Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Deck building is framing outdoors: a saw, a level and a way to set footings that stay put. Start with what builds a square, solid frame, then add the tools that make decking and railings go fast.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Framing hammer, 20 oz | Hangers, blocking and demo | $68 (Bon Tool milled face framing hammer, 20 oz, Bon Tool) |
| Cordless circular saw and a miter saw | Joists, posts and decking cuts | Varies by brand |
| Cordless drill and impact driver | Structural screws and hardware | Varies by brand |
| Post hole digger or a rented auger | Footings below frost line where required | Varies by brand |
| String line, line level and a framing square | A square layout from the house out | Varies by brand |
| 4 ft level and a post level | Plumb posts and level beams | Varies by brand |
| Speed square and chalk line | Repeat cuts and straight board ends | Varies by brand |
| Ladder for ledger and second-story decks | Safe work at the house wall | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most deck builders buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Framing nailer and a joist hanger nailer | Faster framing on bigger decks | Varies by brand |
| Hidden fastener tool for composite boards | Clean deck surfaces without face screws | Varies by brand |
| Track saw or a rail for long rips | Straight cuts on fascia and stair stringers | Varies by brand |
| Wood moisture meter | Checking lumber before staining or sealing | $435 (Delmhorst JX-20 wood moisture meter, Delmhorst) |
| Laser level | Footing heights and stairs without a helper | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Structural screws and ledger fasteners. What the inspector looks for.
- Joist hangers and post bases. Every frame uses them.
- Joist tape. Protecting the frame under composite decking.
- Deck screws in two colors. Matching the boards you install most.
- Concrete mix bags. Setting posts on smaller jobs.
- Saw blades for composite and wood. Clean cuts on both.
What a deck kit costs
The 2 starter kit items we could price add up to $603 at the maker's listed price, out of 8 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The 1 pro kit items we could price add up to $435 at the maker's listed price, out of 5 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
The trailer for lumber and an auger for footings swing the total most. Many deck builders rent the auger and have lumber delivered until the work is steady.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most deck builders buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our deck suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the deck services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Bon Tool: Bon Tool milled face framing hammer, 20 oz, checked October 9, 2026
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Delmhorst: Delmhorst JX-20 wood moisture meter, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for carpenters, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.