Need help picking a drill/driver for a deck project

Hey everyone! I'm planning on building a 12x16 deck this summer. I need a good drill/driver for the job. I'm looking at the DeWalt atomic compact or Makita subcompact. Any advice? I'm on a budget but don't want to buy junk.

Go with the Makita subcompact. I've been using them on job sites for years. The brushless motor gives you plenty of power for deck screws, and it's lightweight so your wrist won't hurt after a day of driving. Pair it with their impact driver for lag bolts.

I second the Makita! I built my shed with one last year. It handled everything from pilot holes to driving 3-inch screws. Plus, the battery lasts forever. Don't cheap out on a no-name brand. It will just break halfway through the project.

I've heard good things about the DeWalt atomic. It's compact too. But for a deck, you might want a full size drill for the torque. I used my old DeWalt 20v set and it was fine. Also, consider getting an impact driver and a drill combo.

If you're on a budget, check out the Ryobi brushless set. It's not pro grade, but I've built cabinets and stuff with it and it works well enough. Plus, you can get the starter kit for under $200. Just a thought.