The Deckheads Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 installation rules that matter in our climate. This is contractor-level, unsponsored insight — built for Canadian homeowners and builders planning a backyard project. 

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 you buy materials.

00:00 – Funny Deck Fails (Staples & Plywood Ideas) 08:03 – Design Mistakes: Size, Stairs & Wasted Space 13:34 – Structural Mistakes: Spans, Cantilevers & Code 19:50 – Material Selection: Don’t Cheap Out 27:57 – Fasteners: What NOT to Use 30:50 – Railing Rules & Safety Changes 36:18 – Water Management & Drainage 40:16 – Staining: When Should You Actually Do It? 43:24 – Budget Contingencies (Plan for Surprises) 48:16 – Final Advice: Do Research & Be Open to Feedback

Building a deck isn’t just picking a board you like. It’s layout planning, understanding traffic flow, managing water, following span charts, choosing the right fasteners, and budgeting smart.

Build it once. Build it right.

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.

Questions about Decks. Being in the industry we get all sorts of questions about decks. Some of them are great questions and others the answers feel like they should be obvious. We scoured the internet for a list of the most asked when it comes to decks and we got some interesting ones to say the least. Lets sit down and answer what people are asking for!

Are there any questions about decks that you want answered?

If you would rather read it than hear Shane and Wade talk about it you can do that here. 

Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop:

https://www.tuds.ca

https://www.tuds.ca/podshop

https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop

https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop

Deck foundations... how important are they? The answer to that is question is VERY IMPORTANT. With that out of the way, we can start talking about all the different types of foundations that exist out there and which one is the best for you. Shane and Bryce go through all foundations types that are most popular for each deck out there and speak to the requirements that are generally needed where they are used.

Do you know of some more foundation technology that we didn't talk about today?

If you would rather read it than hear Shane and Bryce talk about it you can do that here. 

Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop:

https://www.tuds.ca

https://www.tuds.ca/podshop

https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop

https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop

May is deck safety month and we decided the first episode of this safety oriented month should be geared towards things a homeowner should check on their deck every year! These issues can happen on any deck, they can be safegaurded against too, but if they persist without being fixed it can lead to catastrophic failure. Which lead us into a whole conversation about permit inspectors...

If you would rather read it than hear Shane and Bryce talk about it you can do that here. 

Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop:

https://www.tuds.ca

https://www.tuds.ca/podshop

https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop

https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop

We went up the chain last week. This week we turned it back on ourselves. Look at all of the stuff that we used to do in order to start and run a lumber yard. Its amazing that we succeeded past year 2. The most important lesson here is that each time one of those mistakes came up we didn't let it take us down. We got to the root of it and attempted to fix the problem each and every time until it was fixed for good. If you want to have a few laughs and see what TUDS was like in the beginning listen to this one.

If you would rather read it than hear Shane and Bryce talk about it you can do that here. 

Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop:

https://www.tuds.ca

https://www.tuds.ca/podshop

https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop

https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop

One, Two, Three. Shane, Wade and Bryce are all on board for this podcast. All of the vendors and distributors have to have relationships with their dealers. Lets talk about some of the things the do well and where they could do better.

We aren't calling anyone out...but you might know who you are.

If you would rather read it than hear Shane and Bryce talk about it you can do that here. 

Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop:

https://www.tuds.ca

https://www.tuds.ca/podshop

https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop

https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop

We are back after an extended break and we are going to talk about...DECKORATORS!

If you would rather read it than hear Shane and Bryce talk about it you can do that here. 

Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop:

https://www.tuds.ca

https://www.tuds.ca/podshop

https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop

https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop

We had Jeff and Collette, the inventors behind The Leveller, stop by the show and talk about the game changing product that they build right here in Saskatchewan. They took this simple little invention from Morse, Saskatchewan all the way to Toronto to and got in front of the Dragons on Dragon's Den. Find out all about the product, where to find it and potential innovations that are on the way.

Check out The Leveller here: www.ghleveller.com or all the social media platforms.

If you would rather read it than hear Shane and Bryce talk about it you can do that here. 

Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop:

https://www.tuds.ca

https://www.tuds.ca/podshop

https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop

https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop

https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop