Most people pick their deck boards and railing first. The framing underneath gets less attention, but it decides how long the deck lasts. A composite or PVC deck board can last for decades. A pressure-treated wood frame often can’t keep up. That’s why we build many of our decks on Fortress Evolution steel framing.
The problem with wood framing
Pressure-treated lumber is strong and affordable, but it’s still wood:
- It rots. Water sits on top of joists, especially where boards and joists meet, and the wood slowly breaks down.
- It warps and twists. Lumber dries out after it’s installed. Joists crown, twist and shrink, and the deck surface stops being flat.
- It doesn’t match the boards. Premium decking from TimberTech carries a long warranty. A wood frame may need work long before the boards wear out.
We protect wood frames with G-Tape joist tape when a job uses wood, and that helps a lot. But steel takes the problem off the table.
What Fortress Evolution steel framing is
Fortress Evolution is a framing system of light-gauge steel joists, beams, ledgers and brackets. The steel is protected with a coating designed for outdoor use. Parts are made to exact dimensions and bolt together with engineered brackets.
Why steel framing makes a better deck
It’s dead flat. Steel joists are made straight and stay straight. That means a flatter deck surface, cleaner board lines and fewer squeaks.
It won’t rot. Water can’t rot steel, and termites and insects can’t eat it.
Longer spans. Steel beams and joists can span farther than wood of a similar size. That can mean fewer posts and footings, more open space under a second-story deck, and a cleaner look from the patio below.
Fire resistance. Steel doesn’t burn, which is worth thinking about around fire pits and outdoor kitchens and in wildfire-prone areas.
It matches the life of the boards. A steel frame under TimberTech decking and Fortress railing gives you a deck where every part is built for the long haul.
Where steel framing shines
- Second-story decks, where long spans and a clean underside matter.
- Hot tub decks, which need a stiff, strong frame.
- Decks with a covered patio below, especially with a Trex RainEscape drainage system or a finished soffit underneath.
- Hillside lots, where tall posts and long beams are common.
Steel on top of good footings
A great frame needs a great base. We often set steel framing on ground screw footings, which go in fast and give a measured, solid footing.
To see everything that goes into a deck built to last, read our built-to-last guide. If you’re planning a new deck or a full tear-out and rebuild, ask us about steel framing when you call for a free estimate.