Best sander for a new deck?

Hey all, I'm planning to refinish my old wooden deck this summer. It's about 300 sq ft and has some old paint and rough spots. I've never used a power sander before. What should I get? I don't want to spend a fortune but I want something that works well. I've seen random orbit sanders and belt sanders mentioned. Any advice?

For a deck that size, I'd go with a cheap random orbit sander and maybe a belt sander for the heavy stuff. Harbor Freight has a decent one for like $30. But honestly, you might be better off renting a floor drum sander for the big flat areas. That'll save you time and your arms won't fall off. Trust me, I tried sanding a deck with just a palm sander once. Never again!

Hold on, don't skimp on quality. A cheap sander can leave swirl marks or tear up the wood. For a deck, you want an orbital sander with a variable speed and a dust collection hookup. Look for a 5-inch hook and loop pad, and get 60, 80, 120 grit discs. Also, use a sanding block for edges. But the real issue is if you have old paint – you might need a paint stripper first. And don't forget to check for loose nails and sand down splinters before you start.

Safety first, folks! If you're sanding old paint, that could be lead-based. Either test it or treat it like it is. Wear a respirator, not just a dust mask. Also, make sure you have a GFCI outlet for the sander and extension cord rated for outdoor use. And if you rent a floor sander, those things are loud – wear ear protection. I can't stress enough: don't be like my buddy who skipped the mask and ended up with a sinus infection. Also, always unplug when changing discs. Oh, and use a dust shroud on the orbital – your lungs will thank you.

Honestly, get a multi-tool with a sanding attachment, it's perfect for tight spots. But for the main surface, I'd recommend a Bosch GET75-6 or a Festool if you can afford it. I've got a few in my collection, and random orbit is the way to go. For a deck, you'll want a 6-inch version for faster removal. But if you're on a budget, maybe look for a used one on Craigslist – you can find great deals. Also, consider using a pressure washer to strip off loose paint first, but careful with the wood – don't damage it. Then sand with 60 grit, then 80, then 120. It's a process, but you'll get a smooth finish. Post pics when you're done!