8 Deck Upgrades Under $500 (That Most People Skip) - The Deckheads Podcast
From The Deckheads Podcast by Shane Chapman
May 22, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 289
About this episode
This episode discusses five affordable deck upgrades that can enhance the longevity and appearance of your deck.
Most people spend $3,000 on a patio set before they spend $200 on the deck it's sitting on. In this episode of The Deckheads, we walk through five deck upgrades that are all under $500, all doable in a weekend, and all the difference between a deck that looks tired in five years and one that looks (and lasts) like it costs twice as much. Some of these you'll see. Some of these you won't - and that's the point. From the $150 roll of joist tape that adds 10-15 years to your frame, to the lighting trick that changes how often you actually sit out there, to the picture-frame retrofit that makes any deck look custom-built - these are the upgrades contractors wish more homeowners knew about. Whether you're planning a new build, resurfacing an existing deck, or just trying to get more out of the deck you've already got, this one's for you. The Deckheads is brought to you by The Ultimate Deck Shop - Saskatchewan's backyard building centre, with locations in Regina and Saskatoon. We stock every product mentioned in this episode. www.tuds.ca
People in this episode
Host: Shane Chapman
Topics covered
- deck upgrades
- home improvement
- outdoor living
- DIY projects
- patio enhancements
Keywords
- deck upgrades
- home improvement
- joist tape
- outdoor lighting
- DIY deck projects
Sponsors
The Ultimate Deck Shop
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Deckheads Podcast
Products: joist tape
Places: Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatoon
More episodes of The Deckheads Podcast
- Deck Specialist Magazine's Spring Trends, Reviewed - The Deckheads Podcast · June 4, 2026 · 39 min
- Stop Building 50-Year Decks on 15-Year Frames · May 14, 2026 · 57 min
- Spring Deck Inspection Every Homeowner Needs to Do · May 7, 2026 · 1h 7m
- Eva-Last Decking Review 2026 · April 30, 2026 · 55 min
- The 2026 Deck Season Just Got Interesting - Here's What's Changed · April 23, 2026 · 47 min
- Shop Talk With Brolaws · April 9, 2026 · 1h 52m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Deckheads Podcast podcast page.