Need pressure washer for deck prep - gas or electric?

Hey all, I'm getting ready to strip and re-stain my 12x16 wood deck. It's got a lot of old flaky stain and some mildew. I know a pressure washer would make prep way easier, but I'm stuck on gas vs electric. I've got a decent budget (~$300) and don't mind maintenance. Also, what PSI/GPM should I look for? Don't wanna damage the wood. Any specific models you guys swear by? Thanks!

For deck prep, you def want electric. Gas is overkill and you risk etching the wood if you're not careful. I've got a Sun Joe SPX3000 and it's been solid for 3 years. 2030 PSI, 1.76 GPM, comes with 5 quick-connect tips. Use the 40-degree (white) tip and keep the wand moving. Also, get a surface cleaner attachment – saves so much time. Don't bother with gas unless you're doing concrete driveways regularly.

+1 on electric. I used a buddy's gas Ryobi on my cedar deck and even with a wide tip, it fuzzed up the grain something awful. Had to sand forever. Now I use a cheap Greenworks 1500 PSI for deck work – plenty for stripping. Just make sure you use a wood cleaner first, then pressure wash, then let it dry a couple days before staining. Oh, and don't get too close – 6-8 inches away minimum. Patience is key.

If you're gonna buy, buy once. I've had my Makita HW102 for 5 years, zero issues. It's electric, 1300 PSI, but the build quality is top notch. For decks, you don't need high PSI – you need consistent flow. I'd recommend getting a model with a metal pump, not plastic. Also, invest in a good hose – the stock ones kink like crazy. As for brand, Makita all the way, but Sun Joe is decent for the price if you're on a budget.

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Sounds like electric is the way to go. I'll check out the Sun Joe and that Makita. One more thing: do I need a chemical injector for deck cleaner, or can I just use a pump sprayer? I've got a 2-gallon sprayer already.