Best sander for a deck rebuild?

Hey guys, I'm rebuilding my old deck and need to strip the old paint and smooth out the wood before staining. I've got about 200 sq ft of decking. Should I get a belt sander, orbital, or something else? Budget is around $150-$200. What do you recommend?

For a deck that size, you want a good random orbital sander with dust extraction. A belt sander can be too aggressive and leave swirls. I'd recommend the Bosch ROS20VSC or a Makita BO5041. Both are around $150 and will handle the job. Use 60 grit to strip, then 80, then 120 for finish.

Don't forget a dust mask and safety glasses! Sanding old paint can kick up lead dust if it's old. Also, check for nails or screws that might catch and throw the sander. If you go belt, get one with a dust bag. But orbital is safer for less gouges.

If you want precision edges around the house or near the railings, consider a detail sander or a 5-inch random orbital with a hook-and-loop pad. The DeWalt DWE6423 is great for control and has a variable speed. Plus, you can get sanding sheets with holes for better dust collection.

I did my deck last year with a cheap HF random orbital. It worked but took forever. Spend the extra for a Makita or Bosch. Also, get a sanding block for the edges and a scraper for stubborn paint. And buy good sandpaper—Diablo or 3M. Worth it.