A wooden deck’s lifespan and appearance can be maintained and extended by sanding the surface.
Some homeowners might wonder if a drywall sander can be used on a wood deck in addition to a traditional orbital sander for this task.
Can You Use a Drywall Sander on Wood Deck?
Yes. A drywall sander can be used on wood decking. The boards should not be over sanded or they may crack. To protect the boards’ edges, do not sand their edges.
In this article, we’ll look at some alternatives to using a drywall sander on a wooden deck as well as the benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
See Also: Is an Electric Drywall Sander Worth It?
Can a Drywall Sander Be Used on a Wood Deck? – Guide
A power tool made specifically for drywall sanding is called a drywall sander. It typically has a long handle and a fast-rotating, rectangular sanding head.
Typically, a flexible hose from the sanding head is connected to a dust collection bag or vacuum.
The purpose of drywall sanders is to remove rough edges from the drywall and prepare it for painting or wallpapering.
Pros of Using a Drywall Sander on a Wood Deck
Speed: Using a drywall sander on a wood deck has a number of benefits, including speed.
The sanding head’s rapid rotation can quickly remove rough patches and smooth the wood’s surface.
When compared to using a standard orbital sander, this can save homeowners a lot of time.
Dust Collection: Drywall sanders are made to collect dust as they work, which can keep the work area tidy and lessen the amount of debris that needs to be cleaned up after sanding. This is particularly useful when sanding a sizable wooden deck.
Cons of Sanding Drywall with a Machine on a Wood Deck
Damage to the Wood: One of the main drawbacks of using a drywall sander on a wood deck is the potential for damage to the wood from the sanding head’s high-speed rotation.
The wood may become scorched or even catch fire as a result of the sanding head’s rapid movement, which can generate heat.
The drywall sander’s bulky weight can also leave the wood with deep dings and grooves that might be challenging to fix.
Difficulty in Sanding Tight Spaces: Drywall sanders are made to be used on big, flat surfaces like walls and ceilings, making it difficult to sand in small spaces.
They might not be appropriate for sanding curves or confined areas on a wooden deck.
Alternative Techniques for Sanding a Deck Made of Wood
Sanding by Hand: Sanding by hand involves using sandpaper and a sanding block to manually smooth out a wooden deck.
Although it takes longer than using a power sander, this approach offers greater control and accuracy. Additionally, the likelihood of the wood being harmed is lower.
Orbital Sander: A power tool called an orbital sander is made specifically for sanding wood. It has a circularly rotating, rounded sanding head.
Orbital sanders are less likely to harm the wood than drywall sanders because they are less aggressive.
Power Hand Sander: A power tool that resembles an orbital sander but is smaller and easier to use is a power hand sander. On a wooden deck, this tool works well for sanding curves and confined areas.
Can I Use a Drywall Sander on Decking?
No, you cannot use a drywall sander on decking. Drywall sanders are designed for sanding drywall and other surfaces with gypsum-based joint compounds.
Decking is usually made of wood, plastic, or composite material and will require a different type of sander.
For example, a belt sander is better suited for sanding wood decking because it can remove material faster and the belt will be less likely to clog with the sawdust created from sanding.
A random orbital sander is a better option for sanding plastic or composite decking since it can provide a smoother finish without creating deep scratches.
Conclusion
In short, using a drywall sander on a wood deck is possible but not advised. The wood may be harmed by the high-speed rotation of the sanding head, and a drywall sander might not be the best tool for sanding curves or tight spaces.
Hand sanding, orbital sanding, and power hand sanding are additional options for sanding a wooden deck.
I hope this blog post is helpful for you in understanding can you use a drywall sander on wood deck.
Read Also: Can You Rent a Drywall Sander?
FAQ’s
can drywall sander be used on wood?
Can a drywall sander be used on wood? Yes, a drywall sander can be used on wood.
It is important to note, however, that a drywall sander is designed for use on drywall and may not be as effective on wood as a regular belt or orbital sander.
Additionally, it is important to use the proper sandpaper grit for the type of wood you are working with.
Can you use a wood deck sander Instead of Drywall Sander?
No, a wood deck sander should not be used instead of a drywall sander.
While wood deck sanders are designed to sand wooden surfaces, drywall sanders are designed to sand drywall and other surfaces that require more precision and finesse.
A wood deck sander will likely cause more damage than good when used on drywall.
