Steel deck framing offers a durable, versatile alternative to traditional wood framing. With exceptional strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to rot, pests, and weather-related damage, a steel framing system provides a reliable foundation built for long-term performance.
Steel deck framing also provides greater design flexibility, making it possible to create expansive outdoor spaces with fewer support posts, longer spans, cantilevers, multiple levels, curved sections, and other custom layouts. Compatible with composite boards, PVC decking, and various other decking materials, steel gives homeowners more freedom to bring complex deck designs to life.
Why Steel Deck Framing Is Ideal for Your Home
Durability
Steel is renowned for its exceptional strength, offering superior structural integrity and load capacity, while also providing a reliable, long-lasting foundation for your deck.
Unlike pressure-treated lumber, steel resists warping, twisting, cracking, and deterioration. It can support decking materials, furniture, and everyday foot traffic while also accommodating properly engineered features such as outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, stone countertops, and glass railings.
For elevated decks and designs requiring expanded spans, steel framing can also provide the strength and deflection resistance needed to create stable outdoor spaces with fewer structural limitations.
Dimensional Stability
Unlike hardwood, steel is not susceptible to expansion, contraction, or warping caused by moisture, temperature changes, or other environmental factors. This dimensional stability minimizes the risk of deck boards loosening, splitting, or developing unsightly gaps over time.
Because steel components are precision manufactured to exact specifications, they also provide consistent quality and strength properties from one piece to the next. Steel deck framing helps maintain a level, stable foundation while reducing the repairs that can come with shifting or deteriorating wood framing.
Low Maintenance and Weather Resistance
Steel deck framing is highly resistant to rot, decay, termites, carpenter ants, and other common issues associated with pressure-treated lumber. Galvanized and coated steel framing systems also provide protection against moisture and corrosion.
Unlike wood framing, steel is weather-resistant and does not require regular staining, sealing, or painting to maintain its structural integrity. With professional installation and proper care, steel deck framing can offer a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance and repair costs than traditional wood framing.
Design Flexibility
The strength and dimensional stability of steel allow homeowners to consider deck designs that may be more difficult to achieve with conventional wood framing. Depending on the project, steel can accommodate cantilevers, multiple levels, curved sections, stair systems, longer spans, and other complex design features.
Steel framing is also compatible with various decking materials, including composite boards and PVC decking. This gives homeowners the flexibility to pair a durable substructure with the surface material and style that best fit their outdoor space.
New Castle Steel Framing
We offer New Castle steel deck framing, which undergoes a triple-coating process to provide protection against shifting, splitting, warping, rotting, and rusting. Its precise engineering creates consistently flat surfaces for a reliable and visually appealing deck structure.
This Class IA fire-rated product strikes a balance between lightweight construction and sturdy durability and can accommodate cantilevers and modern curved deck designs. New Castle Steel also incorporates 25% recycled steel and is fully recyclable, making it an environmentally responsible choice for homeowners interested in sustainable building practices.
As a 100% renewable resource, it contributes to LEED points, enhancing the sustainability profile of deck building projects. New Castle also offers a 50-year limited residential warranty. Find more out at NCSteel.com
Fortress Steel Framing
We also offer Fortress Building Products, including the Evolution Steel Deck Framing system. Engineered by deck builders for deck builders, Fortress Evolution uses light-gauge steel framing designed for strength, durability, and installation efficiency.
Its components are easy to square and offer superior resistance to twisting, rotting, cracking, pests, and burning compared with traditional wood framing. Fortress’ interlocking joist and ledger system helps simplify professional installation, while its Black Sand powder-coated finish provides additional corrosion resistance and a clean appearance.
The Evolution steel deck framing system supports a wide range of custom layouts and decking surfaces. Composite decking boards, PVC decking, steel joists, fasteners, and other components can work together to create a durable, low-maintenance outdoor space. Find out more at fortressbp.com.
Is Steel Deck Framing Worth the Investment?
Steel deck framing typically comes with a higher upfront cost than pressure-treated lumber, but the initial price is only one part of the long-term investment. Benefits of steel deck framing include:
- Extended lifespan
- Minimal maintenance
- Resistance to rot and pests
- Reduced need for structural repairs
A durable, low-maintenance deck built with premium materials can also contribute to buyer appeal and resale value, particularly when the framing supports desirable outdoor living features. Manufacturer warranties can provide additional protection against qualifying defects and greater long-term security for the investment.
The Best Steel Suppliers & Steel Deck Framing in St. Louis
Still not sure whether a new steel deck framing system is right for your home? Outdoor Living Inc. can help!
If you want to create a framing system for your front porch, we’re the shop to help you bring your dream deck design to life. We’ve been working with steel framing for over 10 years. Our team of professionals will work with you to determine what type of steel-framed deck best suits your home improvement needs.
You can purchase the supplies through our company and DIY your deck project, or you can hire us for a full design, precise engineering, and implementation.
Visit our showroom in Kirkwood or call us anytime for pricing and warranty information. We offer free consultations and estimates.
