The Appeal of Steel
Recent surveys show that a surprising 82% of Americans feel they're not really making the most of their outdoor spaces. Among those surveyed, a notable 57% are thinking about projects to renovate, refresh, or spruce up their environments into spaces where they'll spend more quality time relaxing, dining, and entertaining outdoors. But before they pick stain colors and new furniture, it's crucial to help your clients make an informed decision on what framing material will get them the most for their investment: steel or wood.
The right frame will not only keep your clients' decks sturdy and safe, but will also ensure it stays strong for decades to come. No matter how pre-treated, traditional wood is susceptible to aging, rotting, and warping and can require significant maintenance. When you add to that the environmental concerns of using large amounts of pressure-treated lumber and the impact that time and exposure to the elements can have on appearance alone, exploring longer-lasting and more sustainable solutions makes sense.
Deck frames made from steel are the next evolution in the construction industry. Steel deck frames won't change over time through function or appearance, and in 25 years, your clients can expect the same smooth finish, sturdiness, and reliability they had on day one. Read on to explore more benefits of choosing steel deck framing.
Performance
Steel is a highly durable material that offers resistance to corrosion, insects, and most environmental and weather conditions. Steel has a much better strength-to-weight ratio than wood, meaning steel frameworks are lighter than wood frameworks but far stronger and safer.
Wood is notorious for twisting, warping, and shrinking when exposed to different weather conditions. With time, the lumber in your deck project could drastically change in shape and quality despite your best efforts. Steel framing is resistant to environmental factors and moisture, and every joist is machine cut, meaning they are the perfect fit without any imperfections from day one.
Appearance
Steel decking frames are aesthetically superior to wood. With a steel frame, everything is perfectly level, straight, and square and remains that way forever. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, you don't have to worry about the deterioration or discoloration that eventually ruins the visual appeal of wood. There's also no need to spend the time or money putting up fascia, which homeowners generally install to hide a pressure-treated lumber frame.
Steel beams are also a designer's dream, allowing everything from curves and angled corners to extended cantilevers. New Castle Steel's revolutionary tracks and joints allow spans up to 24 ft. (vs. 10 ft. for wood), resulting in fewer posts and greater flexibility in post placement.
Environmental Impact
New Castle Steel contains a minimum of 25% recycled steel and is 100% recyclable, far exceeding any other construction material. In fact, steel is the most recycled material on the planet and can be continuously reclaimed without losing quality. Treated lumber, on the other hand, must be disposed of in a landfill. Steel-framed decks also use fewer materials than traditionally framed decks, lowering construction waste with little to no leftover materials.
100% American-Made
Choosing American-made steel helps to build a robust economy while promoting safety and environmental responsibility. Purchasing domestically produced steel supports local jobs and contributes to the growth of the US economy, ensuring that our workers are employed under fair labor standards. Additionally, American steel manufacturers are held to stringent regulations regarding quality and safety, ensuring that the products meet high standards.
The potential introduction of tariffs on imported steel will significantly impact the construction industry, ultimately leading to cost savings for contractors prioritizing American-made products. New Castle Steel products, made from 100% American steel, avoid fluctuations in price due to international trade agreements and currency exchange rates. As a result, our partners benefit from a more stable supply chain and consistent pricing, which can translate into lower costs to pass on to customers.
When planning your new deck, it's essential to ensure that its substructure can guarantee safety while continuing to look great through decades of outdoor conditions. Where other deck framing systems may seem sturdy and supportive, only New Castle Steel can withstand time without shifting, splitting, warping, rotting, or rusting--all while using materials that are kinder to the earth.