Best chainsaw for building a cedar deck?

Hey all, I'm planning to build a cedar deck this spring. I need a chainsaw to cut the joists and decking to size. I have a few big trees on the property I might take down too, but mainly deck work. I'm not a pro but I've done some projects before. What would you recommend for a balance of power and ease of use? Budget around $300-400.

For precision cuts on decking, you really want something with a narrow kerf and good chain tensioning. I'd look at the Stihl MS 170 or the Echo CS-310. They're light and cut clean. Avoid cheap Oregon bars – they wobble. Also, invest in a good sharpening file. A dull chain is a safety hazard.

I get that you want precision, but for $300-400 you can get a lot of saw. Check out the Husqvarna 440. It's on sale at Lowes for $350 sometimes. It'll handle those trees too. Don't waste money on a tiny saw that'll struggle on a 12-inch log. Just my two cents – a saw that's too small is more dangerous.

I built my deck with a Poulan Pro I got for $120 on clearance. Honestly, I'm a weekend warrior and that saw still runs after 4 years. For a deck, you don't need a pro saw. Spend the extra cash on good PPE and maybe a ripping chain for the cedar if you can. Just my experience.