Deck renovation: Which sander/combo kit should I invest in?

Hey folks, I'm finally tackling the old deck in the backyard. It's about 300 sq ft, with some peeling stain and rough spots. I need to strip it down and reseal. I've got a basic drill and circular saw, but I'm thinking I need a decent sander and maybe a pressure washer. What do you guys recommend? Should I go with a belt sander or an orbital? And is it worth getting a combo kit with a drill/driver and impact? Budget is around $400 for everything.

Definitely get an orbital sander for the deck, not a belt. Belt sanders can gouge if you're not careful, and with deck boards, you want something that follows the contours. I've got the Makita BO5041K, it's got a nice dust collector and variable speed. For pressure washing, rent one if you can, but if you're buying, I'd go with a gas one – they have better flow. Check out the Simpson Cleaning MSH3125. As for the combo kit, don't overlook the value – a brushless drill and impact will save you time. I'd look at the Makita XT269M, but that'll eat most of your budget. Maybe go with a less expensive brand and save money for sanding discs.

I agree with Mike, orbital is the way to go. I'd also suggest getting a random orbital sander (ROS) with 5" or 6" hook and loop. The bigger the better for decks. And get a good dust bag, or hook it up to a shop vac – that's a game changer. For pressure washing, honestly, if you haven't got one, just rent from Home Depot for the day. Cheaper than buying if you only use it once a year. For the combo kit, I'm a DeWalt guy – the DCK240C2 is on sale sometimes for around $200, and it's brushless. Then you'll have room for a sander. Also, don't forget safety glasses and ear pro – your future self will thank you.

One tip for stripping: if the stain is really peeling, consider using a chemical stripper first before sanding. It'll save your sandpaper and time. And when you sand, use 60 grit first, then 120 for finish. Don't skip grits. For pressure washing, be careful not to gouge the wood – use a wide fan tip and keep it moving. And if you're resealing, make sure the wood is completely dry (moisture content under 12%) before applying. I learned that the hard way – seal too soon and it'll bubble. Also, if you're going to invest, maybe get a good brush for applying the stain – a roller is fine, but a brush gets into the grain better. Just my two cents.

Thanks guys, that's all really helpful. I think I'll go with the orbital sander and rent a pressure washer. For the combo kit, I might pick up the DeWalt DCK240C2 if it's on sale – that leaves room for a decent sander. I'll also look into a stripper – do I need to use a specific kind for decks, or is any wood stripper okay? And Sarah, thanks for the tip about moisture – I'll check that with a meter before sealing. Appreciate the help!