Hear seasoned pros connect design thinking to solid substructure. Get practical tips, consider framing material solutions, and pick up job ready guidance to elevate quality, speed, and finish. Expect fast learning, straight talk, and ideas you can apply immediately.

One Deck, Three Ways: A Case Study in Framing Techniques

Level up your deck builds with a real‑world case study from Sean Collinsgru and Catherine Lippincott of Premier Outdoor Living. In this educational session, Sean and Catherine walk through a single deck project that was built using three distinct framing techniques. They’ll compare traditional freestanding framing, framing over an existing concrete slab, and ground‑level framing over a graded patio base, highlighting the unique considerations, challenges, and advantages of each method. Contractors looking to expand their capabilities, take on more complex outdoor projects, and select the right framing approach for the job will walk away with practical, field‑tested insights they can apply immediately.

Attendees will learn how to:

Evaluate different framing techniques and understand when each method—traditional, over‑slab, or ground‑level—delivers the best performance and value. Identify structural considerations such as drainage, movement, load paths, and longevity that influence how a deck should be framed in varying site conditions. Expand their project capabilities by confidently assessing existing conditions, choosing the right framing solution, and improving project quality, efficiency, and customer outcomes.

The Pre‑Planned Build Process: How High‑End Outdoor Projects Actually Succeed

Level up your deck builds by learning how seasoned pro Jonathan Moeller of Colorado Custom Covers and Decks eliminates chaos before construction even begins. In this session, Moeller breaks down the pre‑planned build process he uses to reduce change orders, prevent callbacks, and protect margin on complex decks and outdoor structures. Learn how replacing “field‑decided construction” with a repeatable preconstruction system locks scope, engineering, materials, and sequencing before day one on site – giving contractors the confidence, clarity, and control needed to take on bigger, higher‑end decks and outdoor structures.

Attendees will learn how to:

Develop an efficient pre‑planned build process that locks scope, engineering, materials, and sequencing before the first day on site. Reduce change orders and callbacks by replacing reactive, in‑the‑field decision making with a repeatable system. Manage larger, more complex outdoor projects with clearer communication, stronger margins, and better client expectations from the start.

Precision In‑Lays: Framing & Blocking for Custom Deck Designs

Level up your deck builds by learning the substructure secrets behind flawless inlays. In this hands‑on demo, Sean Collinsgru of Premier Outdoor Living shows his step-by-step approach to planning, blocking, and framing for clean, custom inlay designs that hold up in the real world. Whether you’re new to inlays or ready to sharpen your technique, this session gives you the practical framing insights needed to execute detailed patterns with confidence.

Attendees will learn how to:

Plan and lay out inlays so framing, blocking, and board patterns align cleanly from the very first cut. Identify critical framing considerations – including blocking placement, load support, and movement control – that ensure in‑lays stay tight and true over time. Get fresh design inspiration by exploring in‑lay patterns, layout concepts, and creative framing strategies they can bring into their next deck project.

Deck Framing Materials Breakdown: Pros, Cons & Best‑Use Scenarios

 Level up your deck builds by hearing directly from the pros. In this open panel discussion, seasoned contractors compare today’s most common framing materials – including pressure‑treated lumber, TrueFrame™ Joist, and other alternative framing materials. Panelists will share real‑world experiences, tradeoffs, cost considerations, installation differences, and the performance factors that actually matter long‑term. Whether you’re building simpler structures or stepping into higher‑end deck design, this session will help you understand how each material behaves and how to choose the right structural solution for your next project.

Attendees will learn how to:

Compare the strengths, limitations, and tradeoffs of PT lumber, TrueFrame, OC lumber, and steel framing based on real‑world contractor experience. Match framing materials to project needs, factoring in design complexity, span requirements, environmental conditions, and desired lifespan. Identify best‑use scenarios for each material, helping them confidently recommend and specify the right framing solution for higher‑end, longer‑lasting deck builds.