Expo & Conference: Nov. 17–19, 2026

Decks Done Right

Master the Art of Deck Building With Industry Experts

Decks Done Right is your exclusive opportunity to experience hands-on learning directly from the experts. Located on the Deck Expo show floor, this interactive stage offers live demonstrations, expert Q&A sessions, and practical techniques you can immediately apply to your business.

Whether you're looking to enhance your technical knowledge, solve common deck building challenges, or stay ahead of code requirements, the Decks Done Right stage delivers professional insights you won't find anywhere else.

Why Decks Done Right Matters for Decking Pros

Hands-on Learning: Watch live demonstrations of proper installation techniques.
Expert Access: Direct Q&A with Simpson Strong-Tie specialists and industry professionals.
Code Compliance: Learn the latest requirements for safe, durable deck construction.
Business Growth: Discover methods to improve efficiency and quality in your projects.
Networking: Connect with fellow deck professionals and industry leaders.

2025 Schedule

Oct. 22
Oct. 23
Oct. 24

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
10:30 am to 5:00 pm

11:00 am: Hollywood Decks With Tony McKlem
1:00 pm: Footings, Post Bases, and Beams
2:15 pm: Corrosion & Pressure Treated Wood with Eddy Longshore (Culpepper Wood Preservers)
3:30 pm: Lateral Connections, Joists, Joist Hangers

Thursday, October 23, 2025
10:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm: The Life of Bub with Garrett Davis
2:15 pm: Ledgers
3:30 pm: Corrosion & Pressure Treated Wood with Eddy Longshore (Culpepper Wood Preservers)

Friday, October 24, 2025
10:30 am to 2:00 pm

11:00 am: Ledgers
12:30 pm: Railings and Stairs
1:30 pm: Lateral Connections, Joists, Joist Hangers

Featured Presentations

Footings, Posts and Beams

Building a safe and strong deck starts at the ground level. Learn how to create sound concrete footings with proper post bases that support the loading above. Our experts will demonstrate how steel embedded bases properly attach posts to footings, resisting lateral and uplift forces. Discover how to:

Determine minimum footing sizes per code requirements.

Select the right post bases for your specific applications.

Create proper connections to support deck loads from foundation to finish.

Ledgers

The ledger connection is one of the most critical components of deck safety. When improperly installed, ledger failure is a leading cause of catastrophic deck collapse. This session covers:

Code requirements for secure ledger attachment

Proper fastener selection and spacing

Techniques to maintain support from deck to primary structure

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Lateral Connections, Joists, Railings and Stairs

This comprehensive session addresses crucial safety elements including:

Lateral load connectors that resist wind, earthquake, and occupant forces

Proper joist installation and support

Code-compliant guard post and railing connections

Stair stringer, tread, and guardrail requirements

Force resistance specifications for maximum safety

Resisting Rot, Decay and Corrosion

With the average deck lifespan between 10-20 years, understanding how to combat deterioration is essential. Learn about:

Warning signs in existing decks

Different coatings and steel specifications

Various wood treatment options for different environmental conditions

Best practices for extending deck longevity

Meet Our Featured Experts

Tony McKlem
Hollywood Decks

Eddy Longshore
Culpepper Wood Preservers

Garrett Davis
GW Davis Co.

Simpson Strong-Tie
Technical Specialists

Visit the Decks Done Right Stage

Location: Decks Done Right, Booth 3027 (Next to Simpson Strong-Tie)
Hours: Open daily during Deck Expo show hours
Cost: Included with your Deck Expo registration

No pre-registration required! Simply stop by the stage during any scheduled session.

Join Us in New Orleans!

Be among the first to hear about updates for Deck Expo 2026, including educational sessions, speakers, pre-conference offerings, suppliers/manufacturers, networking opportunities, and more.