Best drill for building a deck? Need something that won't bog down in pressure-treated lumber.

Hey all, planning to build a 12x16 deck this summer. Gonna be predrilling and driving a ton of 3-1/2" screws into pressure treated lumber. My old 18V NiCd drill just ain't cutting it. What do you recommend? Cordless? Corded? Budget is around $200ish. Thanks!

For that many screws, go cordless but get a high torque model. I'd say a Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill or Dewalt DCD999. Both handle 3-1/2" screws no problem. Spend the extra on a 5Ah battery if you can. Corded is cheaper but you'll hate the cord.

I agree with Gary but don't overlook the impact driver. For driving lags, an impact driver is way better than a drill. You'll need a drill for pilot holes but an impact driver saves your wrists. I use a Makita XDT16 for decking. Also, make sure you predrill with a sharp bit - those PT screws love to snap.

I've got a Bosch 18V compact drill that handles it fine. But if you want brute force, check out the Flex 24V hammer drill. That thing has 1000 in/lbs. Overkill but fun. Honestly, any modern brushless 18V drill will work. I'd get a kit with two batteries and a charger.

Dewalt all the way! I've had my DCD796 for 5 years, built 3 decks and a shed. Still going strong. Just get the XR line, not the atomic ones. You can find a 2-battery kit on sale for $199 at Home Depot sometimes.