Need sander rec for refinishing deck - don't want to break the bank

Hey all, I'm about to refinish my back deck (about 12x16) and need a sander. I've been using a cheap orbital from HF but it's on its last legs. Looking for something that won't die halfway through the job but also won't cost me an arm and a leg. Any suggestions? I'm on a tight budget, so keep it under $100 if possible.

First off, safety glasses and a respirator are a must. Deck sanding kicks up a ton of dust, especially if there's old stain. As for the sander, a random orbit sander is your best bet. I'd look at the DeWalt DWE6421. It's around $70-80 and built like a tank. Just make sure you don't press down too hard or you'll burn through the wood. Also, check your deck for protruding nails/screws before you start. Nothing ruins your day like a shredded sanding pad.

I swear by my Bosch ROS20VSC. It's a 5-inch random orbit sander and it's been a workhorse for me for years. The dust collection is decent, and it's pretty comfortable to use for long periods. It might be a bit over your budget (usually around $100-120) but worth every penny. Plus, Bosch has great customer service. If you can stretch your budget, go for it. Otherwise, the DeWalt Felix mentioned is a solid choice too.

Thanks guys. I'll check out both. I've heard good things about the DeWalt. Wendy, I wish I could swing the Bosch but I'm already over budget on this project. Maybe next time. Felix, thanks for the safety reminder. I've got the gear already from previous projects. Any tips on grit progression for a deck?

For a deck, start with 60 or 80 grit to remove old finish and smooth rough spots. Then go to 120, and finish with 150 or 180 if you want it really smooth. Don't skip grits, and don't go too fine or the stain won't penetrate. Also, sand with the grain when possible. And clean up all dust before staining. Good luck!