The Deckheads Podcast

Ever wonder what it actually takes to go from a blank backyard to a finished deck? In this episode of The Deckheads, we walk you through the complete deck-building process from start to finish - seven steps that cover everything from your initial plan and permits all the way through railings and finishing touches. Whether you're a homeowner trying to understand what your contractor is doing, or a...

Are your mitered deck joints opening up after installation? You're not alone — it's one of the #1 callback reasons for deck builders. In this episode of The Deckheads Podcast we break down everything you need to know about managing joints in composite and PVC decking. 🔧 WHAT WE COVER: Why composite and PVC decking expands and contracts more than you'd expect Mitered joints vs. butt joints — which...

White pants. A golf course. No bathroom in sight. That's where this one starts — and somehow we still end up breaking down the 7 outdoor living trends Deck Specialist Magazine says are defining this spring's decking season. We go through all of them: blending indoor and outdoor style, weather protection and why Zillow says an outdoor fireplace adds 2.8% to your home's sale price, the color debate,...

Most people spend $3,000 on a patio set before they spend $200 on the deck it's sitting on. In this episode of The Deckheads, we walk through five deck upgrades that are all under $500, all doable in a weekend, and all the difference between a deck that looks tired in five years and one that looks (and lasts) like it costs twice as much.    Some of these you'll see. Some of these you won't - and t...

Modern deck boards last decades. Most deck frames don't. We break down the four framing systems contractors and homeowners are choosing between in 2026, plus the wood-protection products that extend a PT frame when budget rules out an upgrade. Real costs, real warranties, real failure modes.   10:25 Deck Framing Topic Switch 10:53 Composite Boards Vs Framing 13:28 Cedar Redwood Framing Talk 15:01 ...

Winter is brutal on decks - especially in Saskatchewan. Frost heave, ice loading, and months of freeze-thaw cycles can turn a perfectly good deck into a safety hazard before you even notice. In this episode we will walk you through a complete spring deck inspection in about 20 minutes, covering every part of your deck from the surface boards to the ledger board(the #1 cause of deck collapses).   ...

If you're shopping composite decking in 2026, Eva-Last keeps showing up - but with three flagship lines and lots of marketing, it's easy to get lost. Today we break down Infinity IS, Apex Plus, and Pioneer: how they're built, what the warranties really cover, and who each one is actually for. 

A lot has changed in the decking industry in just the last 30 days - new acquisitions, new products, new cost pressures - and if you're planning a deck this year, whether you're a contractor quoting jobs or a homeowner getting ready to build, there's some stuff you need to know. We're going to walk you through all of it, and by the end of this episode you'll know exactly how to navigate the 2026 d...

Dave and Joey — the BROLAWS behind one of Ontario's most recognized deck-building brands — pull up a chair at TUDS-X and it goes exactly where you'd expect. Zero script, zero filter. You'll hear why some young people walk away from the trades before they ever find their footing, why the trades need better culture as much as they need more workers, and what it actually takes to build a business — n...

Trade show season is here — but are you actually getting ROI, or just showing up out of habit? In this episode, we break down how to evaluate trade shows the right way, what we learned from building our own contractor-focused event, and how to set goals that actually drive results — whether you're chasing brand awareness or qualified leads.  

Most people still believe composite decking gets too hot, is slippery when wet, and costs way more than it’s worth. Some of that used to be true — but the industry has changed. In this episode of the Deckheads Podcast, we break down how composite decking has evolved in the Canadian market — from capped vs uncapped boards to PVC, mineral-based composites, pricing ranges, traction, expansion, and in...

Most deck problems don’t start with the build — they start with the plan. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes homeowners (and sometimes contractors) make when building a deck. From layout and stair placement to structural spans, permits, fasteners, and budgeting — this is the stuff that actually costs you money if you get it wrong. If you're building this season, watch this before...

People planning a deck all ask the same questions: Is composite decking slippery? Does it get too hot? Why does it cost so much? Is it actually worth it? In this episode of the Deckheads Podcast, deck store owners break down what’s changed in decking over the last 10 years — and which problems are real vs outdated advice. We explain how modern decking materials improved traction, reduced heat, and...

Building with composite decking in freezing temperatures? Before you tighten that clip or make that cut, tune in. In this episode of The Ultimate Deck Podcast, Shane and the crew break down how cold weather affects composite boards — from expansion and contraction to proper gapping, fastening, and cutting techniques. Learn insider tricks for clean edges, durable installs, and stress-free winter bu...

It’s spooky season, and nothing’s scarier than a DIY deck gone wrong. 👻 In this Halloween special, the Ultimate Deck crew counts down the top five decking horrors — from phantom footings and cursed ledgers to fastener fails and permit nightmares. Learn the scariest mistakes homeowners make (and how to avoid them) in this entertaining yet educational episode that’ll have you laughing, cringing, an...

Rotten or damaged deck boards can ruin your deck and pose safety risks. Learn how to identify, repair, and replace boards the right way.

Not sure if your deck project requires a permit? We explain when permits are needed, who handles them, and why skipping one can be costly.

Composite decking is low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance. Learn the simple steps that keep your deck looking like new — no sealing required.

Unsure whether to stain or seal your deck before winter? We break down the advantages of fall application versus waiting until spring.

Winter can be tough on decks. Discover the simple steps you should take in the fall to protect your deck from snow, ice, and moisture damage.

Thinking about a new deck or patio? Learn why building in the fall can save you thousands, avoid supply shortages, and set you up for stress-free summer enjoyment. Most people wait until spring… and that’s a mistake.

Deck lighting does more than just look good — it keeps your family safe, extends your outdoor living into the night, and creates the perfect ambience for entertaining. In this episode of The Ultimate Deck Podcast, we break down why lighting should always be part of your deck budget, the pros and cons of solar vs low-voltage systems, and how the right fixtures can add both function and wow factor t...

Thinking about upgrading your deck or outdoor space with cable railing? In this episode of The Ultimate Deck Podcast, we dive into everything you need to know about this modern railing option. From its sleek, unobstructed views to the key benefits homeowners love, we also cover the drawbacks, cost considerations, and the building codes that dictate where cable railing can (and can’t) be installed....

Should you hide your fasteners or keep it simple with screws? We compare performance, cost, and maintenance headaches.

Deck stairs are one of the biggest inspection fails. We break down how to design and build stairs that look good and pass code on the first try.