Deck sanding dilemma: orbital or belt sander?

Hey everyone, I'm about to refinish my 500 sq ft deck. It's got old paint and some rough spots. I'm torn between an orbital sander and a belt sander. My budget is around $150. What would you recommend? I've got some experience but not a lot. Thanks!

Welcome to the forums! For a deck that size with old paint, I'd say go with a belt sander for the heavy lifting. It'll tear through that paint fast. But you'll want a random orbital for the finish work to avoid swirl marks. If you have to choose one, get a belt sander with variable speed. Check out the Makita 9903; it's a beast. Just be careful not to gouge the wood.

I'm with Felix on the belt sander for the paint removal. But I'd also suggest a power planer if the deck is really uneven. I did my deck last summer and it took forever with just an orbital. Learned that lesson the hard way. Also, wear a mask! You don't want that dust in your lungs.

Don't forget to check for nails and screws before you sand. Those will eat up your belts and discs. I always sweep and use a magnet to pick up stray fasteners. And I'd recommend 36 or 40 grit for the belt sander, then move up to 80 for the orbital. If you're on a budget, you can rent a floor sander from Home Depot for the big flat areas, but they can be tricky. For $150, a good belt sander is your best bet.

If you go with a belt sander, get one with a dust bag hookup. Your lungs will thank you. And make sure you have a shop vac for the orbital. For a deck that size, you'll go through a lot of sandpaper, so get a bulk pack from Amazon. Also, remember to sand in the direction of the wood grain, not across, to avoid scratches. Good luck!