Deck build - what drill/driver combo should I get?

Hey all, I'm planning to build a 12x16 deck next month. I need to drill pilot holes and drive a ton of 3" deck screws. I've got a budget of around $200-250 for a drill and impact driver set. Any recommendations? I'm leaning towards brushless for battery life.

For a deck that size, you're gonna want a good brushless set. I've built dozens of decks with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill and impact. That combo will run you about $250 on sale. Get the 5.0Ah batteries, they last all day. The impact tears through deck screws no problem.

Seconding Milwaukee, but also consider DeWalt Atomic. Lighter weight, still plenty of torque. If you're doing lots of overhead work, the weight difference matters. Either way, make sure to pre-drill for the last few inches to avoid splits. Use a countersink bit too.

If you're on a tight budget, the Ryobi brushless set from Home Depot gets the job done for $150. I've built a shed and a few fences with mine. Not as much power as the big names, but for DIY it's fine. Spend the savings on a good bit set and some clamps.

Don't overlook the importance of bits! Get a set of self-sinking deck screw bits. Theyll help keep your screws flush and prevent stripping. Also, a magnetic bit holder is a lifesaver on a ladder. For the drill, I'd go with Makita XFD12 - super precise clutch settings for pilot holes.