Best sander for a deck refinishing project?

Hey all, I'm planning to refinish my 12x20 deck this spring. It's got old paint that's peeling and some rough spots. I've got a cheap palm sander but it's taking forever. Should I rent a belt sander or buy a random orbital? Also, any tips on grit progression?

Definitely go with a random orbital sander for a deck - belt sanders can gouge the wood if you're not careful. Look for one with variable speed and dust collection. Start with 60 grit to strip the paint, then 80, then 120. Wear a respirator and safety glasses, trust me.

I used a cheap RO sander from Harbor Freight on my shed last year and it worked fine but vibrated like crazy. If you have the budget, get a Bosch or Makita. Also, pick up a pack of sanding discs from Amazon - way cheaper than big box stores.

I second the random orbital. For a deck that size, consider a 6-inch sander with a dust extractor - cuts down on cleanup. And don't forget to seal the wood after sanding! I used a stain+sealer combo and it's held up great.

Thanks everyone! I'll look into a 6-inch RO sander and invest in a good respirator. Appreciate the grit advice too. Will post pics when done!