When it comes to refinishing a deck, choosing the right sander can make all the difference in getting the job done quickly and achieving the desired smooth finish. The two main options for deck sanding are belt sanders and orbital or random orbital sanders. Both have their pros and cons depending on the specifics of the deck project.
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Belt Sanders for Decks
Belt sanders are known for their aggressiveness and high stock removal rates. A belt sander has a continuous loop of sandpaper that moves at high speeds around two or more rotating drums. This allows you to rapidly remove material as you move the sander across the surface of the deck.
Here are some of the key advantages of using a belt sander on a deck refinishing project:
- Removes wood very quickly – If you need to do heavy sanding or stripping to get down to bare wood, a belt sander will make the process much faster.
- Good for smoothing large, flat surfaces – The rectangular sanding belt shape can smooth large deck planks efficiently.
- Ability to use coarse grits – Belt sanders can handle very coarse grit sandpaper (20-40 grit) which may be needed for dramatic stripping/resurfacing.
- Uniform scratch pattern – The linear action of a belt sander creates an even scratch pattern.
However, there are some downsides to be aware of with belt sanders:
- Can be aggressive – It’s easy to remove too much material or create dips/grooves if you aren’t careful with belt sanders.
- Not great for fine finishing – Typically you would switch to a random orbital sander for final smoothing/finishing passes.
- Dust creation – Belt sanders generate a lot of wood dust requiring good dust collection.
- Can leave swirl marks – Improper use can create visible swirl marks on the wood surface.
Orbital Sanders for Decks
Orbital or random orbital sanders use a circular sanding motion to smooth and finish surfaces. The sanding disc is attached to a pad that oscillates in a random pattern to reduce the chance of visible swirl marks.
Here are some benefits of using an orbital sander on a deck:
- Great for finishing anddetail sanding – The random action leaves a uniform, smooth finish.
- Won’t create dips and grooves – Light pressure and random motion helps avoid removing too much material.
- Variety of grits available – Can use coarse grits for surface prep and fine grits (80-120) for final finish sanding.
- Easier to avoid swirl marks – Random action significantly reduces chances of noticeable circular marks.
- Good for tight areas – Smaller size vs. belt sander allows accessing tight spaces.
Some potential disadvantages include:
- Slower stock removal – Not ideal when you need to do heavy stripping or surface leveling.
- Smaller sanding area – May take longer to sand large open deck areas vs a belt sander.
- Less ability to handle coarse grits – Grits under 60 can be challenging in an orbital sander.
- Pad wear – The sanding pads and interface pads need occasional replacement.
Key Considerations
When deciding between a belt sander or orbital sander for refinishing a wood deck, keep these key tips in mind:
- Condition of existing deck – If the deck is badly weathered or you need to remove a lot of material, start with a belt sander. For a deck in reasonable condition that just needs a refresh, an orbital will do.
- Size of deck – A belt sander is a good choice for larger decks (>200 sq ft) since it can quickly sand large flat areas. Smaller decks can easily be handled with an orbital sander.
- Type of wood – The open grain and softness of woods like cedar and redwood require more frequent pad changes in an orbital sander. Belts work well on these woods.
- Desired finish – Orbital sanders leave a smoother finish making them ideal if you want a polished look. Belts excel if you want a more rustic texture.
- Dust control – Belt sanders generate a lot more dust. Be prepared with good dust collection if using one.
Recommended Belt Sanders
Here are some top belt sanders suitable for deck refinishing projects:
| Belt Sander | Power | Belt Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 9403 | 11 AMP | 4″ x 24″ | – Powerful 11 AMP motor – Great dust collection – Ergonomic rubberized grip |
| DeWalt DWE6421 | 5 AMP | 3″ x 21″ | – Smaller/lighter weight – Good for edging – Variable speed dial |
| Wen 6502 | 4.3 AMP | 4″ x 36″ | – Budget-friendly price – Knob for tracking adjustment – 1 year warranty |
Recommended Orbital Sanders
Here are some quality orbital sanders suitable for deck refinishing:
| Orbital Sander | Power | Sanding Pad Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch ROS20VSC | 2.5 AMP | 5″ | – Variable speed dial – Dust-sealed switch – Thick pad avoids swirls |
| Makita BO5041 | 3 AMP | 5″ | – Powerful 3 AMP motor – Large rubberized grip – Through-the-pad dust collection |
| DeWalt DWE6423 | 3 AMP | 5″ | – Separate counterweight reduces vibrations – Low profile height – 2-position side handle |
Tips for Sanding a Deck
Follow these best practices when using a belt sander, orbital sander, or both on your deck refinishing project:
- Always test sand a scrap piece or inconspicuous area first to ensure the sander is not removing too much material.
- When belt sanding, keep the sander moving at all times to avoid dips and grooves.
- Don’t use more pressure than needed – let the sander do the work.
- Sand with the grain of the wood to minimize scratch marks.
- Be aware of areas around protruding screws or nails to avoid gouges.
- Wear a dust mask and hearing protection when sanding.
- Have a shop vacuum ready to control dust.
- Finish sanding radius edges or corners by hand.
- Frequently check sandpaper for clogging and replace as needed.
Belt Sander vs Orbital Sander: Which is Better for Decks?
So when all is considered, which sander is the best choice for refinishing a residential deck?
For most typical deck resurfacing projects, a random orbital sander will provide the best balance of stock removal capability along with leaving a smooth finish. Models like the Bosch ROS20VSC or Makita BO5041 combine power and performance with the finesse needed for fine wood like cedar or redwood.
However, an argument can also be made for using both types of sanders. Here is a typical workflow for deck refinishing using both a belt sander and orbital sander:
- Initial stripping/flattening – Use a belt sander with coarse 20-40 grit paper for rapid removal of surface graying, cupping, or warped planks. Quickly gets the deck flat and prepped for resurfacing.
- Smooth surface sanding – Switch to 60-80 grit in a random orbital sander to uniformly smooth the surface and remove deeper scratches/grooves.
- Fine finishing – Finish sand with 100-120 grit in the orbital sander to create that smooth, polished look.
- Edges/corners – Hand sand any rounded edges or corners that the power sanders missed.
- Prep for stain/sealer – Do a final pass with 150-180 grit if staining or sealing the deck.
The coarse stripping and initial flattening steps are where the belt sander shines. Its aggressive stock removal and large sanding area help make quick work of getting the deck ready for resurfacing. The orbital sander then comes in for the finishing stages to create that smooth surface.
So while a random orbital sander alone will certainly get the deck prepped adequately, starting with a belt sander can accelerate the process. The combined use of belt and orbital sanders results in the fastest, most efficient deck refinishing workflow for many contractors and DIYers. However, for more delicate projects, smaller decks, or limited budgets, sticking with just an orbital sander is an acceptable option as well.
Maintenance Tips to Maximize the Life of Your Deck
Proper ongoing maintenance is crucial to get the longest lifespan out of your deck investment. Here are some tips:
- Inspect the deck each spring and fall, looking for any cracked/warped boards, nails popping, splintering, or other issues.
- Sweep the deck regularly with a stiff broom to remove dirt, leaves, pollen, and other debris that can stain the wood.
- Clean the deck annually using a deck cleaning solution or mild soap and a soft bristle brush/broom; avoid high pressure washing.
- Apply a penetrating sealer or wood protector every 1-2 years to protect from moisture and UV rays.
- Keep deck boards free of standing water that can lead to rotting – improve drainage as needed.
- Re-stain or re-seal the deck every 2-4 years depending on traffic and exposure to maintain appearance.
- Always properly prepare the wood surface before reapplying finishes – use the appropriate sander.
With proper maintenance and refinishing when needed, a quality wood deck can easily last 20-30 years or longer. Taking the time to smooth the surface with the right sander is an important part of maximizing the lifespan of your deck.
Conclusion
Belt sanders are fast and remove a lot of material quickly, making them ideal for major stripping/flattening jobs. However, most decks are better served using an orbital sander which provides good stock removal along with a smoother finished surface. For best results, consider combining belt and orbital sanders – use the belt for initial prep and orbital for final smoothing. Proper sanding and refinishing, along with consistent maintenance, will ensure your wood deck continues to look great year after year.