I Tested 8 Sanders for Furniture: These are the Best (2024)

If you’re refinishing furniture – you’re going to need a sander at some point. That’s why I put together this list of the best sanders for furniture refinishing and one you should avoid. Let’s dig in!

In a hurry? The best sander for furniture is the Makita 5″ Random Orbit Sander. This sander is very powerful and great for furniture restoration. It’s perfect on any wood surface and it does a good job of collecting sanding dust.

Best Sanders for Furniture

• #1 Best Overall – Makita Orbital Sander
• Best Budget Sander for Furniture – Black & Decker Orbital Sander
• Runner Up Best Random Orbital Sander – BOSCH Orbital Sander
• Best Belt Sander for Furniture – Makita Belt Sander
• Best Cordless Sander – DeWalt 20V Orbital Sander
• Best Detail Sander – SKIL Detail Sander
• Best Finishing Sander for Furniture – Craftsman Palm Sander
• Best Sander for Furniture with Vacuum Attachment – Makita Orbital Sander

Compare the Top Furniture Sanders

Product	Max Speed	Size	Motor	Warranty	Read Review
Makita Orbital Sander	12,000 OPM	5″	3 amps	1-year	See Review ↓
BOSCH Random Orbital Sander	12,000 OPM	5″	2.5 amps	1-year	See Review ↓
Makita Belt Sander	1,440 FPM	4″ x 24″	8.8 amps	1-year	See Review ↓
DeWalt 20V Cordless Sander	12,000 OPM	5″	2 amps	3-years	See Review ↓
Black and Decker Orbital Sander	12,000 OPM	5″	2 amps	2-years	See Review ↓
SKIL Detail Sander	13,500 OPM	NA	1.2 amps	1-year	See Review ↓
Craftsman Palm Sander	13,500 OPM	NA	2 amps	3-years	See Review ↓
BLACK+DECKER Cordless Mouse Sander	12,000 OPM	NA	20V	2-years	See Review ↓

1. Makita 5″ Random Orbital Sander – Best Overall

If you’re looking for the best sander for furniture overall, this Makita 5″ Random orbital sander is your best bet.

I’ve been using this sander for months now and it has everything you could want in a sander – power, great dust collection, and versatility.

This sander can produce up to 12,000 OPM thanks to its 3 amp motor – making it one of the most powerful sanders on my list.

It’s extremely comfortable and include an additional rubber grip that can make it even easier to handle.

It does a decent job at collecting dust and you can easily detach the bag to empty it as needed. Changing the sandpaper pads was easy and the trigger was simple to use.

What I Liked:

• Very powerful and versatile so you can use it on many different projects
• The additional grip provided more security when sanding
• Super easy to change sanding disc
• Large trigger that makes it easy to use and avoids accidentally turning it on

What I Didn’t Like:

• Because it’s an orbital sander, you’ll have to sand corners manually
• Doesn’t come with a sanding pad in the box

See it in action 👇

2. BOSCH Random Orbital Sander

Another great random orbital sander is the BOSCH Corded Orbital Sander. I didn’t like this sander quite as much as the Makita above, but it still did a good job of removing the existing finish on my furniture.

It’s slightly less powerful with a 2.5 Amp motor compared to the 3 amp motor of the Makita, but it can still produce up to 12,000 OPM of speed.

It was a relatively comfortable sander and the sanding disc was simple to exchange. This is the best sander for small to medium sized furniture projects.

What I Liked:

• Good value for the price
• Pretty powerful and effective at removing finish on furniture

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not as powerful as some other sanders
• Didn’t like the plastic dust collection system
• Only a single speed setting

See it in action 👇

3. Makita Belt Sander – Best Belt Sander

If you’re working on a large piece of furniture, a belt sander is a great choice – and this Makita Belt Sander is your best option.

It comes in two sizes, a 4″ x 24″ sander or a 3″ x 21″ furniture sander, which can be nice depending on the size of your furniture.

While you’re going to pay more for belt sanders in general, I think they’re worth it for large projects. For example, if you’re sanding the surface of an entire dining room table, this sander will sand the furniture surface in a few minutes.

This sander has an 8.8 amp motor to give you an idea of how powerful it is (most other sanders max out at about 3 amps).

This is also the best sander for decks and an amazing sander for hardwood floors that require a larger sanding surface.

What I Liked:

• Very fast and efficient sander that’s perfect for larger projects
• Variable speed
• Two sizes available – 3″ or 4″ wide and 21″ or 24″ long
• Belt was super easy to exchange so you won’t waste time trying to swap out the belt

What I Didn’t Like:

• Much more expensive than smaller sanders
• Much heavier than other sanders which can be difficult to manage

See it in action 👇

4. DeWalt 20V Cordless Sander – Best Cordless Sander

If you’re looking for a cordless sander that’s powerful and great for removing paint, this DeWalt 20V Cordless Sander is an excellent choice.

One of the big benefits is that it features the same battery as the rest of DeWalts’ cordless tools, so you can easily swap out the battery with your other tools when needed.

This sander can produce 8,000 to 12,000 OPM while sanding and it’s super easy to change the speed as desired.

You can easily swap our the sanding pads with the hook and loop system and the rubberized ergonomic grip is comfortable to use.

What I Liked:

• No cords!
• Powerful, brushless motor with many different speeds
• Versatile sander that works on a handful of projects
• Decent dust collection system
• Very comfortable grip

What I Didn’t Like:

• Somewhat more expensive than corded models
• Need to be sure the battery is charged before starting your work
• Not great around tight spaces

See it in action 👇

5. Black and Decker Orbital Sander – Best Budget Sander

If you’re on a budget and want the best sander for furniture that your money can buy, this Black and Decker Random Orbital Sander was surprisingly strong and effective.

This sander is comparable to the BOSCH sander above, only slightly less powerful. When I first opened the box, I had thought this electric sander was going to be subpar because of the price, but it actually did a great job.

It can produce speeds up to 12,000 OPM with its 2 amp motor and it’s more lightweight than other sanders making it perfect for pieces of furniture that aren’t flat.

The sanding pad was extremely easy to swap out and it’s a comfortable sander to use on furniture and a wide range of wood surfaces.

What I Liked:

• Very good value for the quality
• More powerful than I thought
• Very affordable
• Lightweight that makes sanding furniture easy

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not great for tight spaces and corners
• Not quite as powerful as more expensive options
• Single speed

See it in action 👇

6. SKIL Detail Sander – Best Detail Sander for Furniture

If you’re want the best detail sander for furniture refinishing, this SKIL Detail Sander is a tremendous option that is powerful and effective on all types of furniture.

This mouse sander does a great job in tight areas when compared to other types of sanders and the sanding pad was pretty easy to change.

It comes with a few different attachments that can make it easier to sand some areas which is very convenient for furniture refinishing on pieces like chairs and furniture legs.

This palm sander doesn’t provide a great deal of power with a 1.2 amp motor and it only has a single speed setting, so it’s not great for wooden furniture projects that have a thicker finish.

What I Liked:

• Versatile sander that can handle open areas and corners
• Comfortable grip
• Easy to replace the sanding pad
• Good value for the price

What I Didn’t Like:

• Dust collection wasn’t great
• Not as powerful and only one speed setting

See it in action 👇

7. Craftsman Palm Sander – Best Sheet Sander

If you’re in the market for a sheet or finishing sander, this Craftsman Palm Sander is a great choice I’d recommend.

It features a 2 amp motor that can produce up to 12,500 OPM of speed. It’s not as powerful as the Maikta or BOSCH random orbital sanders, but it’s still quite powerful for the price.

It’s not great for tighter spaces because of the shape, but it’s good for furniture projects that need a light sanding across the entire surface.

This sander delivered a smooth finish and it’s one of the best sanders for furniture refinishing you’ll find.

What I Liked:

• Good value for the price
• Easy to exchange the sanding paper

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not great for tight corners and spaces
• Not as powerful as other sanders

8. Black and Decker Cordless Mouse Sander

There’s only one sander I really wouldn’t recommend and that’s the Black and Decker Detail Sander. This cordless sander was not nearly as good as the DeWalt sander and the battery was awful.

Apart from being very difficult to secure the battery into the sander, it also didn’t last long at all once I started sanding.

Finally, because the power button is located exactly where your hand is, I was constantly turning it off and on.

What I Liked:

• The price
• No cords

What I Didn’t Like:

• Battery was extremely difficult to attach and didn’t hold charge long
• Felt very cheaply made
• Power button poorly located

See it in action 👇

What to Consider When Buying a Sander for Furniture

Power & Speed

Whenever it comes to power tools, the power they produce is one of the main consideration you’ll want to analyze before making your purchase.

In most cases, corded sanders will be more powerful than cordless models (except the DeWalt 20V Sander).

The power of your sander is measured in amps and can range from 2 amps to over 8 amps.

Speed can be measured in a couple different ways depending on the type of sander. For example, orbital sanders measure speed in OPM, or orbits per minute. Belt sanders, on the other hand, measure speed in RPM, or revolutions per minute.

Many sanders will feature a dial that can adjust the speed of your sander if you’re looking for a smooth finish on your project.

Type

The type of sander is another critical consideration when choosing which sander is best.

There are a few main types of sanders including:

• Orbital Sander – these are some of the most common sanders on the market and are great for sanding furniture. They aren’t as efficient as a belt sander for larger projects, but they are less expensive and more versatile.
• Random Orbital Sander – similar to an orbital sander except this sander also moves back and forth in addition to the circular motion. These are more effective for rougher surfaces.
• Palm sanders – a name for sanders that are held in your palm
• Belt Sander – belt sanders are larger and faster when it comes to sanding
• Rotary Sanders – handheld sander that rotates in a circular motion
• Detail Sanders – detail sanders are better for smaller spaces
• Sheet Sanders – also know as finishing sanders, these are best for lightweight sanding
• Spindle sanders – sanders designed for curved areas that cannot be reached by other types of sanders

Additionally, sanders can come in both corded and cordless models, depending on which you prefer. I wouldn’t say that one is better than the other, they’re just different.

Here’s a quick comparison chart that can help you decide which type of sander is best for your project!

Type of Sander:	Best For:
Orbital Sander	Small to medium sized projects
Belt Sander	Larger projects
Sheet or Finishing Sander	Projects that require a smooth surface
Rotary Sander	Medium sized projects
Detail Sander	Small and medium sized projects with tight corners
Spindle Sander	Projects with curves that other sanders can’t reach

Durability, Longevity, and Warranty

The durability and longevity of your sander is another key consideration. After all, if you’re spending good money on a sander, the last thing you want is for it to break after the first use.

In general, most sanders should last for at least 2 years. Some sanders can last for decades if you care for them properly.

The warranty provided can give you some additional peace of mind so take a look to see how long your sander is covered. Most sanders will come with a minimum 1 year warranty, but some can exceed 5 years.

Size of Sander

Sanders come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re doing a lot of furniture restoration, the size of the sander is something to consider.

Orbital sanders can come in a few different sizes. The most common are 5″ or 6″ models. Belt sanders feature a much larger sanding surface which can help you sand faster. Lastly, detail sanders can work into tight corners that other sanders can’t reach.

The size of sander you should choose will depend on what furniture you’re working with, if you have other sanders, and your budget.

Vacuum & Dust Collection

Whenever you sand, dust is always an issue. Buying a sander with poor dust collection can mean problems down the line.

This is why finding a sander with solid dust collection is so important. Some sander will feature a dust collection bag and some will have the ability to connect to an external vacuum.

I found that sanders with a hard plastic dust collector are the most difficult to use in tighter areas, which is something you should consider.

Ease of Use

Changing sanding pads is a common process when using power sanders, but some sanders make it easier than others.

You want to opt for a sander that makes it easy to change the sanding pad and empty the dust collection bag.

Versatility

When buying a sander, it’s important to consider how many different projects you can use it on. After all, you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a sander that can only be used for a specific task, right?

Some sanders are more versatile than others.

For example, a detail sander can be great for tough to reach areas, but they will require more time when working on a larger project.

Comfort

Many furniture projects can require a decent amount of sanding. How comfortable your sander is can make the job easier and quicker. Many sanders have a rubberized grip, but some are more comfortable than others.

Battery Duration

If you’re opting for a cordless model, the battery is a critical component that should help you decide which is best. You’ll want to pick a model that offers both power and one that can hold a charge for longer than a few minutes.

Accessories

Out of the box, some sanders will come with accessories that can be helpful. Some sanders won’t come with sanding pads in the box, so be sure to purchase some so you can start working.

What Grit Sandpaper for Sanding Wood Furniture?

The grit of sandpaper you should use will ultimately depend on where you are in your refinishing process.

For example, if you’ve just get started, you’re going to want to go with a course grit sandpaper that can remove more paint and stain. I usually go with 60 or 80 grit.

However, if you’ve already completed some light sanding, you’ll want to move to a finer grit sandpaper for a smoother finish. For these situations, I usually got with a 180 or 240 grit sandpaper.

Check out the video below if you need help sanding furniture!

FAQs

What kind of sander is best for sanding furniture?

The best type of sander for furniture is either a random orbital sander or a detail sander. These can be used on a wide range of projects ranging in size.

What’s the best sander for stripping wood?

The best sander for stripping wooden furniture is the Makita Random Orbit Sander. This sander will easily remove the existing paint or stain from your furniture project and is a high quality sander that will last for years.

What is the fastest way to sand furniture?

The fastest way to sand furniture is by using a power sander. If you’re working on a larger piece, using a belt sander is the fastest way to sand furniture. For medium sized pieces, an orbital sander is the fastest option.

Can you use an orbital sander to sand furniture?

Yes! Orbital sanders can be used for a variety of sanding jobs including furniture refinishing. While you won’t be able to sand in all of the nooks and crannies that furniture have, it’s a good sander for general use.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the best sander for furniture is the Makita Random Orbital Sander. This sander is a great option for a wide range of projects and has incredible power for even the toughest jobs.

If you’re looking for a less expensive option, the Black and Decker Sander performed extremely well for the price. It’s not as powerful, but it’s significantly less expensive.

Finally, if you want a faster sander for larger projects, the best belt sander for furniture is the Makita Belt Sander.