Deck project: Impact driver or drill/driver combo?

Hey everyone, I'm finally building my dream deck this summer – 20x16 pressure treated. I have a basic cordless drill but it's old and underpowered. Should I get a dedicated impact driver for the deck screws, or can I get by with a new drill/driver combo? Budget is around $200. What do you guys recommend?

For a deck that size, you're gonna want an impact driver. Trust me, I've got over 30 drills and impacts in my collection. Even a mid-range impact like the DeWalt DCF887 will drive 3-inch screws like butter. A regular drill will burn up trying to set that many. Plus, the impact's less wrist fatigue. Snap up a set of impact rated bits too.

Dave, I do this for a living. Get an impact. No question. I've framed entire houses with the Milwaukee M18 Surge – super quiet and plenty of torque. If you're on a budget, the Ridgid Octane is a beast and has a lifetime warranty. Pair it with a good drill later. Your wrists will thank you after 500 screws.

I'm just a weekend warrior but I did my 12x12 deck last summer with a cheap Ryobi impact driver from a combo kit. Worked great. But if you're going big, maybe step up to a brushless one. Don't forget a screw guide to keep your lines straight. And get a good set of nut drivers if you're also bolting things.

Thanks guys! Sounds like impact driver is the way to go. I'll look into the Ridgid or DeWalt. Appreciate the help – I'll update when I get it done!