Building a deck – which screwdriver should I get?

Hey all, I'm planning to build a 12x16 deck this summer. I've got a basic drill but I think I need a proper screwdriver for all the deck screws. Any recommendations? I'm leaning towards a cordless impact driver or a good drill/driver combo. Budget around $200.

For a deck you def want an impact driver. I got the DeWalt DCF887 and it's a beast – drives screws like butter. Paired with a good drill for pilot holes, you're set. Get the combo kit if you can, usually runs about $150-200.

Honestly, for a deck you'll want both a drill and an impact driver. I'd reccomend the Makita XT269M combo – brushless, compact, and lasts all day on a 5Ah battery. I've built dozens of decks with mine. Skip the cheap stuff.

I built my shed with a Ryobi P238 impact driver and it worked fine for the price. But for a deck, you might want something more heavy duty. The Milwaukee M12 surge is quiet and has good torque. Just don't forget to buy extra bits – they wear out fast on deck screws.

I'm a bit old school – I use a manual screwdriver for precision but for decking I use my Festool TID 18 if you have the cash. Otherwise, any brushless impact will do. Pro tip: pre-drill your holes and use a bit with a magnetic holder to avoid dropping screws between boards.