Sanders
Best Sander for Deck Refinishing
Deck boards are rough, uneven, and often treated with stubborn stain. Here's which sanders can handle a full deck without dying halfway through.
What You Need
A belt sander or random orbit sander with 60-80 grit, respirator, safety glasses, and extension cord
Top Picks
Top Pick
#1
DeWalt DW352
$129
Why This Pick Wins
3" x 21" belt sander — aggressive enough to flatten crowned boards
#2
Makita 9903
$159
Why This Pick Wins
3" x 21" belt with variable speed — control the aggression on softwood vs hardwood
#3
DeWalt DWE6423
$79
Why This Pick Wins
Random orbit for final pass — smooths without swirl marks before staining
Pro Tips
- ✓ Start with 60 grit to remove old finish
- ✓ Sand with the grain on the final pass
- ✓ Replace belts when they load up — worn belts burn wood
- ✓ Wear a respirator, not just a dust mask
- ✓ Pressure-treated wood contains toxic preservatives — always wear a respirator. Old stain may contain lead — test before sanding.
Compare tools side-by-side
Browse All Sanders →Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for best sander for deck refinishing?
A belt sander or random orbit sander with 60-80 grit, respirator, safety glasses, and extension cord
Tip 1 for sanders: Start with 60 grit to remove old finish
Start with 60 grit to remove old finish
Tip 2 for sanders: Sand with the grain on the final pass
Sand with the grain on the final pass
Tip 3 for sanders: Replace belts when they load up
Replace belts when they load up — worn belts burn wood
Tip 4 for sanders: Wear a respirator, not just a dust mask
Wear a respirator, not just a dust mask
Tip 5 for sanders: Pressure-treated wood contains toxic preservatives
Pressure-treated wood contains toxic preservatives — always wear a respirator. Old stain may contain lead — test before sanding.
Which sanders brand is best for for deck refinishing?
For sander for deck refinishing, our top pick is the DeWalt DW352 because 3" x 21" belt sander — aggressive enough to flatten crowned boards. See our full picks above for alternatives at different price points.