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 deck season like a pro. 

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 — not just a pile of decks.

Turns out, school teaches you how to learn. The trades teach you how to build. This episode is about doing both.

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.

In this episode we break down everything you need to know about deck footings — from simple on-grade systems for low decks to deep helical piles for Regina's expansive clay soil. If you've ever wondered why your deck shifts every spring, this one's for you. We cover frost depth, soil type, load ratings, local codes, and compare three real products side by side: GH Levelers, Pyx adjustable saddles, and 50" helical screw piles. Plus — why water weight from hot tubs and pools catches builders off guard, and when concrete piles actually make things worse. Built in Saskatchewan. Tested in the prairies. This is the foundation conversation most deck builders skip.

🔨 Shop footings & piles at tuds.ca

📐 Get a free quote: https://estimator.tuds.ca/

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)

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.

People planning a deck all ask the same questions:

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 builds. Perfect for contractors and DIYers looking to stay productive (and accurate) through the cold season.

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, and double-checking your joist spacing.

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