For over two decades, Scott Kelly, a Fortress® Alliance Member and the owner of Precision Construction, has built long-lasting decks for home and business owners at the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. His commitment to delivering results that exceed his clients’ expectations has earned him multiple deck building awards and industry accolades throughout his career. For example, the popular trade magazine Deck Specialist named Kelly the Evolution Specialist of the Year as part of its annual ‘Deck Specialists of the Year’ program.

Needing a wood-alternative deck framing solution in a wildfire-prone state

Over the years, Kelly’s home state of Colorado has experienced devastating wildfires. Consequently, more than 4.5 million acres of land across the state now fall under the wildland-urban interface (WUI) designation. Essentially, WUI land is defined as geographical areas where homes or business are situated next to combustible wildland vegetation. Because there’s a higher-than-normal fire risk under these circumstances, “fireproofing and fire safety are topics at the forefront of our market,” Kelly reported.

Early in his career, Kelly understood that building a deck substructure with pressure-treated lumber was not a viable option in Colorado’s wildfire-prone landscape. So, to meet Colorado’s WUI building code and grow his business, Kelly searched for a forward-thinking deck framing solution that would help him deliver safer, more durable and longer-lasting structures. He found his answer in Evolution steel deck framing from Fortress Building Products.

The proven performance of a noncombustible steel deck framing system

Evolution leverages the durability, strength and noncombustible nature of steel. Recognizing the product's proven performance and the potential that it offered his business, Kelly has been building exclusively with the Evolution steel deck framing system for the past eight years. One of the early adopters of steel deck framing, it's no surprise that many in the industry refer to Kelly as the "Godfather of Steel."

A noncombustible option with plenty of premium qualities, the steel deck framing system will not rot, warp or split after long-term exposure to the Colorado elements. Not only do steel profiles offer lasting performance, but Evolution allows Kelly to "capitalize on the design capabilities of steel- be it bigger spans, the flexibility to design bigger and better outdoor living spaces." There's no reason for homeowners who live in Kelly's wildfire-prone region to sacrifice a stylish outdoor living space for safety.

Underscoring Evolution's safety factor, the deck framing system is a Class A fire-rated product, having successfully completed the ASTM E84-21a, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. This makes the deck framing system approved for use in regions with WUI codes, those under California Building Code's Chapter 7A, and other wildfire-prone areas. Used in deck construction, Evolution can help prevent a ground fire from spreading quickly, reducing the vulnerability of a home and its surrounding neighbors.

"In today's market, people are making a substantial investment in their outdoor living space. Steel deck framing is the best way to ensure that their investment is money well spent," adds Kelly.

Equipping the next generation of deck builders

Taking his passion for steel deck framing off the jobsite, Kelly is actively involved in industry events where he shares his knowledge and experience with fellow deck builders. For example, he participated in the first annual Master Class National Expo hosted by Fortress Building Products in April 2024, a multi-day event that immersed contractors in all aspects of working with steel deck framing, providing both hands-on training with the product, breakout sessions, expert Q&As and networking. According to Kelly, "The Master Class initiative is a huge step forward for steel deck framing and the industry as a whole. It's something that will not only move the deck building industry forward but will also drive all of us business owners forward. That's the most exciting part for me."

Fortress Building Products is hosting Master Class workshops all over the country. Participate in the Fortress® Master Class (there are four different formats available to help you master this new skill).