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The Ultimate Deck PodcastAuthor: Shane Chapman
The Ultimate Deck Podcast is your go-to show for everything backyard building from decks and railings to patios, pergolas, and fences. Whether youre 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. Language: en Genres: Business, Home & Garden, Leisure, Marketing Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Avoid Rebuilding Your Deck
Episode 280
Thursday, 19 February, 2026
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.












