Building a deck – need driver advice for a rookie

Hey guys, I’m finally building my first deck this spring. It’s gonna be a 12x16 pressure-treated job. I’ve got a circular saw and drill, but I think I need a proper driver for the lag screws and decking. Should I get an impact driver or a drill/driver combo? Budget is like $150. What do you recommend?

If you’re only doing one deck, just get a decent drill/driver. Milwaukee or DeWalt. Impacts are loud and overkill for decking. My M18 Fuel drill handles everything. But if you want to be future-proof, get an impact. Just stick with name brands, not that cheapo stuff.

Dude, get an impact driver. I have like 6 Dewalt impacts lol. The DCF887 is a beast for deck screws. But you’ll also want a drill for pilot holes. Combo kit is the way to go – DeWalt 20V Max XR combo is around $200 on sale. Splurge a little, you’ll thank me.

Thanks guys! Sarah, I saw some combo kits at Home Depot. Dan, is the DCF887 the one with the 3 speeds? And do I really need a separate drill? My current drill is old and maybe it’s time to upgrade.

Yeah it’s the 3-speed. It’s perfect for decking. And yes, a drill for pilot holes is a must for pressure-treated wood, especially near edges. Your old drill will work for pilot holes, but a new one is nicer. That combo kit is legit.