Building a Cedar Deck - What Saw & Drill Should I Get?

Hey folks, I'm planning to build a 12x16 cedar deck this summer. I've got a circular saw but it's old and not that accurate. I need to buy a miter saw and a drill/driver. I'm on a budget but want something that'll last for several projects. Any recommendations? I've been looking at DeWalt and Makita but open to others. Thanks!

Welcome to the deck building club! For a miter saw, you can't go wrong with a 10-inch sliding compound miter saw. DeWalt's DWS780 is a beast, but if you want to save some cash, the DWS713 is solid. For a drill/driver, I'd suggest a brushless 18V kit – Makita's XFD131 is great, and so is DeWalt's DCD791. They'll handle deck screws and more. Don't skimp on the drill – you'll regret it when you're driving 3-inch screws all day.

I feel you on the budget. I built my deck with a $99 Ryobi miter saw and a $79 Ryobi drill/driver. They've lasted 5 years and multiple projects. The key is to buy into a battery system – Ryobi has tons of tools. But if you want pro-grade, get a corded miter saw (cheaper and more power) and a good cordless drill. Also, get a drill/driver, not an impact driver – impact drivers are too much for deck screws and can strip them. Just my two cents.

If you're doing cedar, get yourself a nice finish nailer too! But for the saw, I recommend the Makita LS1019L – it's a 10-inch sliding compound with laser and it's super accurate. I've used it on several decks. For the drill, I love my Milwaukee M18 Fuel – tons of torque and battery life. But if you're set on a budget, look at Ridgid – their stuff is underrated and has a lifetime warranty. Also, don't forget to buy good blades – Diablo blades make a big difference.

Thanks for the tips everyone! I'm leaning toward the Makita LS1019L – that laser sounds awesome. For the drill, I'll check out the Ridgid since I can get it at Home Depot. I might splurge on a corded miter saw to save money and get more power. But I'm still stuck on the drill – should I get a brushless or is brushed okay? I've seen some cheap ones.