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
Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
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.
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Board Spacing 101: Perfect Gaps for Every Deck Material
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
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 board at a time.
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Joist Spacing & Sizing: What You Need for a Solid Deck
Friday Jun 13, 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
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 for getting framing right.
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Dry Below: The Best Deck Drainage Solutions for 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
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 top down.
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Top 5 Questions Homeowners Ask When They Are Building a New Deck
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
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 The Ultimate Deck Shop - Backyard Building Centre:
https://tuds.ca
https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop
https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Deck Busines Slow? 10 Marketing Tips to Help Pick It Up
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
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.
Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop - Backyard Building Centre:
https://tuds.ca
https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop
https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Scot Scheffield and Korey Welterlich from Fortress Building Products
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
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.
Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop - Backyard Building Centre:
https://tuds.ca
https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop
https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Avoid BAD Deck Stains. Use This Instead
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
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.
Find more The Ultimate Deck Shop - Backyard Building Centre:
https://tuds.ca
https://www.youtube.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://instagram.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.facebook.com/theultimatedeckshop
https://www.tiktok.com/@theultimatedeckshop
https://twitter.com/theultdeckshop