from sanding technique to tool selection, and deck refinishing is one of my favorite topics because the payoff is so visible and so satisfying.
I’ve tested every tool type on real deck jobs — belt sanders, sheet sanders, large random orbitals, and walk-behind drum sanders — and I know exactly which ones earn their keep. Below I’ll walk you through my top picks for 2026, explain what each one is best for, and give you a complete step-by-step guide for getting a finish you’ll be proud of for years.
⚡ Quick Pick
In a hurry? My top choice is the Makita 9403 Belt Sander — the widest handheld belt on this list, with legendary build quality that makes short work of even the most weathered deck boards.
If you want a budget-friendly alternative, go with the Metabo HPT SB8V2 Belt Sander — nearly the same results at a significantly more accessible price, with handy variable speed control.
For a premium upgrade that doubles as your best all-around finishing tool, consider the Bosch GET65-5N Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sander — its Turbo mode rivals a belt sander for aggression while still delivering a flawless final surface.
Best Sanders for Deck Refinishing Comparison
I’ve narrowed the field down to four outstanding tools that cover every deck-refinishing scenario — from quick weekend refreshes to full professional strip-backs. Here’s how they stack up side by side before I dive into the full reviews.
| Product | ⭐ Makita 9403 Belt Sander 🏆 EDITOR’S CHOICE |
Metabo HPT SB8V2 | Bosch OS50VC Sheet Sander | Bosch GET65-5N Random Orbit Sander |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Price | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Sander Type | Belt Sander | Belt Sander | Sheet Sander | Random Orbit Sander |
| Pad / Belt Size | 4″ × 24″ | 3″ × 21″ | 4.5″ × 9″ (½ sheet) | 5″ |
| Motor Power | 11 Amp | 9 Amp | 3.4 Amp | 6.5 Amp |
| Variable Speed | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dust Collection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Large decks, heavy material removal | Budget-conscious homeowners | Medium decks, extended sessions | Finishing passes, versatile use |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Availability | Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now | Shop Now |
⚡ Key Takeaways
- My top pick is the Makita 9403 Belt Sander — the widest handheld belt available, with unmatched build quality for fast, reliable deck stripping.
- Best value: the Metabo HPT SB8V2 — professional-grade belt sanding performance at a much more accessible price point.
- Best for finishing passes: the Bosch GET65-5N — its dual-mode Turbo system bridges the gap between aggressive removal and silky-smooth final results.
- Best for extended sessions with less fatigue: the Bosch OS50VC Sheet Sander — the vibration-dampening suspension system is a genuine game-changer over several hours of deck work.
Best Sander Type for Deck Refinishing
Before jumping into the individual reviews, it’s worth understanding which sander types suit deck work — and why. Decks are large, flat surfaces, so the priorities are coverage speed and abrasive aggression. The tool types that excel here are different from what you’d reach for on cabinets or furniture.
Belt Sanders are the fastest material removers available in a handheld form factor. A wide belt sander covers serious ground quickly and can strip years of built-up finish in a single pass — ideal for heavily weathered or rough-sawn deck boards.
Large Sheet Sanders — half-sheet models specifically — offer more coverage area than a random orbital, a flat pad action that works naturally with the grain-parallel direction deck boards demand, and enough power to cut through weathered outdoor wood without constant passes. Bosch’s OS50VC is the standout example here, and I’ve used it on many deck jobs.
Random Orbital Sanders are the most versatile option in the lineup. A large 5″ random orbital handles deck work well, produces a cleaner scratch pattern than a belt sander, and is ideal for the final smoothing passes before you apply your finish. The Bosch GET65-5N’s Turbo mode also gives it genuine aggression for initial removal passes.
💡 Pro Tip
Always sand with the grain on deck boards — never across it. Cross-grain scratches are very difficult to remove completely and will show up clearly under a clear finish or deck oil. Work methodically along each board from end to end, overlapping each pass slightly to avoid leaving ridges between strips.
Best Sanders for Deck Refinishing Reviews
I’ve used each of these tools on real deck jobs — not just a quick test, but full refinishing sessions on boards in varying states of wear. Here’s my honest take on every one, including what each does best and where its limits lie.
Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander
The Makita 9403 is my top belt sander for deck work, full stop. The 4″×24″ belt is exceptionally wide for a handheld tool — that extra inch over the standard 3″ belt makes a real, measurable difference when you’re covering a large deck, cutting the number of passes needed and shaving serious time off the job. Pair that with a powerful 11-amp motor and Makita’s legendary build quality, and this machine will turn what could be a full-day slog into a morning’s work.
What I appreciate most about the 9403 on deck work specifically is how reliably it tracks — the belt stays centered even under heavy load, and the front roller design lets you sand very close to edges and posts without leaving unsanded strips. Dust collection is effective for a belt sander, and the tool is balanced well enough to handle extended sessions without your arms giving out. I’ve been recommending this machine for years, and every person I’ve pointed toward it has come back saying it exceeded their expectations.
- ✅ Wide 4″×24″ belt — maximum coverage speed on large decks
- ✅ 11-amp motor — outstanding power for aggressive material removal
- ✅ Excellent belt tracking — stays centered reliably under load
- ✅ Front roller design — sands close to edges and obstacles
- ✅ Effective dust collection system
- ❌ Heavier than a 3″ belt sander — some arm fatigue on very large decks
- ❌ Premium price compared to competing belt sanders
ℹ️ Did You Know?
The Makita 9403 has been in continuous production for decades and is consistently ranked among the finest 4″×24″ belt sanders ever made. Its combination of belt width, motor power, and tracking precision has never been matched in a handheld package at this weight class.
Best For: Homeowners and professionals tackling large, heavily weathered decks who want the fastest possible material removal from a handheld belt sander. If you also do other large sanding projects — floors, furniture stripping, construction work — this tool will serve you across all of them. Also check out the best belt sander guide for more options in this category.
Metabo HPT SB8V2 3″ x 21″ Variable Speed Belt Sander
If the Makita 9403 is more than you want to spend, the Metabo HPT SB8V2 (formerly sold as the Hitachi SB8V2) is exactly where I’d point you next. It’s been popular for years precisely because it offers professional-grade quality at a price that genuinely undercuts the competition — and on deck work it performs very well. The 3″×21″ belt is narrower than the Makita’s, which means slightly more passes to cover the same area, but the construction is solid and the variable speed trigger lock is a genuinely useful feature for working around areas where you need more finesse.
For a homeowner refinishing their own deck once every few years, the SB8V2 represents exceptional value. You get a tool that will do the job properly and last many years without the premium outlay of the Makita. The 9-amp motor is no slouch, and the soft-grip handles reduce fatigue noticeably over long sessions. If I’m being honest about the best bang-for-buck belt sander on a deck, this is one of the smartest buys on the market.
- ✅ Outstanding value — professional quality at a more accessible price
- ✅ Variable speed with trigger lock for controlled, versatile use
- ✅ Soft-grip handles — reduced fatigue over long sanding sessions
- ✅ 9-amp motor — solid power for weathered outdoor boards
- ✅ Lighter than the Makita 9403
- ❌ Narrower 3″×21″ belt means more passes than the Makita to cover the same area
- ❌ Less raw power than the 9403 on very rough or heavily built-up boards
Best For: Homeowners who want professional belt sanding results without the top-tier price tag. Also a smart pick if you value variable speed control for versatility beyond just deck work — it handles furniture stripping, construction timber, and general rough sanding jobs with equal competence.
Bosch OS50VC 1/2-Sheet Finishing Sander
The Bosch OS50VC is my pick for the best sheet sander for deck work, and it’s a genuinely excellent choice even on large outdoor surfaces. The ½-sheet pad gives you more coverage area per pass than a standard random orbital, and its 3.4-amp motor with variable speed from 8,000 to 11,000 OPM delivers real grunt for outdoor timber. The grain-aligned scratch pattern of a sheet sander is also arguably better suited to deck boards than the swirl pattern of a random orbital — it works naturally with the long, straight grain of typical decking timber.
What makes this tool exceptional for extended deck sessions is Bosch’s proprietary vibration-dampening suspension system. The reduction in hand-arm vibration compared to most sheet sanders is dramatic — your hands hold up much better over three or four hours of continuous work. The large pad also means fewer passes per board, which adds up to real time savings across a full deck. If you already own this sander for indoor work, I think you’ll love discovering just how well it translates to outdoor deck refinishing. For more inspiration on what a great sander can do on timber surfaces, take a look at my guide to the Best Sanders for Wood 2026.
- ✅ Large ½-sheet pad — more coverage per pass than any random orbital
- ✅ Bosch suspension system — outstanding vibration dampening for extended sessions
- ✅ Variable speed dial — fine control for initial stripping and final smoothing passes
- ✅ Grain-aligned scratch pattern suits deck timber particularly well
- ✅ 3.4-amp motor handles weathered outdoor wood effectively
- ❌ Slower material removal than a belt sander on very rough or deeply weathered boards
- ❌ Premium price point for a sheet sander
Best For: DIYers and homeowners who want a single tool that handles deck refinishing and indoor finishing work equally well. The vibration control makes it particularly well suited to anyone who finds belt sander fatigue a problem, and it shines as a primary tool on decks in moderate condition that don’t need extreme material removal.
Bosch GET65-5N 5″ Dual-Mode Random Orbit Sander
The Bosch GET65-5N is the most technologically sophisticated tool on this list, and for deck work that needs both aggressive removal and a flawless final finish, it’s genuinely hard to beat. The headline feature is its dual-mode system: standard random orbit mode for normal stock removal and fine finishing, and Turbo mode — a direct-drive eccentric orbit that delivers up to 3x the stock removal rate of standard random orbital sanding. That Turbo capability means it can bridge the gap between a dedicated belt sander and a finishing orbital, making it an incredibly versatile tool for the full deck refinishing process from start to finish.
The 6.5-amp variable speed motor runs from 290 to 640 RPM (3,300 to 7,300 OPM) — that range gives you excellent control from delicate final passes all the way up to full-power Turbo mode for tackling deeply weathered timber. The multi-hole pad system adds flexibility, letting you use a wide variety of 5-inch abrasive discs. I switched to the GET65-5N for my finishing passes on recent deck projects and the results were noticeably cleaner than with my older 6″ orbital — the surface prep before the oil coat was genuinely excellent. If you’re looking to round out your sanding toolkit beyond deck work, my Best Sanders 2026 guide covers everything from random orbitals to specialty sanders.
- ✅ Dual-mode system — normal random orbit AND high-aggression Turbo mode
- ✅ Turbo mode delivers up to 3x stock removal of standard random orbital mode
- ✅ 6.5-amp variable speed motor — 290–640 RPM / 3,300–7,300 OPM
- ✅ Multi-hole pad system — wide compatibility with 5″ abrasive discs
- ✅ Outstanding for final smoothing passes before deck finishing
- ❌ Premium price — the most expensive tool on this list
- ❌ 5″ pad covers less area per pass than the Makita’s 4″×24″ belt on open sections
⚠️ Important
When using Turbo mode on softwood deck boards, keep the tool moving at a consistent pace. The aggressive stock removal rate means dwelling in one spot — even briefly — can create visible depressions in softer timbers like pine or cedar. Use Turbo for initial passes and switch to normal mode for your final smoothing pass before finishing.
Best For: Enthusiasts and serious DIYers who want one premium tool that handles aggressive initial removal and fine final finishing across deck work, furniture, floors, and polishing. Its Turbo mode makes it a genuine alternative to a belt sander on decks in moderate condition, and the finishing quality is exceptional. See also my Best Sanders for Floors 2026 guide — the GET65-5N features there too.
🏆 The Verdict
For most deck refinishing jobs, the Makita 9403 is the tool I keep coming back to — nothing else in a handheld package covers ground as fast or as reliably, and its build quality means it’ll still be working perfectly decades from now. If value is your priority, the Metabo HPT SB8V2 delivers nearly the same results for significantly less. And if you want one premium tool that handles the full refinishing process from aggressive first pass to silky final surface, the Bosch GET65-5N’s dual-mode Turbo system is a genuinely impressive piece of engineering that earns its price tag.
How to Sand and Refinish a Deck: Step-by-Step Guide
The right tools get you halfway there — but technique matters just as much. Here’s the complete process I follow on every deck refinish, from initial prep to final coat. Follow these steps and you’ll get a result that looks professional and holds up for years.
Step 1: Prepare the Deck
Clear everything off the deck and give it a thorough clean — sweep away debris, then wash it down with a deck cleaner or a dilute bleach solution to kill any mold or mildew. Let it dry completely, ideally for 48 hours in good weather. Sanding a damp deck is a waste of time: the sandpaper clogs almost immediately and the results are poor.
Check for any raised nails or protruding screws and hammer or drive them flush before you start — they’ll tear through your sandpaper in seconds and potentially damage your sander’s pad or belt.
Step 2: First Pass — Aggressive Grit
Start with 60 or 80 grit depending on the condition of the deck. If the boards are heavily weathered, grey, and rough-textured, start at 60. If the deck is in reasonable condition with just a worn finish, 80 is plenty. Work with the grain along each board, overlapping adjacent passes by about an inch to avoid leaving ridges. This pass removes the old finish, grey weathered wood, and any surface damage.
Belt sanders like the Makita 9403 or Metabo HPT SB8V2 are ideal for this stage. The Bosch OS50VC and GET65-5N in Turbo mode also work well — they take a little longer on very rough boards but produce a cleaner scratch pattern. For more guidance on using the right tool for heavy removal jobs, my Best Sanders for Removing Paint 2026 guide covers many of the same principles.
Step 3: Second Pass — Medium Grit
Step up to 100 or 120 grit and repeat the process. This removes the scratch marks left by the coarser grit and starts to reveal the clean, fresh wood underneath. By the end of this pass, the deck should be looking noticeably lighter and the surface should feel smooth to the touch when you run your hand along the grain.
Step 4: Final Pass — Fine Grit
Finish with 150 or 180 grit for the final smoothing pass. The Bosch GET65-5N in standard random orbit mode is exceptional for this stage — the surface it leaves is genuinely ready for a premium finish straight away. You’re not removing much material here; you’re eliminating any remaining scratch pattern and preparing the wood to absorb the finish evenly. The cleaner and smoother this surface, the better your varnish or oil will look and adhere.
Step 5: Edge and Detail Sanding
The edges of boards, around posts, balusters, steps, and any areas the main sander couldn’t reach all need attention by hand. Use a folded piece of 120 grit to knock back these areas, then follow with 180. It’s tedious, but the difference between a professional result and an amateur one is almost always in these detail areas — skipping them leaves a noticeably unfinished look. If you have a lot of stair or baluster work, check out my guide to Best Sanders for Stairs 2026 for tool options that help with awkward angles. A detail sander can also make short work of tight corners and spindles.
Step 6: Clean and Finish
Sweep the entire deck thoroughly, then blow out any dust from between boards with compressed air or a leaf blower. Wipe down with a tack cloth or a clean dry rag. Apply your chosen finish — deck oil, varnish, or stain — according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically two to three coats with light 180-grit sanding between each coat once the previous coat is fully dry.
💡 Pro Tip
The best weather for deck finishing is dry, overcast, and mild — ideally between 10°C and 25°C (50°F–77°F). Direct sunlight causes many finishes to dry too quickly, which leads to lap marks and uneven absorption. Never apply any finish if rain is forecast within 24 hours of application.
How to Choose the Best Sander for Your Deck
With four strong options on this list spanning different tool types and price tiers, the right choice comes down to your specific deck, your experience level, and how you plan to use the tool beyond deck season. Here’s what I’d consider before buying.
Deck Size and Condition
Deck size is the single biggest factor in choosing between a belt sander and a random orbital or sheet sander. On a large deck — anything over about 30 square meters — the speed advantage of the Makita 9403’s wide belt is significant and genuinely changes the time investment of the job. On a smaller deck or one in reasonable condition, the Bosch GET65-5N or OS50VC are perfectly capable primary tools and give you a cleaner finish with less risk of sanding too aggressively into softer boards.
If the boards are deeply weathered, rough-textured, or covered in layers of old varnish, reach for a belt sander first. If the deck just needs refreshing with a light sand and a new coat of oil, a random orbital or sheet sander alone will get you there.
Tool Versatility
Consider what else you’ll use the sander for. A belt sander like the Makita 9403 is purpose-built for high-aggression material removal — it’s brilliant at that task but less suited to fine furniture work. The Bosch GET65-5N, by contrast, covers everything from aggressive Turbo-mode deck stripping to polishing and furniture finishing with equal competence. If you want one premium tool to handle all your sanding projects, the GET65-5N delivers the widest range. For cabinet and joinery work, my Best Sanders for Cabinets 2026 guide explores the best options for that specific challenge.
Variable Speed
Variable speed is worth more on a deck than many people realize. Starting at lower speed gives you better control around edges and posts, and lets you dial back aggression when transitioning from coarse to medium grit. Three of the four tools on this list offer it — only the Makita 9403 runs at fixed speed, which is fine for open deck runs but means you need to be more careful around obstacles.
Fatigue and Session Length
A full deck refinishing job can take three to six hours of continuous sanding on a medium-sized deck. Vibration and weight add up significantly over that time. The Bosch OS50VC’s suspension system is the standout here — its vibration reduction is measurably better than any other tool on this list. If you have a history of hand-arm vibration issues or plan extended sessions, that feature alone justifies choosing it over a faster but harsher belt sander.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I sand and refinish my deck?+
Can I use a random orbital sander on my deck, or do I need a belt sander?+
What grit sandpaper should I use on a deck?+
Should I sand with or across the grain on deck boards?+
What is the best way to sand around deck posts, balusters, and steps?+
Conclusion
Deck refinishing is one of those projects where the right tool genuinely transforms the experience — and the result. With any of the four sanders on this list, you have everything you need to strip back years of weathering, reveal beautiful fresh grain, and lay down a finish that’ll protect the timber for years to come.
My go-to recommendation remains the Makita 9403 for anyone serious about deck work — nothing covers ground faster at this size, and the build quality means it’ll still be performing perfectly long after the deck has been refinished a dozen times. For those who want to balance performance with budget, the Metabo HPT SB8V2 is genuinely excellent value. And if you’re investing in a tool that goes far beyond deck season, the Bosch GET65-5N’s dual-mode versatility makes it one of the smartest buys in the sander category right now.
If you found this guide useful, I’d encourage you to browse the rest of the SandersCore blog — there’s a lot more on sanding technique, tool comparisons, and DIY finishing projects. If you have questions about your specific deck or need help choosing between these tools, drop a comment below. Happy sanding!
Hi, James. Great advice – you’re clearly a man who knows his stuff! My question is: I need to sand my deck but the only sander I own is a GMC Detail Sander. It sounds silly to use a detail sander on a deck (except for areas that, obviously, require detailed work) but I really can’t afford to buy a new sander right not. Plus, we live in a townhome – our deck is quite small: 4′ X 8′. What are your thoughts?
Hey Daniel, thanks for the kind words I appreciate it! Now, a detail sander to take care of a deck, no matter how small, is an ill fit – as expected – but if it’s the only tool you’ve got at hand then go for it, you’ll just take a whole lot more time and the results won’t be quite as refined as if you use, for example, a random orbital sander. I’d recommend saving up for a super affordable but quality ROS like a Makita palm sander or the like. If really not possible, then proceed with the detail sander, just be sure to have quite a few sandpaper sheets at hand and to do your best not to leave any scratch marks – take it nice and easy and you’ll achieve a good result. Hope that helps Daniel and good luck with the refinishing!
Hi James. I just finished sanding 3-4 coats of solid stain from my deck boards using my belt sander. It was a lot of work but worked really well using 50 then 80 grit belts. What is the easiest way sand and remove the paint where the belt sander can’t reach; where the boards butt up to the house and under the deck rails? I prefer not to sand by hand. Thanks.
Hey Todd, glad to know the deck renovation is going great! To deal with the areas where the belt sander can’t reach, I recommend going with a detail sander (also known as corner sanders or mouse sanders). They’re small, nimble machines that have a V-shaped tip especially made to reach every little nook and cranny. If you want to skip the hand-work in this case, those will be without a doubt the best solution – I’ve written a whole article dedicated to them where I show my favorite models, be sure to read it by clicking here. Have a great one and good luck with the rest of the deck renovation!
James, great column and advice. Hope you can shed some guidance to a bad situation. I have a 20 year old deck, built with AC2 treated white southern pine, prepped with Olympic Browncoat, and restained with same several times in the first 15 years. Wood seems good, but worn. About 4 years ago, I screwed up bigtime by using PPG’s Revitalize….my luck, there was a national class action suit recall–which I was late to the party on. Over 80% of the coating had peeled after 3 years, I’ve been pressure-washing at 1800 psi to remove the remaining coating on the horizontal deck, the vertical ballasters and 4×4 posts are doing much better. Top rail has black substance and very rough surface. I am leaning toward Cabot’s Deck Correct for walking surface, solid stain for everything else. With around 10% of Revitalize coating remaining, I plan to belt sand and pressure wash it off then recoat. I have a couple of knotholes that popped up on floor about the size of a quarter–should I fill them? or ???? and with what? Not easy to replace those 2x8x2 boards. Advice? Suggestions? Please recommend prep steps and coatings. Anything but PPG–they are on permanent secret probation, even though I worked with some of their commercial division staff before I retired.
Hey Mike, thanks for the kind words! I do remember the Revitalize ordeal, shame you couldn’t be part of the settlement – that thing really does absolutely implode after a couple of years, it’s terrible. Belt sanding is a great idea to completely remove the remaining coat and when it comes to the knotholes, it depends. My dad always filled them up with a self-made mixture of sawdust and wood glue (it’s strong and looks decent), but I never fill them up as I feel that it looks unnatural. It comes down to personal preference but I’d say let them be as long as they pose no structural or convenience threats. Finally, I’d go at the remaining coat with a fairly low grit, especially on the rough surface you mentioned (depending on the deck’s health, I’d probably start with a 50 or 80) then move on up to about 120 to reach a healthy looking, fairly smooth finish. When it comes to the coat, Cabot’s Deck Correct is a solid choice as it gets rid of small cracks and locks down splinters – just be on the lookout for the colors as they can be quite different in real life when applied, I highly recommend that you ask for a sample of how it looks on wood before buying it. When it comes to solid stains, if you want to stay away from PPG, Cabot has a few great ones as well (solid acrylic) and so does Behr (premium waterproofing) and TWP (1500, among others) – all are fantastic choices! Hope everything turns out excellent and I’ll be wishing you good luck with the renovation Mike, if you’ve got any other questions be sure to leave another comment, I’ll be here!
We have a four year old cedar deck. I put a semitransparent stain on the first year, carefully following directions. It curled and looked horrible after the first winter. My husband power washed it and put on Behr Deck Over, which looked very nice, put peeled in huge sheets, except for the areas where it adhered and is impossible to scrape up. The next year he power washed and applied more Deck Over. Same thing happened – huge sheets lifted. Our deck is a complete mess. I have spent many hours hand scraping. I am now ready to sand and start over with sealant. Do you know if any of your suggested sanders will work on Deck Over? And I really want the best possible sealant so that I can have a good looking deck, with as little upkeep as possible. Can’t tell you how frustrated I am!
Hey Bonnie, first of all don’t lose hope – there’s always a way to fix a deck and get it to look as good as new! Any of the sanders listed above, equipped with a low grit sandpaper sheet (such as 50 or even lower) will absolutely decimate the Deck Over coats with ease. As such, make sure to start with this lower grit to remove all the old, rough layers and then move on to a higher sandpaper grit such as 80 or even 120 (depending on your own personal taste) to achieve a good looking smooth finish that’ll perfectly absorb whichever sealant or stain you use. For staining, I recommend Pittsburg’s Ultra Solid Color Stain, it has never failed me and always lasts for years upon years. Thanks for stopping by Bonnie and keep your head up – in the end, you’ll have a beautiful looking deck that’ll last for ages. Good luck!
Great blog!
I have about 900 sq. ft. (cedar), and weighing out whether to go with the bosch or makita, OR buy a drywall sander… I’ve never used any of these, but my guess is the drywall sander will save my knees and back, BUT may not actually save time if it doesn’t have the power equivalence. Ie – will it actually take longer? I’m willing to sacrifice some sore joints… just want to go with the tool that’s going to give me the best results in the shortest time. ….and I definitely can’t afford the Clarke. 🙂
Thanks!
Hey Marty, great question! While the drywall sander does give your back some rest and can be used for lighter tasks (decks that aren’t very weathered), it can’t compare in terms of sheer power to the other options – the Bosch 1250DEVS/OS50VC or the Makita belt sander. All of these 3 will decimate any deck with ease, with the deciding factor coming down to personal preference and how your deck’s boards are styled. If they’re flat (no grooves) and you like a less polished look, the Makita belt sander will be the fastest option, giving you outstanding results in a short amount of time and with little effort. For any other configuration, both of the Bosch choices will be perfect, especially if you’re looking to achieve a finer finish (random orbitals can give you extremely polished, high-quality finishes if you want). In short, I’d go with the Makita for a more rougher, natural look or with the Bosch for a more refined finish. They’re all excellent choices though so I’m sure you’ll be happy either way! Hope that helped Marty, best of luck with the refinish!
I just sanded a new deck after it was pressure washed by carpenter who built it. The pressure washing did not remove stains and black ink saying pressurized wood still showed. He told me to use 120 grit and I did. Then I vacuumed all the dust off and put a clear coat. Now I have read that I should not use any grit higher than 80 or the wood will not absorb the sealer. Water is beading up nicely right now, but I am worried I messed up. It took a long time to sand and I hope the effort was not wasted. I have not sealed the tongue and groove pine that is under a screened porch. Have sanded it with the Bosch sheet sander you recommended. It is older wood and had been stained. I have gotten it back to the unstained color and did 60 grit and then 80. Do I need to go higher than the 80 on the pine on the covered porch? Also, still have the old deck to sand. I will not go over 80 on it. Thanks for your help.
Hey Angela, while it depends on a few variables such as the type of wood and the finish, among others, an 80 and even 120 grit pass is perfectly fine. The lower the grit the easier it is for the wood to “soak” up the sealer but it doesn’t mean that a higher grit pass doesn’t work, it simply takes a bit more time for it to soak and it also might take less coats of sealant overall to get a nice level of protection. In the end, it’s all up to your personal taste on how you like the wood to look (rougher or finer) – that should be your guide. Rest assured that your effort was not wasted and it’ll hold up nicely. If you like the look and feel of an 80 grit pass then you can stop at that and if you prefer the 120 grit look then there’s absolutely no problem with going for it. Choose your favorite and work with confidence – it’ll be perfect either way. Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the rest of the renovation!
Hello James~
Our 10-15 yr old decks are generic pressure-treated boards previously treated with Benj Moore translucent or transparent stains (I prefer the gray/naturally aged look.) Stain has lifted in many places and there are spots of mildew. Do we need to sand to refinish or will a product like the B. Moore “Remove Finish Remover 315” be sufficient to prepare the surface for restaining? And, should we apply a mildewcide before the stain?
Thanks for your expertise.
Garden Girl
Hi Garden Girl! I’ve tried the removers before and was always underwhelmed by the results, they look promising on paper but in real life they’re just a reminder that you can’t take shortcuts when it comes to refinishing. I heartily recommend that you sand the deck (one medium-high grit pass can be sufficient if the top layer isn’t highly damaged) and after cleaning the debris make sure to treat it with mildewcide. This is important as even if you refinish the deck, the mildew below can still wreak havoc if left untreated. Finally, after letting the mildewcide work its magic, you can apply your favorite stain again (how many layers is up to your personal preference) and then marvel at how darn good the deck looks! It’ll take a bit of work, as all deck refinishes do, but I promise it’s more than worth it. Hope that helps – be sure to leave another comment if you need anything else, I’ll be here!
Hi there!
I’m refinishing a “new” deck— allowed the deck to age for 2 years now (due to a new baby arriving and not having time to finish it after a year). I have power washed the deck and now have deck “furring” in some areas. I’m wondering if you can point me in the direction of what grit sandpaper to use (as everything I’ve read says to use 80 grit). Also, do you HAVE to wash the deck again after sanding? (Because, I live in a rainy climate and finding a window of time to allow for drying is actually quite difficult). LASTLY, I am looking to just seal the deck and maintain its natural color (the way it looks when wet)— would you reccomend a deck oil instead of stain? Thanks so much for all your help!
Hey Erica, first of all congratulations on the baby! Since the deck didn’t have any strong stain or paint before and you’ve already power washed it, you can skip to a higher grit – like 120 – to save some time and effort while still getting beautiful results. When it comes to cleaning it after sanding, even though it’s absolutely crucial, you can do it without water. Simply use an air compressor or give it a very thorough broom cleaning instead, just make sure all the dust and debris is removed from the deck. Then, to maintain its natural color, I’d definitely go with a clear decking oil. Hope that helps Erica, have a great one!
Beautifully helpful guide James, I don’t usually comment but you deserve it. Got two Bosch 1250DEVS (one for me and one for my wife) and wow, by far the best sander I’ve had in my hands. Never knew deck sanding could be so fast and that the results would look so good, if I did I wouldn’t have been putting my renovation off for the last 4 years haha. Thanks again James!
Thanks for the kind words Darrel, I’m glad you liked both the guide and the machines! Also great to hear that you aced the renovation, having an excellent machine like the 1250DEVS by your side really does make a world of difference. Thanks again for stopping by and take care!
Outstanding write-up James, gave me the final push to go renovate my deck. Thanks a bunch!
We just did a chemical strip of a fairly new redwood deck that had a failed first stain. Apparently we over did it with the chemicals, so now we have to sand the sections that are covered with fine fibers. We were recommended to use a floor buffer with 80 grit. Another person said we should use a drum sander. Is there a hand sander you’d recommend for this job? Any other tips to get us out of this situation? Thanks!
Hello Sophie, thanks for reaching out! I’m sorry to hear that but don’t worry, there’s always a way to fix it. A floor buffer with 80 grit sandpaper isn’t the best fit in my opinion as it might lack power and the grit itself is too rough to be used as the final pass (200-400 grit is a good reference but it depends on how smooth and shiny you want it). A drum sander is an excellent option but it’s quite expensive for a one-off so your best bet is a hand sander as you’ve mentioned. Any of the choices above are fantastic – Makita 9403, Bosch 1250 DEVS, Bosch OS50VC – but the Bosch 1250 DEVS delivers the best bang for the buck due to how versatile it is (perfect not only for this task but for most others as well and the finish it delivers is unbeatable). Even though it’s quite a straightforward process, be sure to sand carefully and to start with a higher grit than usual to avoid damaging the wood beyond what’s needed. Start with a 120 grit sheet of sandpaper and sand the surface lightly until the stain is gone, then give a pass on the whole deck with the same grit and climb up the grit ladder until you reach your desired finish. It’s a bit time consuming but worth it in the end. Hope that helped Sophie!
I need to know which sander is best for a very old deck. Thank you!
Hey Marie! If it’s a very old deck I’m betting it will have a lot of seriously rough stock to remove. The best solution to that is raw power which leaves you with 2 great options: The Bosch 1250DEVS or the Makita 9403 – both of them deliver beastly power and performance that can tackle even the hardest, roughest surfaces and get them looking as good as new. Start with a low grit sandpaper first to decimate the old stock and then you can slowly climb the grit levels to get a perfectly smooth finish. If you need anything else – I’ll be here!
Couldn’t decide which one to get since all of them are so incredible, ended up getting both the Bosch OS50VC and the Makita 9403. They came in right on time, already finished my decks with these beauties (with the help of my wife!) and the quality of the machines is undeniable. Never in my life I thought sanding my deck, which I didn’t like doing at all, could be so easy, quick and deliver such great results. Not to sound dramatic but it was life changing so I want to thank you James, please keep up the great work!
Beautiful comment to start the day Hector, thank you – I truly appreciate it. I’m just glad that I could help make your life easier and a hard task more enjoyable. Thanks again!
Finally an excellent guide in this sea of information we call the internet. Great work James, your expertise shows and it’s very much appreciated! Got the Bosch OS50VC and couldn’t be happier, it arrived quickly as well.
Hey Steve, I appreciate the kind words. It always puts a smile on my face knowing I could help – thanks for stopping by and enjoy the OS50VC!
You wouldn’t believe how helpful this was James, can’t thank you enough! The Makita 9403 made quick work of my looooong deck and it was as easy as it gets. Beautiful!
I’m glad to hear it Martin, that Makita is one of my all time favorites without a doubt. Enjoy!
James-
I just discovered your very interesting blog/website in searching for a sander for a cedar deck. I already have a 1/4 sheet, 1/2 sheet, 5″ orbital and a belt sander but I have about 800 sq. feet to sand and I need to get this done more quickly than I can do on my hands and old knees. I have used a large deck sander before but what do you think of buying and then owning one of the wall sanders for this project – it seems that it might work okay, just wondering what you think? Thanks, Paul
Hey Paul, you’ve just cracked me up as I’ve had that very same idea before. I was in a hurry to finish a friend’s deck and left most of my tools at home so I used my Porter Cable drywall sander. I’ve gotta tell you, it was a surprisingly good idea – it saved my back and the results were great. Just make sure to use an appropriate sandpaper grit to deal with wood and you’re good to go!
Thanks for your quick response. I intend to purchase one of the drywall sanders – that is unless I can figure how to attach a sanding disc to my line trimmer! Too many single use tools around for homeowners.
Hahaha now that’s something I’d like to see! Too true Paul, even my home shop is filled to the brim. Thank YOU for the great laughs.
Hi, Great Article, Thank You!!
I was wondering if you have a similar article on FINISHES?? – We installed our new deck Three Summers ago and used Behr’s Best Stain, with an 8Yr Warranty, and it needed Re-Finishing last Summer already!!)
So, as you can imagine, I am Deeply Disappointed in Behr’s claim and their Warranty! – (Which was a Total joke, as they offered the SAME stuff to re-coat my Deck with!)
If you have any Articles, Suggestions, or Advice on Finishes and Finishing, – PLEASE Let us know!
Thanks so much, – Pat
Hey Pat, thanks for reading! Deck finishes truly are a tough business, it’s nearly impossible to find a brand or product that everyone agrees is the best. Due to the 8 years of warranty you mentioned I’m sure it’s a solid stain – these last the longest without having to reapply. In my opinion I’d go with either Pittsburg’s Ultra Solid Color Stain or Glidden’s Porch & Floor Enamel, both have served me very well in the past (although this depends heavily on the conditions/weather of course). I’ve also used Behr and I quite like their products but as I said, it heavily depends on the surface and conditions. This is an interesting topic and lots of people struggle with it so I’ll most likely write an article about it when I have the time. I hope I’ve helped and thanks again for stopping by Patrick, don’t hesitate to leave another comment if you need more help!
Just finished doing my deck in preparation for Spring and man, I don’t know how I’ve lived without the Bosch OS50VC. Thanks for the headsup James, made my life a whole of a lot easier!
Hey Zack, I’m glad I could help. Hope the deck turned out beautifully, thanks for reading!
Just in time! The stormy weather is beginning to hit and I’ve been putting off the refinishing for a while. Going with the Hitachi, the price/quality ratio is beyond great. Thanks again James!
Great choice Trent, it truly is a fantastic machine for the money. Good luck with the refinishing and thanks for stopping by!