By Timothy Dale | Updated May 25, 2022 11:11 AM

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Furniture projects and repairs can be challenging if you don’t take the proper steps to prepare the wood. By using abrasive sandpaper and rapid oscillation, sanders can grind away the top surface of the wood so it’s ready for staining or lacquer.

Several different types of sanders are suitable for making or repairing furniture. You can use a palm, belt, rotary, detail, or random orbital sander to remove old paint, sand down rough patches, and revitalize old furniture. The best sander for furniture depends on the type of furniture, the size of the project, and whether there are tight corners, rounded edges, or difficult angles that need sanding.

This list of top products includes a range of sander options to help you find the best sander for furniture refinishing. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.

While sanding down furniture is a common step in refinishing tables, chairs, wardrobes, standing closets, and more, some DIYers might prefer to strip the paint or lacquer to preserve the wood. Stripping the wood involves using a paint and varnish remover to chemically break down the finish on the furniture.

Stripping often is faster than sanding, and it doesn’t damage the furniture underneath. However, stripping furniture can get messy quickly, especially with larger projects. It also requires the use of powerful chemicals, requiring proper breathing protection and a well-ventilated space in which to work. It takes some time between applying the paint stripper and removing the paint for the stripper to eat through the old finish.

Some people find it difficult to simply wait around for paint to “melt,” and those who get impatient and wipe the remover away too soon can leave layers of paint or lacquer in the wood that prevent the even absorption of a new lacquer. This can cause the furniture to become stained and blotchy. In this case, sanding is quicker and more effective. Whether you choose to sand or to strip, don’t rush the process. The final outcome will be worth the extra time, especially with the best sander.

While trying to decide on the best sander for furniture refinishing and repairs, consider what type of sander would be ideal for the project. Keep in mind that there are cordless, corded, and pneumatic sander choices, and each can operate at different speeds. Some sanders even use variable-speed triggers, giving more control to the user. Read on for more details about what to consider when choosing the best sander for your furniture projects.

Five main types of sanders help complete woodworking projects; these include belt, random orbital, rotary, detail, and palm sanders.

Sanders typically get power in one of three ways: electrical cords, rechargeable batteries, or compressed air in a pneumatic system.

The speed of the sander refers to how quickly the sandpaper moves; however, the speed is measured differently depending on the type of sander. Detail sanders measure speed in oscillations per minute, while palm, rotary, and random orbital sanders measure speed in orbits per minute.

To make things a little more confusing, both oscillations per minute and orbits per minute can be written as OPM. Belt sanders stray from this naming scheme. They measure speed in revolutions per minute, or RPM.

Regardless of the sander type, the basic principles for managing sander speeds are essentially the same. High speeds will tear away a lot of material in a hurry, but they typically leave behind a somewhat rough surface. Lowering the speed will slow down the rate of material removal, but it allows the sander to create a fine, smooth finish.

If the versatility and maneuverability of a cordless sander appeals more than having to deal with a power cord or an air compressor, a final concern to address is the battery runtime. Runtime describes the amount of time the sander can operate on a full battery charge. However, this doesn’t take into account the type of sander or material, the age of the battery, or the experience of the user.

Difficult materials like robust hardwood require more energy to get the desired results and can wear down the battery at a faster pace than softer materials. Similarly, a powerful belt sander will typically use more energy than a palm or detail sander simply due to the tool’s size. The frequency with which the battery is used and recharged can also reduce the runtime after continuous use.

Before picking up a random pack of sandpaper, consider the size of the sanding pad. Depending on the type of sander, sandpaper might come in square sheets, circular sanding discs, sandpaper belts, and custom sheets. Sandpaper sheets for rotary sanders are typically just standard pieces of sandpaper that are large enough to fit the sanding pad, so users don’t need to worry about product-specific paper.

Palm and random orbit sanders use circular sanding discs that are specific to the size of the sanding pad’s bottom. Some products use standard disc sizes, and others might use only brand-specific sanding discs, so always check the manufacturer’s directions.

Belt sanders need replacement sanding belts that match the size of the sanding drums. However, users with detail sanders might have the most difficulty finding sandpaper because the sanding pads tend to have a custom triangular shape that isn’t standard between products. Look for product-specific replacements for these sanders.

Ease of use can come down to a few key factors like weight, vibration, and control. Typically, a sander weighs between 1 and 8 pounds, depending on the type of sander and whether the product is corded, cordless, or pneumatic. Powerful versions, like belt sanders, weigh more than small palm or detail sanders, and corded products usually have large motors that can weigh more than cordless or pneumatic options.

Sanders operate at high speeds, which can produce significant vibration. To keep hands safe from muscle fatigue and strain, look for a sander with vibration-dampening padding. Ergonomic handles coated in vibration-dampening padding reduce vibrations throughout the entire sander, making the work easier on the hands.

Manufacturers might add several features to the design of their sanders to make these tools easier to use, such as pressure detection systems, dust-collection bins, built-in safety features, and included accessories.

Sanders come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, with some more appropriate for broad material removal and others meant for precise sanding in hard-to-reach locations. The versatility of a sander refers to its potential use in a range of ways for an assortment of projects. Look for sanders that can handle almost any woodworking project you want to tackle.

Palm and detail sanders support most woodworking projects, though they can’t handle heavy material removal, so it’s best to pair these types with a belt sander. Alternatively, rotary and random orbital sanders can tackle medium to large projects, but they can’t reach tight corners. Look for products with detail sanding attachments to help access these difficult angles.

The key factors and shopping tips mentioned above provide a foundation to help decide on the best sander for furniture projects. Take a look at this list of top products that were selected based on the type of sander, power, versatility, speed, and overall quality.

This Bosch random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding pad and comes with a 5-inch sanding disc, a dust canister, a vacuum adapter, and a carrying case to keep everything neat and organized. The dust canister connects directly to the sander to capture dust while the user sands, keeping the area clear and easy to see. This added visibility helps to avoid uneven sanding or missed rough patches that stand out from the furniture once painted.

This corded device weighs 3.5 pounds and has a powerful 2.5-amp motor that can drive the orbiting speed from 7,500 to 12,000 OPM. A variable-speed trigger controls the speed so users can gently sand a fine piece of furniture or rapidly remove paint, stains, or other undesirable marks from the material.

Get the Bosch random orbital sander at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and Ace Hardware.

Plug in this inexpensive SKIL corded detail sander to get up to 12,000 oscillations per minute using the 1-amp motor. The 2.3-pound detail sander has a narrow triangular sanding pad and comes with three pieces of sandpaper made to fit. It also has a built-in dust collection system, including internal fans to draw in particles, a dust collection bin, and a micro-filtration system to help collect very fine dust particles.

The corded detail sander runs at a single speed that it reaches quickly after activating the dust-sealed on-off switch, but the vibrations produced by the sander are dampened by the soft rubber grip and padded design. This insulation reduces hand fatigue and helps prevent muscle strain.

Get the SKIL detail sander on Amazon and at Walmart.

This 3.1-pound Jellas random orbital sander has six adjustable speed settings that users can easily switch between using a simple speed dial. The 2.5-amp motor drives the sanding disc at up to 13,000 OPM, but the sander can also run at lower speeds, to a minimum setting of 8,000 OPM. It has a built-in dust collection system, including internal fans to help pull in particles, and a detachable dust collection bin that is easy to empty when it fills.

The corded random orbital sander has a 5-inch sanding disc pad and comes with 18 replacement discs with a range of sandpaper grits. A rubberized palm grip design reduces vibration and muscle fatigue so woodworkers can keep going for longer periods without having to stop because of hand cramping or strain.

Get the Jellas random orbital sander on Amazon.

This corded DEWALT rotary sander weighs about 4.8 pounds and comes with an adjustable side handle to provide superior grip and balance while sanding. A variable-speed trigger gives users better control while they work, and a vibration-dampening handle helps reduce muscle fatigue and strain.

This rotary sander operates with a 6-amp motor that can drive it up to 3,700 orbits per minute. While this might seem low compared to some sanders, this is because the DEWALT rotary sander uses a powerful motor to increase the device’s torque instead of the speed. Higher torque is better for tearing away multiple layers of finish to quickly get to the wood, but it should be paired with high-grit sandpaper to produce a fine finish.

Get the DEWALT rotary sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

This 2.4-pound corded detail sander has a 1.2-amp motor and a compact shape that helps it get into tight corners. If the space is still too narrow, use the included detail sanding attachment that is small enough to fit between the bars on the back of a chair. The sander doesn’t have a variable-speed trigger, so it begins oscillating as soon as the device turns on, operating at about 14,000 OPM.

The Black & Decker detail sander is designed with a built-in dust collection system that pulls in the dust as it’s created to keep the work area clear and easy to see. This simple addition lessens the need to stop and clean up the material before continuing to sand. Its micro-filtration system prevents tiny dust particles from escaping. When the collection chamber is full, just remove it from the detail sander, empty it into a garbage can, and reattach to start working again.

Get the BLACK+DECKER detail sander at Amazon, Walmart, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

This uniquely shaped Genesis GPS080 palm sander is designed for tight corners and difficult angles. It comes with three pieces of sandpaper, including an 80-grit, 120-grit, and 240-grit piece, enabling users to begin working as soon as they can connect the sander to a power outlet. For detailed, precise sanding, this compact Genesis palm sander is a go-to option.

The 1-amp corded palm sander operates at 14,000 OPM and doesn’t have a variable-speed trigger, so when the sander starts, it rapidly reaches top speed. The tool weighs just 1.8 pounds, and it has a slender profile that helps the sander access tight corners, work within narrow gaps, and effectively sand awkward angles to ensure that the entire woodworking project has a smooth, even surface.

Get the Genesis palm sander at Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot.

Great sanders for furniture should be lightweight, powerful, and have a great dust collection system. The Bosch Palm Sander hits all those points, which is why it’s our top contender. For more heavy-duty jobs, we also recommend the DEWALT Rotary Sander.

Our recommendations for the best sanders for furniture come from a number of well-known brands that have a great track record for power tools. We selected products that have a variety of dust collection methods, variable speed adjustments, and rotation or orbital movement. Some are better suited for fine sanding and polishing, while others are best for heavy-duty sanding to power through the toughest surfaces. These variations are important for users who know that no two sanding projects are the same.

We further narrowed our research by products that have the standard round sanding surface that uses traditional hook-and-loop sanding pads and products with a pointed end that reaches farther into tight spaces. In short, there’s a sanding pad for everyone on this list (at a number of price points), which makes it a truly comprehensive collection of the best sanders for furniture.

Revitalize your furniture by sanding old and faded paint, or smooth out rough spots on a piece of custom furniture, with the best sander for furniture. But if you are still unsure about which sander is suitable for your next project or whether an orbital sander is better than a palm sander, continue reading to find answers to these questions and more.

It depends on the type of furniture, but generally, a palm sander or detail sander is the best option for refinishing furniture because their smaller shape accommodates both small and large projects. Rotary, random orbital, or belt sanders also suitable for medium and large woodworking projects.

Orbital sanders and palm sanders are suitable for different projects. Orbital sanders are large, heavy-duty tools that are best for taking on big projects, like a bed frame, headboard, and footboard, whereas palm sanders are significantly smaller and would take too long to be useful for large projects.

Use a palm sander for small woodworking projects, like a coffee table or mailbox. They also make a better choice for working with softwood because the force of the palm sander is easier to control, preventing the tool from eating through too much wood.

Users need to ensure that there is nothing between the sandpaper and the wood, like a stray piece of grit or a large pile of dust. This obstruction prevents the sander from evenly sanding down the wood. Swirl marks also can appear if the user moves the sander very quickly over the surface of the material. This creates drag that produces an uneven finish.

Avoid making a mess by covering the area with a drop cloth for protection and using a dust-collection bag on the sander. If the sander is not compatible with a dust-collection bag, you might need a partner to use a small vacuum to suck up the dust as you produce it.

Sandpaper is organized by grit. Products that have lower numbers like 40- to 50-grit indicate coarse sandpaper, while high numbers begin at about 120-grit and exceed 220-grit. These higher numbers signify fine or extra-fine sandpaper.

Coarse sandpaper can remove a lot of material at a fast pace but can leave some roughness behind. Fine sandpaper can’t remove a lot of material, but the finish is soft and smooth. Choose the sandpaper that best suits your purposes.

If sandpaper won’t stick to the sander, the reason is likely that the sander pad needs to be cleaned or replaced. Sander pads can get dirty during use and might just need to be cleaned off, but if the pad is damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced.

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