Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Is Cable Railing Right for Your Deck? Style, Safety & Rules Explained
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
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Hidden Fasteners vs Face Screws: What’s Best?
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Should you hide your fasteners or keep it simple with screws? We compare performance, cost, and maintenance headaches.
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Stair Safety: Rise, Run & Stringers Explained
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
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.
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Fire Pits & Decks: Disaster or Design Feature?
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Can you safely have a fire pit or grill on your deck? We explore safety rules, product solutions, and why some setups void warranties.
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Hot Tub on a Deck? Listen to This First
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
A hot tub on a deck is the dream — and a structural nightmare if you don’t plan right. We explain what you need to know before setting 5,000 lbs on your backyard deck.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
The Top Trusted Brands of Composite Decking
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Shopping for composite decking can feel overwhelming with so many brands claiming to be “the best.” In this episode, we give you a clear overview of the top 10 composite decking brands — from Trex and TimberTech to Deckorators, Fiberon, MoistureShield, and more. We’ll highlight the strengths, weaknesses, and standout features of each so you can make an informed decision for your next deck project.
Friday Aug 22, 2025
7 Money-Saving Deck Hacks You Need This Summer
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Everyone wants a beautiful deck that doesn’t break the bank. In this episode we reveal seven proven ways to cut costs on your deck build — without sacrificing safety, quality, or looks.
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Spring, Summer, or Fall: The Best Time to Build
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Is there a perfect time of year to build a deck? We explore the pros and cons of spring, summer, and fall builds—covering everything from material availability and moisture content to scheduling and soil conditions. Whether you're a DIYer or a contractor, get the seasonal strategy that sets your project up for success.
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
New Deck, Old Frame: Smart Resurfacing Strategies
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Thinking of upgrading your deck without tearing everything down? Learn how to resurface your deck by reusing the existing frame and replacing the surface with composite boards—or revive tired wood with cleaning, brightening, or flipping techniques. We break down the tools, products, and methods that bring decks back to life.









