The Appeal of Steel
Homeowners no longer see the outdoors as a separate space but as a continuation of what is happening in the home’s interior. According to a recent ICFA (International Casual Furnishings Association) study, a whopping 78% of Americans reportedly upgraded their outdoor living areas in 2020.
But the party isn’t over. In fact, Unity Marketing surveyed 200 designers who responded that outdoor living projects are the fastest-growing segment in their businesses, and 90% of Americans agree that their outdoor living space is more valuable than ever. Nearly a third of Millennials (32%) and 20% of Boomers want to renovate their outdoor spaces to add value to their homes.
But before you pick stain colors and furniture for your new outdoor living space, it's crucial to make an informed decision on what framing material will get you the most for your investment: steel or wood.
Your deck framing supports the main structure of your decking, acting as the foundation for the deck itself. Not only will the right frame keep your deck sturdy and safe, but it will also ensure it stays strong for decades to come. Traditional wood, no matter how it's pre-treated, is susceptible to aging, rotting, and warping and can require significant maintenance to get the most for your money. 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, it makes sense to explore longer-lasting and more sustainable solutions.
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, you can expect the same smooth finish, sturdiness, and reliability you 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 in weight than wood frameworks but are 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. They can span up to 15 ft. (vs. 10 ft. for wood), resulting in fewer posts and greater flexibility in post placement. This creates less obstructed views and more open space below the deck for storage or even additional outdoor living area.
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.
Wood traditionally used for deck framing is not always sustainably sourced and can harm forest ecosystems. And unlike pressure-treated lumber, steel deck framing is chemical-free. Pressure-treated wood is treated with synthetic chemicals and can be hazardous if not handled correctly during cutting.
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.