Best drill for building a deck? Need advice before I drop $$

Hey everyone, I'm about to start building a 12x16 deck this spring. I've got a basic 18V drill but it's kinda weak and the battery dies fast. I'm looking to upgrade to something that can handle driving lots of 3" deck screws and maybe some lag bolts. I don't want to break the bank but I also don't want to buy junk. Any recommendations? Should I go brushless? Do I need an impact driver too? Thanks in advance!

For a deck you definitely want an impact driver for screws. A drill is fine for pilot holes and smaller stuff, but impact will save your wrist and drive screws way faster. I built my deck with a DeWalt 20V brushless impact and it was a champ. If you're on a budget, Ryobi's brushless line is pretty solid for DIY. But don't cheap out on batteries—get at least two 4Ah or bigger. Also, make sure your drill has a clutch so you don't strip screw heads. What's your budget?

I've restored a few old decks and built from scratch. Honestly, for lag bolts you might want a drill with a hammer function or just use a ratchet. Impact drivers are great but they can snap smaller screws if you're not careful. I swear by my Milwaukee M18 Fuel drill/impact combo. It's pricey but it's paid for itself. If you're only doing one deck, maybe rent a heavy-duty drill from HD for the lags? Just my 2 cents. Also, get a good bit set—cheap bits will ruin your day.

Thanks guys! Budget is around $200-$300 for a combo kit. I'll check out the Ryobi and DeWalt options. Chris, do you think the Ryobi impact can handle 3" screws into pressure-treated lumber without pilot holes? I've heard mixed things.

Yeah, with a decent battery it should handle 3" screws in PT lumber, but I'd still pre-drill the ends to avoid splitting. Ryobi's HP brushless impact has plenty of torque for that. Just don't expect it to be as fast as a pro-grade tool. For a one-time deck build, it'll do the job. If you plan on more projects, invest in DeWalt or Milwaukee. Let us know what you end up getting!