A nonstop fury of severe weather and chaotic storms have plagued the U.S. this year and have racked up $7 billion dollars in damage as of May 2024, according to a special report from FOX Weather. The media outlet's correspondents add that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is not done calculating our country's losses. Extreme weather and climate events including tornadoes, hailstorms, flash floods, record-breaking high temperatures and wildfires are expected to continue making headlines across the country.

The threat that severe weather poses adds a layer of complexity to every aspect of building and construction-including deck building. Against this backdrop, deck framing materials are coming under intense scrutiny. Contractors looking for strength, durability and weather resistance are reconsidering traditional deck framing materials like pressure-treated lumber and putting alternative options like steel to the test. After all, building with a long-lasting framing material is critical for contractors looking to deliver a deck with staying power.

Steel deck framing holds the key to a stronger, bigger and better deck

All muscle and brawn, steel's ultimate yield strength measures approximately 10 times greater than wood. To put the strength of steel in perspective, steel profiles can handle significantly larger loads than pressure-treated lumber-up to 200 psf. What's more, steel's load-bearing capacity has a direct correlation with its ability to cover greater spans. For example, steel profiles can span up to 20 feet between supports. Having fewer posts is an attractive selling point to homeowners looking to utilize more usable space underneath their upper-level deck.

Steel is resilient to the damaging effects of weathering

But here's the thing: strength is only half of the equation when it comes to building a deck that can withstand the damaging effects of today's relentless weather and climate events. To its benefit, steel is incredibly durable. It will not deteriorate after long-term exposure to moisture, split in hurricane-force winds, or warp due to extreme temperature fluctuations. In any condition, steel profiles are sure to remain straight and true over time. This makes for a dimensionally stable deck framing solution that keeps surface boards flat and smooth underneath the homeowner's feet.

This dependability should provide reassurance to homeowners who live in an area frequently hit by severe weather and may feel apprehensive about investing in their home's outdoor living space. Steel framing is also a noncombustible, fire-hardened option that can meet the demands of today's outdoor living scenarios even in wildfire-prone regions.

Comprehensive deck framing systems support straightforward installation process

Ultimately, steel framing makes it possible for contractors to build a bigger and better deck that serves up proven performance—even for those who live in parts of the country that are hit with frequent extreme weather and climate events. To leverage the benefits of steel, contractors can turn to comprehensive, ready-to-assemble framing systems like Evolution from Fortress Building Products. No specialized tools required, the game-changing deck framing system includes an intuitive ledger and convenient joist lengths for an installation process that’s very similar to lumber. In fact, some of the industry’s top builders argue that framing a deck with steel is easier than working with the time-honored building material.

Steel deck framing makes it possible to build a safer and longer-lasting outdoor living space

Isn’t it time to put a smarter deck framing solution to the test? Discover Evolution steel deck framing, which is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty for ultimate peace of mind for you and your clients. Check out our Where to Buy page to locate a dealer or retailer near you.