The Ultimate Deck Podcast
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
Deck building can be more than just a weekend project—it can be an unforgettable family bonding experience. In this episode, Shane and Wade share why bringing your kids into your DIY projects is one of the most powerful things you can do. From passing down skills to building lifelong appreciation, you’ll hear how to keep it fun, productive, and safe.
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...In this episode, Shane and Wade dive into the often-overlooked world of joist flashing. Learn how protecting your framing can extend the life of your deck, save on future repairs, and boost long-term performance. We compare flashing tapes and brush-on coatings, explain when to use them, and spotlight two standout products—G-Tape 3040BK and FastenMaster Deck Coating. If you’re a homeowner or contractor debating deck flashing, this i...
In this solo episode, Shane shares 7 practical tips to build composite decks more efficiently — saving time, money, and materials. Learn how to design with standard board lengths, avoid unnecessary framing, use layout tricks like picture frames and seam boards, and repurpose offcuts for blocking and fascia. Whether you're a homeowner or contractor, these strategies will help you reduce waste and build smarter with composite materia...
Not sure whether your project calls for a deck or a patio? Shane and Wade break down the key differences between the two; from budget and elevation to style, function, and longevity. They cover which heights make the most sense for each option, when one outperforms the other, and what to consider before you start digging or framing. If you’re planning a backyard transformation, this episode will help you make the right call.
How much space should you leave between deck boards? It depends on the material, the climate, and the tools you're using. In this episode, Shane and Wade break down the ideal spacing for pressure-treated lumber, cedar, composite, and PVC boards. They also cover the best tools to get it done right and explain what happens when you get it wrong. Whether you're a DIYer or a seasoned builder, this episode helps you build smarter, one b...
Joist spacing might not be sexy, but it’s what keeps your deck from bouncing like a trampoline. In this episode, Shane and Wade break down everything you need to know about joist sizing and spacing: 12" vs 16" on center, when to use 2x8s vs 2x10s, span rules, structural pros and cons, and how it all affects your budget and your build. Whether you're planning your first deck or dialing in your crew's standards, this is a must-listen...
What’s going on under your deck? In this episode, Shane and Wade dive into the unsung heroes of backyard projects: underdeck and drainage systems. From Trex RainEscape to Haven, ZipUP Ceilings, Dexerdry, and Duradek, they break down the pros, cons, and use-cases for each. Whether you're a homeowner looking to maximize dry space or a contractor avoiding callbacks, this episode is packed with insight to help you build better from the...
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.
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https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
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 tips that should get the ball rolling.
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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 comes to mind. Enjoy.
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https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
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 of our favs.
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https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
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 IN IT! Here's 16 great additions to make any deck more enjoyable.
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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 premium deck selections for high end decks.
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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 Ultimate Deck Shop - Backyard Building Centre:
https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop
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 going to build a deck "on the cheap" and still make sure it was a good deck - this is what we would do.
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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 better than Old Castle who has built a portfolio of backyard brands such as Moistureshield, Barrette Outdoor Living, and of course Belgard. We sit down with George Karas and Lee Hotas, Key Account Ma...
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 constitutes a bad product versus a good product.
Lucky for you - we are deck nerds. And here is what to look for to avoid becoming a statistic.
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Cable rail continues to be desired by homeowners everywhere. The clean, modern, industrial look provides many of the same benefits of glass rail, without the maintenance. So here's a bunch of reason why cable rail is a great choice.
BUT... is it safe? Wade and Shane discuss this hot topic.
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Decks versus patios... the lifelong debate about what makes more sense in your back yard. Well the short answer is: either. In this episode, Wade and Shane discuss five scenarios where it makes more sense to build a deck, and five other scenarios where a patio makes more sense.
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Getting to the top if a feat in of itself... but staying on top is even harder. In this episode, Wade and Shane discuss Trex's dominance, the competitive challenges it contends with, and its unprecedented successes. They explore the concept of brand recognition, discussing how brands like Kleenex, Coca-Cola, and Skidoo have come to define their respective product categories, just as Trex has done within the decking industry.
The in...
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