In a recent House Beautiful article, experts suggest that the biggest deck design trends of the year are cantilevered or “floating” decks, wellness features like hot tubs and outdoor showers, multi-level outdoor spaces that maximize functionality and style, and luxe open-air kitchens that enable families to spend more quality time outdoors. However fabulous these design trends sound… they are only made possible by a strong, durable and long-lasting substructure. That’s why choosing the right deck framing material is so important.

Against this backdrop—more and more deck builders are making the switch to steel deck framing, a high-performance alternative to old-school deck framing with lumber. But those who have never framed a deck with steel before may be concerned about the learning curve. We receive a lot of questions around the steel frame installation process, like: How hard is it to install a steel frame deck? Is working with metal deck joists and steel deck beams complicated? Is steel deck framing worth it?

Here's the good news. The availability of ready-to-assemble steel deck framing systems lowers the barrier to entry for those who are hesitant to work with steel because of the perceived learning curve. Let's break it down.

Modern framing system comes with metal deck joists, steel deck beams and everything builders need for a straightforward install

Take the Evolution steel deck framing system from Fortress Building Products, for example. The ready-to-assemble system arrives on-site with the parts you need to frame a bigger, stronger and safer deck. No specialized tools required, Evolution’s interlocking joist and ledger system provides a straightforward installation process that looks and feels like working with lumber. In fact, some deck builders argue that building a steel frame deck is actually easier than a traditional wood frame deck. Most importantly, Evolution’s metal deck joists and steel beams arrive straight and install flat; forget about the labor-intensive task of planing and fighting twisted boards into place.

Installation resources in your corner

Let's get you going in the right direction. Fortress Building Products offers expert-backed resources to help guide first-time users through each step of the Evolution installation process.

• Review the parts that come with the Evolution steel deck framing system by downloading the product guide  
• Download the Evolution installation guide for step-by-step instructions and detailed drawings
• More of a visual learner? Watch an arsenal of install videos on Fortress’ YouTube channel
• Discover the Fortress 411 page for useful installation tips and educational content
• To simplify the process of calculating framing material requirements for your project, complete a take-off request

Want to get your hands dirty and learn how to install a steel deck framing system on a real job site? Fortress regularly hosts Master Class Workshops, which are hands-on training events designed to give first-time users the confidence to install Evolution and grow their business. These workshops, which are co-hosted by experienced Fortress Alliance Members, are a unique opportunity to join a community of contractors and deck builders who work with steel and can help you as questions arise on future projects. Make sure you’re following @fortressbldgproducts on all major social media platforms to find out when and where the next Master Class Workshop is happening (they pop up all over the country).

What are you waiting for? Join the next generation of deck building.