Need sander advice for my backyard deck project - first timer here!

Hey everyone, I'm about to start refinishing my old wooden deck in the backyard. It's pretty weathered and has some rough spots. I've never used a sander before - what type should I get? I want to strip off the old stain and smooth everything out before applying new sealant. Budget is around $150-200. Thanks!

For deck work, you'll want a random orbital sander - way better than old-school belt sanders for this job. I've refinished three decks with my DeWalt 5-inch ROS. Get one with variable speed control so you don't burn the wood. Pro tip: start with 80-grit paper for the heavy work, then move to 120-grit for smoothing. Don't forget to wear a mask - that old stain dust is nasty stuff!

Safety first! Make sure whatever sander you get has a dust collection bag or hookup for a vacuum. Wood dust is flammable and bad for your lungs. Also check that the deck is structurally sound before sanding - loose boards can catch and cause kickback. And PLEASE wear safety glasses and hearing protection. I've seen too many DIYers skip the basics.

PowerToolPete's right about random orbital being the way to go. I'd recommend the Makita BO5041 - it's a beast and right in your budget. If you're doing railings too, consider a detail sander for corners. One thing nobody mentions: get a GOOD extension cord if you're not using cordless. Undervolting from a cheap cord will kill your sander's performance. Learned that the hard way!

Thanks all! Random orbital it is. I'll look at the DeWalt and Makita models. Good call on the extension cord - my garage outlet is pretty far from the deck. And yes, I'll wear all the safety gear. Appreciate the grit recommendations too. This community rocks!