The Deckheads Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
The Ultimate Deck Podcast is your go-to show for everything backyard building — from decks and railings to patios, pergolas, and fences. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner planning your dream outdoor space or a contractor looking for smarter tools and materials, this podcast delivers expert advice, product insights, and real-world tips to help you build better. Hosted by Shane Chapman from The Ultimate Deck Shop, each episode tackles common questions, new trends, and industry know-how — with zero fluff and lots of practical value.
Episodes
- Stop Building 50-Year Decks on 15-Year Frames
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast compares modern deck boards with framing longevity, detailing four framing systems available in 2026. It covers material costs, warranties, and failure modes for systems including composite, cedar, red…
- Spring Deck Inspection Every Homeowner Needs to Do
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast details a 20-minute spring deck inspection suitable for homeowners. It covers identifying winter damage on various deck types, from surface boards to the ledger board, to prevent safety issues and expe…
- Eva-Last Decking Review 2026
This episode reviews Eva-Last's 2026 composite decking lines: Infinity IS, Apex Plus, and Pioneer. It details their construction, warranty coverage, and suitability for different users.
- The 2026 Deck Season Just Got Interesting - Here's What's Changed
The Deckheads Podcast discusses significant industry shifts in decking over the past 30 days, such as new acquisitions, products, and cost challenges. The episode aims to guide contractors and homeowners through navigating the 2026 deck se…
- Shop Talk With Brolaws
Dave and Joey of BROLAWS share unfiltered insights on the trades, discussing the challenges young people face, the need for improved industry culture, and the realities of building a business beyond just constructing decks.
- Trade Show Season, Contractor Events, and Making Every Show Count
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast covers strategies for evaluating trade shows and setting effective goals for brand awareness and lead generation. The hosts also share insights gained from organizing their own contractor-focused event.
- Composite Decking Explained
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast addresses common misconceptions about composite decking, explaining its evolution in the Canadian market. Topics include board types, materials, pricing, traction, expansion, and installation considera…
- Avoid Rebuilding Your Deck
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast discusses frequent errors in deck construction, focusing on issues arising from poor planning, design flaws, structural miscalculations, incorrect material choices, and inadequate budgeting. It covers…
- We're Back as The Deckheads!
In this episode, deck store owners answer frequent questions about composite decking, including slipperiness, heat, and cost. They detail advancements in decking materials over the past decade and provide insights to help homeowners budget…
- Cold Cuts: How to Build with Composite Decking in Winter
Shane and the crew from The Deckheads Podcast discuss the challenges of building with composite decking in freezing temperatures. They cover how cold weather impacts composite boards and offer techniques for installation, fastening, and cu…
- DIY Horror Stories: The Scariest Deck Mistakes Homeowners Make
This Halloween special episode of The Deckheads Podcast discusses the top five decking horrors homeowners face, including phantom footings, cursed ledgers, fastener fails, and permit nightmares. The episode aims to educate listeners on avo…
- How Do I Fix Rotten or Damaged Deck Boards?
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast discusses how to fix rotten or damaged deck boards. It covers identifying the damage, and the correct methods for repairing and replacing affected boards to ensure deck safety and integrity.
- Do I Need a Permit to Build/Expand a Deck?
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast discusses the necessity of permits for deck building and expansion projects. It covers when permits are required, identifies the responsible authorities, and highlights the potential costs associated w…
- Do Composite Decks Need Maintenance?
This episode discusses the maintenance needs of composite decks, clarifying that while they are low-maintenance, they are not maintenance-free. It outlines simple steps to keep a composite deck looking new without requiring sealing.
- Stain Your Deck in Fall or Wait Until Spring?
The Deckheads Podcast episode addresses the question of whether to stain or seal a deck in the fall or wait until spring, outlining the advantages of each timing.
- Fall Deck Care Checklist: Protect Your Deck for Winter
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast outlines a fall checklist for deck care. It details simple steps to protect decks from damage caused by winter elements like snow, ice, and moisture.
- You Can Save Thou$ands by Building Your Deck or Patio in the Fall
Building a deck or patio in the fall can lead to significant savings and prevent future stress. Most individuals make the error of waiting until spring, missing out on potential financial benefits and easier project completion.
- Don’t Skip the Lights! How Outdoor Lighting Transforms Your Backyard
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast explores the benefits of outdoor deck lighting, covering its role in safety, extending outdoor living, and creating ambiance. It details budget considerations, compares solar and low-voltage systems, a…
- Is Cable Railing Right for Your Deck? Style, Safety & Rules Explained
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast covers cable railing for decks, discussing its style, unobstructed views, benefits, costs, and building code restrictions. It aims to provide knowledge for DIYers and contractors on choosing the right…
- Hidden Fasteners vs Face Screws: What’s Best?
The Deckheads Podcast episode discusses the choice between hidden fasteners and face screws for decks, evaluating their respective performance, cost, and maintenance requirements.
- Stair Safety: Rise, Run & Stringers Explained
The Deckheads Podcast episode explains the design and construction of deck stairs, focusing on rise, run, and stringers to ensure they are code-compliant and visually appealing.
- Fire Pits & Decks: Disaster or Design Feature?
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast discusses the safety of having fire pits and grills on decks. It covers relevant safety rules, available product solutions, and the implications for deck warranties.
- Hot Tub on a Deck? Listen to This First
The Deckheads Podcast episode "Hot Tub on a Deck? Listen to This First" discusses the structural planning needed before installing a hot tub on a deck. It covers the necessary considerations for supporting the weight of a hot tub, which ca…
- The Top Trusted Brands of Composite Decking
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast provides an overview of 10 composite decking brands, including Trex, TimberTech, Deckorators, Fiberon, and MoistureShield. The hosts discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and features of each brand to ass…
- 7 Money-Saving Deck Hacks You Need This Summer
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast covers seven proven methods to reduce the cost of building a deck, ensuring the final result is safe, high-quality, and visually appealing.
- Spring, Summer, or Fall: The Best Time to Build
This episode discusses the optimal seasons for deck construction, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of spring, summer, and fall builds. Factors examined include material availability, moisture levels, project scheduling, and soil c…
- New Deck, Old Frame: Smart Resurfacing Strategies
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast covers deck resurfacing strategies. It details how to replace a deck surface with composite boards while reusing the existing frame, and wood revival methods like cleaning, brightening, or flipping.
- Nails vs Screws: Deck Framing Face-Off
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast compares nails and screws for deck framing, addressing the popularity of U2 Universal Screws, code requirements, and optimal applications for each fastener type.
- Deck Skirting with DeckAll Mesh
This episode covers DeckAll Mesh deck skirting, detailing its composition, durability, available colors, and installation advice. It is presented as a suitable option for contractors and DIYers aiming to enhance deck aesthetics and deter p…
- Should You Picture Frame Your Deck?
This episode discusses the art of picture framing decks, covering its value, different framing styles (single, double, triple), and the comparison of wood versus composite boards for creating a finished edge.
- Why Adjustable Deck Footings Might Be Your Best Move
This episode discusses adjustable deck footings, covering their appropriate uses, benefits, drawbacks, and comparing GH Levellers and Pylex products. It is suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional builders seeking efficient footi…
- The Best Way to Set Fence Posts
This episode examines different fence post anchoring methods, including steel, concrete, crusher dust, and expanding foam. It offers advice for selecting the appropriate method based on fence type and soil conditions.
- How Long Will a Composite Deck Actually Last?
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast discusses the lifespan of composite decking, addressing common homeowner questions about its durability and investment value. It covers warranty information, maintenance requirements, and the performan…
- Build a Bond: DIY Projects With Your Kids
In this episode of The Deckheads Podcast, Shane and Wade discuss the benefits of involving children in DIY deck building projects. They explain how these activities can foster skills, create appreciation, and ensure a fun, safe, and produc…
- Joist Flashing 101: Joist Tape vs Deck Coating
Shane and Wade discuss joist flashing, comparing tape and brush-on coating options to protect deck framing. They highlight G-Tape 3040BK and FastenMaster Deck Coating as product examples.
- 7 Money-Saving Composite Deck Tips
Shane shares 7 practical tips for building composite decks more efficiently in this solo episode. The advice covers design with standard lengths, reducing framing, using layout tricks like picture frames and seam boards, and repurposing of…
- Deck vs. Patio: Which Is Right for Your Backyard?
Shane and Wade discuss the differences between decks and patios, covering factors like budget, elevation, style, function, and longevity to help listeners choose the best option for their backyard.
- Board Spacing 101: Perfect Gaps for Every Deck Material
This episode of The Deckheads Podcast covers ideal deck board spacing based on material, climate, and tools. Hosts Shane and Wade explain the optimal gaps for various decking materials and the outcomes of improper installation.
- Joist Spacing & Sizing: What You Need for a Solid Deck
Shane and Wade discuss joist spacing and sizing for decks, covering 12" vs 16" on center, lumber choices like 2x8s vs 2x10s, span limitations, and the impact on budget and construction.
- Dry Below: The Best Deck Drainage Solutions for 2025
Shane and Wade discuss underdeck and drainage systems for decks, covering products such as Trex RainEscape, Haven, ZipUP Ceilings, Dexerdry, and Duradek, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
- Top 5 Questions Homeowners Ask When They Are Building a New Deck
Building a new deck can be a stressful experience for a homeowner. There are so many unknowns, and so many questions - so here are the answers to the top 5 questions homeowners ask when they are about to tackle a deck project. Find more Th…
- Deck Busines Slow? 10 Marketing Tips to Help Pick It Up
2024 has been a funny year. I mean, they've all been funny since Covid. But now we are dealing with economic pressures, and many contractors are saying it's tough going out there. So how can you rise above and find those jobs? Here are 10…
- Scot Scheffield and Korey Welterlich from Fortress Building Products
Our good friends Scot Scheffield and Korey Welterlich from Fortress Building Products are in town - so let's do a podcast! I'd like to say this episode is full of value, but really it's just full of four friends talking about whatever come…
- Avoid BAD Deck Stains. Use This Instead
Everyone has a bad deck stain story. The fact is, the market is full of BAD products - AND... good products in bad markets. Listen up to hear what we think is the best TYPE of deck stain to use... and a pretty passionate endorsement of one…
- Make Your Deck More Enjoyable With These Exciting Additions
You built a deck - so now what? Think about the rooms of your house. You wouldn't build living room without a couch and a TV. You wouldn't have dining room without a table. Or a games room without games? A deck is a living space - so LIVE…
- Premium Deck Selections for High End Decks
When it comes to building materials for decks, there is a wide range of quality, aesthetics, and price points. But let's say budget is no concern - and you just want the best of the best... what materials would we select? Here it is... our…
- Save Money on Your Deck with These Efficient Building Tips
Last week we talked about good budget decking materials to build a good deck on a budget. This week, we close the loop with the building tips to ensure an efficiently built deck with little waste to again - save money. Find more The Ultima…
- How to Build the Most Budget Friendly Deck
Being on a budget doesn't mean you have to build a bad deck. While there are many terrible products out there that will burn your wallet - there are also many good quality, budget friendly products to build a deck with. So... if we were go…
- Belgard Paves the Way with Lee Hotas and George Karas
Some might look at this and wonder how we got here - how did we let the patio guys compromise the borders of our deck world? But we couldn't be more excited and believe that these worlds were meant to merge. And nobody is merging them bett…
- How to Identify Poor Quality Composite Decking
There is a lot of $#!++y composite decking in the market. And if you're not careful, your savings might get burnt by a BAD product. Nobody wants to experience this. But if you don't live and breath the industry, you may not know what const…