The "steel vs wood framing" debate is a familiar one for many in the deck building world. Wood deck framing has been the traditional go-to for years, largely because of its familiarity and historically lower upfront cost. But more and more contractors frustrated with the quality of today's pressure-treated lumber (warping, cracking and all) are looking for a better option. That's where steel deck framing comes in, offering long-lasting performance and a straightforward deck building process.

But let’s talk numbers. Because when it comes down to it, cost is what often makes or breaks a decision. So, how does the cost of steel deck framing compare to wood deck framing? Is steel deck framing worth it? To get real answers, Fortress Building Products commissioned a side-by-side build. The two freestanding 16' x 18' decks shared the same specs—minus the framing material. One used wood deck framing and the other the Evolution steel deck framing system from Fortress Building Products. Here’s what we found out.

Looking beyond the bottom line

At first glance, old-school wood deck framing seems like the cheaper option. The real-world analysis found that the total material cost difference between steel vs wood framing was 21%. So, this meant that at the time of the build, the steel framing system cost about 275% more than the wood framing materials. That's a big enough number to make anyone hesitate. But no one should make a decision based on the cost of materials alone. It's important to consider other key factors that play a part in the job, like labor cost savings and long-term value props for both the contractor and the homeowner.

Evolution steel deck framing took less time to install

Someone who has worked with wood deck framing before will know the frustrations that can come with it. Several issues were observed with the wood that arrived on site, including cracking and warping (sound familiar?). The contractor had no choice but to spend extra time and effort to plane each joist to create a level foundation for the surface boards. Joist tape also had to be applied to protect against moisture infiltration. In total, the crew clocked an extra 5.5 hours just to get the wood prepped for install.

Meanwhile, the Evolution steel deck framing system went up fast-34% fewer labor hours compared to the identical wood frame. Why? The interlocking joist and ledger system provides a straightforward installation process that looks and feels like working with wood. Most importantly, the steel profiles arrive straight and install flat; forget about planing and fighting twisted boards into place. Further, Fortress Building Products uses galvanized steel and applies a protective power coating for increased corrosion resistance, which removes the need for joist tape.

When you factor in labor savings, the cost difference between Evolution steel deck framing and traditional wood framing is competitive.

Steel deck framing’s value wins over contractors and homeowners

Steel deck framing offers additional advantages that boost profitability. Because Evolution is a premium product, contractors can apply higher markups-typically between 35% and 54%. They can remain competitive while maximizing profit and differentiating themselves from other contractors. For homeowners, the long-term value is undeniable. Unlike wood, steel deck framing is invulnerable to moisture absorption or the damaging effects of weathering. A deck framed with steel will not need to be replaced in 7-10 years. In fact, Evolution steel deck framing comes with a 25-year warranty, which means no costly renovations down the road and grants ultimate peace of mind.

Underscoring its value and safety, Fortress® Evolution is also a Class A fire-rated product, approved for use in regions with WUI codes, those under California Building Code’s Chapter 7A and other wildfire-prone areas where pressure-treated wood may not be a viable option.

The more valuable choice in the steel vs wood framing debate is… steel

When only looking at just material costs, wood is still the cheaper option. But if labor savings, long-term durability and value are factored into the scope of the project, the cost difference to the contractor is negligible. So, is steel deck framing worth it? The results of this side-by-side build underline that it is definitely worth it.

To access the full-length steel vs wood framing case study with a detailed total project cost breakdown, click here.