
How to sand a deck with an orbital sander?
How to Sand a Deck for Refinishing?
- Wash your deck. The first step is to clean the deck with a power washer. ...
- Sand the main deck boards. Now, place the belt or floor sander on one side of the deck and work your way across. ...
- Sand the handrails. Once you have completed the deck, start sanding the handrails with 80 to 100-grit sandpaper. ...
- Wash After Sanding. ...
What is the best small random orbital sander?
- BEST OVERALL: Makita 18V Random Orbit Sander
- BEST VALUE: DEWALT Random Orbit Sander
- BEST FOR PROS: Dynabrade Air Random Orbital Sander
- BEST FOR TIGHT SPOTS: Chicago Pneumatic Mini Random Orbital Sander
What is best Sander for decks?
Best Deck Sanders The Makita 9403 Belt Sander. The Bosch OS50VC Orbital Finishing Sander. The Hitachi SB8V2 Variable Speed Belt Sander. The PORTER-CABLE 352VS Variable-Speed Belt Sander.
How to use a belt sander on a deck?
- The first step is to secure the sander with a vice or clamps.
- Next, match the angle of the blade parallel to the sand belt.
- Turn on the sander and move the chisel, scissors, or knife across the circulating belt.
- Do a few passes and then flip the chisel or knife to the other side and run the edges across the belt sander.

Should I use an orbital sander on my deck?
Remember that woods used on decks are typically soft-wood species. Belt sanders, whether hand-held models or large uprights, tend to gouge softwoods, so an oscillating or random orbit sander is usually the better choice. Make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you sand.
How do you put orbital sand on a deck?
2:0810:04How To Sand A Cedar Deck With A 5.5" Orbital Sander - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you will feel the difference as well it's quite coarse the 60 grit is pretty rough so we need toMoreAnd you will feel the difference as well it's quite coarse the 60 grit is pretty rough so we need to smooth that off so you just hold it you just line up the holes on the pad of the sander.
What is the easiest way to sand a deck?
0:572:13How To Sand A Deck - DIY At Bunnings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're using the belt sander first up to do the bulk of the work and we're using a medium sandpaperMoreWe're using the belt sander first up to do the bulk of the work and we're using a medium sandpaper as the deck is in pretty good condition. So it's important to stick with the grain.
How long does it take to sand a deck with an orbital sander?
Most decks take two passes with a power sander; the first with 20 to 50 grit and the second with 60 to 80. Expect to take 5-hours for the two passes on 100sqft of decking.
What sander is best for outside decks?
random orbital sanderA random orbital sander is a specialized tool that sands wood in an elliptical pattern. It's the most efficient sander to use when refinishing a deck, as they're easy and practical to use.
Can you use an orbital sander on wood?
Is an Orbital Sander Good for Wood? Yes, orbital sanders can effectively sand wood. However, you should keep in mind that regular orbital sanders can leave circular marks on wood surfaces.
Can you use a floor sander to sand a deck?
It is possible to use a floor sander to sand your deck, although we still advise you to use a hand-held belt sander for best results. The steps for sanding with a floor sander are very similar to the ones described above, except you replace the step using the belt sander with using the floor sander.
Does sanding ruin pressure treated wood?
Sanding pressure-treated wood is actually contraindicated because, as Sand & Stain warns, you'll end up partially removing the protective coating created by the pressure treatment, and the wood will look terrible.
What grit sandpaper should I use to sand a deck?
Sand the Deck Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails. After sanding, vacuum the deck thoroughly to ensure that dust does not settle on the new finish.
Can you use a floor sander on a wooden deck?
Some homeowners will want to rent a big floor sander to do a large wooden surface like a deck floor. Don't do that. These machines are heavy and they won't be able to reach the entire surface of most wooden planks. Floor sanders can only sand surfaces that are perfectly flat, and deck boards are slightly curved.
Should I power wash my deck before sanding?
DO sand your deck before sealing. It can take up to 48 hours for the deck to fully dry. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. A pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper will suffice; a power sander is overkill.
What if it rains after sanding deck?
2. Now you can start sanding. It's important that you make sure there is no chance of rain when you begin to sand. If the wood gets wet after it's been sanded, but not before you've had the chance to stain or paint it, you'll be back to square one — you'll need to wash and sand it all over again.
What is a random orbital sander?
Random Orbital Sanders. Random Orbital sanders are also popular for sanding decks. This is a sander that uses a large, round surface that is spun by the motor. They are like floor sanders but are smaller with the disc or surface close to the hands for better control. The one issue with orbital sanders is that they can create circular patterns in ...
What is the best tool to sand decking?
1. Belt Sander . The belt sander is the most traditional and probably the most familiar of all power sanding devices. It has the maximum material removal rate out of all the handheld power sanders. For most homeowners, with small and mid-sized decking a belt sander with coarse and fine sandpapers should do the job.
Can a disc sander remove gunk from a deck?
Disc sanders can also be used, but they generally do not work if there is gunk present on the surface. If the deck has a buildup of gunk, a belt or floor sander can remove it rather easily, but a disc sander will have lots of issues.
Can you use a belt sander on a floor?
You can use a floor sander for finishing, although it will not be nearly as effective as a belt sander. This is because with a floor sander you have less overall control and cannot apply the pressure as evenly or effectively as a belt sander. Worse, if you do lose control it can gouge the deck and cause damage that will take a considerable effort ...
Can you use a file sander to sand drywall?
The same is true for file sanders which are great for sanding in tight places. The result is a clean surface that can be protected. You could also use a drywall sander to do the job, but they are expensive compared to the belt and orbital sanders.
Can orbital sanders create circular patterns?
The one issue with orbital sanders is that they can create circular patterns in the wood unless you keep moving your sander. Belt sanders may also create marks, but they are not nearly as obvious and easier to redress in case you see such evidence.
Can you sand a deck by hand?
You might sand the deck by hand, but that is not a good idea. Putting aside the exhaustion and time it will take to sand by hand, the results will most likely be uneven. So, the best choice is to get a power sander.
What should I do when sanding a deck?
When sanding a deck, the first step should be an inspection. Check for protruding screws or nails, loose fastenings, and rotten wood. Once you’ve made repairs, you should wash the deck and allow it to dry. Afterward, use a sander to sand the deck and the edges before cleaning and applying a finish.
How often should I sand a deck?
Sanding your deck is necessary if you want it to look neat and new despite being in use for several years. Ideally, you should sand your deck every two to three years (depending on your location).
What kind of sandpaper should I use for stained wood?
As a rule of thumb, excessively stained hardwood surfaces need coarse grit sandpapers. Below is a brief guideline on what to expect from the various grits. Extra coarse sandpaper: This type of sandpaper is ideal for deep sanding projects with a lot of stains, surface roughness, and dirt buildup.
How do I get rid of fade marks on a deck?
To get rid of the unsightly fade marks, you’ll need to sand your deck carefully with the right grit sandpaper. If you’re the type that fancies DIY projects, then it’s necessary to observe some crucial steps to sand your deck successfully. When sanding a deck, the first step should be an inspection.
What is the best oil for decking?
Advantages of Oiling a Deck 1 Many decking oils contain UV filters that help slow down the harmful effects of UV light on timber. For enhanced protection, it is advisable to settle for decking oils that are darker colored. 2 Decking oils are easy to apply, maintain, and clean. With decking oils, you won’t need to strip to bare wood when looking to apply a maintenance or replenishing top coat. 3 Decking oils don’t crack, flake, blister, or peel, making them ideal for decks. 4 Decking oils allow for improved grip since they don’t have a plastic-like film similar to stains. This allows you to make the most of timber’s naturally uneven texture.
What is a belt sander?
Belt Sander. Also known as a strip sander, a belt sander is ideal for removing stubborn stains, finishes, and paints from wood. Once fitted with sandpaper, a belt sander can smoothen an initially rough surface. Belt sanders are commonly used in the first round of sanding and are ideal for large decks.
Why do you need to stain a deck?
Staining the deck is a great way to enhance your deck’s resistance to elements like sunlight, rainfall, and the occasional spills. As a result, it is important to stain your deck once it’s clean and dry.
Why is it important to sand a deck?
Importance of Properly Sanding a Wood Deck. When a deck is first installed, there is nothing protecting the wood. If you opt to keep it this way, it will become worn over time , and the color will begin to fade to a silvery-gray color. While this worn color can be beautiful, if you want to ensure the longest life of your wood deck in ...
What pressure do you use on a deck?
Alternatively, for hardwood decks, you can use a turbo nozzle with a pressure of 3,000 to 4,000 psi. Be sure to keep the pressure washer nozzle constantly moving; otherwise, it can cut into the wood and cause damage. 5. Once you have power washed your deck, it needs time to dry.
How long does a stain last on a deck?
Typically, you want to sand your deck before you reapply certain kinds of stains or finishes to your deck. Water-based stains last around 2- to 3-years and require complete removal of the old stain through sanding before a new coat of stain is applied. Alternatively, while oil-based stains tend to last around 1- to 2-years, ...
Do you need to pressure wash a deck?
If the deck cleaners and brighteners have removed all of the dirt, then you may not need this step. However, to ensure your deck is clean, it’s a good idea to pressure wash as well. For softwood decks, it’s best to practice caution and use a fan nozzle with a pressure of no more than 2,000 psi.
Do you need to clean and sand a wood deck before staining?
For that, you need to stain your deck, and before you can stain it, you need to clean and sand it.
How does a random orbital sander work?
The random orbital sanders have been designed to operate with minimal pressure. This makes this tool very easy to use, and no more energy is required for you to achieve the desired results. Pressing down this toll will slow the RPM causing it to decrease the performance. Applying excess force will also make the sander less efficient, thus shortening the life of the motor.
What is a sander?
A sander is a powerful tool that operates using abrasion. They are designed with the ability to attach the sandpaper and a system to initiate instant movements accommodating a casing with the mode to hand-hold it or secure it to a workbench. Woodworking sanders are electrically powered while sander used in auto-body repair shops by pneumatic systems.
Can you use an orbital sander with a vacuum?
If you need a vacuum system to tackle small jobs , using it with an orbital sander can work better. Vacuum systems are always expensive and, at times, difficult to set up. If you are in a garage or a workshop, install the vacuum on the power tools such as a sander, miter saw, or the circular saw. This will, in turn, make your cleaning easier and save you time.
Does an orbital sander come with a dust collection bag?
Sure orbital sander comes with different modes of dust collection. Ensure to use this function properly . For those that have a collection bag, ensure it is properly fitted and connected. Those that have got a hose attached to a dust collection system ensure the discharge bag or canister is well set up.
Why use a random orbital sander?
Woodworkers generally use a random orbital sander to increase the speed of sanding in the first place, so there is no need to accelerate that further and potentially mess up a workpiece. Sanding at a relatively slow, steady pace produces the best results, though this may differ slightly depending on the grit of the sandpaper.
How does a random orbital sander work?
However, the random orbital sander rotates the pad in more of an elliptical or ovular pattern than the true circular one like a traditional orbital sander does.
What is the best tool for sanding?
One of the best tools for general sanding work is the random orbital sander. However, understanding how a random orbital sander works and how to use it properly is critical. As such, this article will teach you how to use a random orbital sander.
How many different grits of sandpaper are there?
There are 19 different sandpaper grits, though most jobs involving an orbital sander will rarely use sandpaper with a grit exceeding the low to mid-200s. That said, there is still a world of difference in the amount of material that 40-grit sandpaper takes off compared to 200-grit. On top of that, the different grits leave a different finish to ...
Step 1: Make Repairs
Wear protective eyewear and a dust mask at the beginning. Use the push broom and start cleaning the deck. Remove all debris. Make sure all the fasteners are properly joined. If they are not, take the screws and drill them. Use the nails, hammer and screwdriver bits for additional support.
Step 2: Clean Every Area
Use warm water and pour it in a bucket along with the detergent. Mix all of them up and create a solution. Wet the mop and use it to clean the deck. Clear the whole thing with fresh water and let it dry for a day or two, depending upon weather conditions.
Step 3: Start Sanding the Deck
Take the 20-grit sandpaper and attach it to the floor sander. Fit it properly so that you don’t face any problems afterward. Then, start sanding the deck slowly. After you are done with that, take the palm sander and sand all the corners. Don’t forget to sand beneath the bench.
Step 4: Take Care of the Broken Areas
As the deck is old, it is highly predictable that it will have multiple cracks or even holes. You can solve this problem by using epoxy wood filler. Apply the filler onto the affected areas with the help of a putty knife. Check whether the cracks or holes are filled with epoxy or not. When all of them are properly flat, leave it to dry and settle.
Step 5: Give it a Final Touch
If you find some minor scratches, increase the grit number of the sandpaper. Finish the whole thing with 100-grit sandpaper. This will make the surface smoother and will give a shiny look to your deck. After this process, clean the area with the vacuum cleaner.
