Need a saw for building a deck - which one should I get?

Hey everyone, I'm planning to build a 12x16 deck this summer. I've got the plans and materials list, but I'm stuck on what saw to buy. I have a circular saw but it's old and underpowered. Should I get a new circular saw or maybe a miter saw? I don't want to break the bank but I want something that'll last. Any recommendations?

For a deck, you'll definitely want a good circular saw. I swear by DeWalt - their DWE575SB is a beast and will cut through pressure-treated lumber like butter. I've had mine for 5 years and it's still going strong. Don't bother with a miter saw unless you're doing lots of trim work. For decking, a circular saw is your workhorse. Also, get a Diablo blade - makes a huge difference. Just my 2 cents.

I'd say depends on your budget. If you're looking to restore/upgrade, you can often find old Craftsman circular saws at garage sales for cheap and they're built like tanks. I restored a 1970s Craftsman and it outperforms my new Makita. But if you want new, Makita 5007MG is a solid choice. For a deck, you'll also want a good speed square and maybe a worm drive saw if you're cutting a lot of framing. But a regular sidewinder is fine for most DIYers. Don't overthink it.

I built my deck last year with just a basic Ryobi circular saw and it worked fine. I'm just a weekend warrior so I didn't need anything fancy. Saved money for beer and burgers. But I did splurge on a good blade. If you're only doing one deck, you don't need a pro-grade saw. But if you plan on more projects, invest in something better. Also, consider a reciprocating saw for demo and trimming - super handy.

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll go with a mid-range circular saw and a good blade. Maybe the DeWalt or Makita. I'll check out some sales this weekend. Appreciate the help!