Building a Deck - Tools You Will Need

You will need a good selection of both hand and power tools to build a deck. The list below gives a general idea of the scope of tools required.

Circular Saw - if you buy cheap ones, you will also probably go through at least three blades
Miter Saw - for cutting pickets and other finish work
Cordless Drill - with at least two battery packs
- Masonry bits - predrilling for masonry anchors (if required)
- Spade bits - drilling holes for through-bolts at posts
- Standard bits - predrilling for screws and other miscellaneous tasks
Hammer Drill - drilling for ledger board attachment
Hand Sander - finish sanding and removing marks on lumber
Jigsaw - for finishing cuts on stringers and other detail work
Power Auger (optional) - digging post holes

Tape Measure - get a wide tape that can extend at least 12 feet without a problem
Hand Plane - for leveling out high spots in the joists
Hand Saw - miscellaneous cuts where power saws won't fit
Post Hole Digger - a 36" hole is hard to dig by hand...
Hammer - good for coaxing things into place (and nailing things together)
Sledgehammer - better for coaxing things into place (not so good for nailing)
Level - make sure it is true because you will count on it during layout
Post Level - has two bubbles that allow you to level a post
Chisel Set - for cleaning up notches in the posts and other misc finish work
Socket Set - for tightening through bolts and ledger board
Adjustable Wrench - for tightening through bolts and ledger board
Shovel and Hoe - mixing concrete
Steel Trowel - finishing the tops of the concrete piers
Wheelbarrow - mixing concrete and cleanup

Speed Square - used for marking right angles for cutting
Framing Square - used for verifying right angles and laying out stair stringers
Nylon String - preliminary deck layout
Chalk Line - for laying ot the ledger board and marking lumber for rips
Pencils - no description needed
Wood Shims - use as required to level and space
"C" Clamps - holding pieces in place while drilling or bolting
Ladder - getting up to high places
Tool Belt - you don't want to be searching all over for that pencil when you need it
Heavy Duty Extension Cord and Splitter - power