Best sander for a 12x16 deck?

Hey everyone! I'm planning to refinish my 12x16 deck this spring. It's about 10 years old with some peeling stain and rough spots. I've been using a cheap random orbital sander but it's taking forever. Should I get a belt sander or stick with a better orbital? Budget around $150. What do you all recommend?

For a deck that size, a belt sander is gonna be your best bet for the flat surfaces. Get a Bosch 1276DVS or Makita 9903. But watch out—you can gouge the wood if you're not careful. Use 60 grit then 80. For the edges and railings, stick with a 5" orbital. Also, don't forget a dust mask and ear plugs—belt sanders are loud as hell.

Honestly, I'd go with a random orbital sander with a 6" pad. Something like the Festool Rotex RO 150. Yeah, it's over your budget but it's a beast. You can use it aggressive like a belt sander then switch to fine. But if you're set on $150, the DeWalt DWE6423 is solid. Skip the cheap Harbor Freight stuff, you'll regret it.

For a deck, I'd suggest a square-pad sander like the Porter-Cable 352VS. It covers more area than a round one and gets into corners better. But honestly, if you have a lot of peeling paint, rent a drum sander from Home Depot for a day. It'll save you hours. Just make sure to follow the grain and keep it moving. Also, check your deck for loose nails and countersink them first.

Hey, I used a cheap Ryobi belt sander on my shed and it worked fine. Just take your time and don't press too hard. For a deck, I'd say belt sander for the main area and orbital for the edges. Harbor Freight has a decent one for like $50, but it vibrates a lot. If you can stretch your budget a bit, get the Makita.