Free Estimate
We come out, look at your space, and give you a written quote. No cost, no obligation. We answer your questions and figure out what makes sense for you.
Steel and Composite Framing
The Frame Under Your Deck Matters
We stopped using pressure-treated wood for framing. Fortress steel and Owens Corning structural composite last longer, carry 25-plus year warranties, and hold up through NH winters without rotting or warping.
Why the Frame Is the Most Important Part
Most homeowners focus on what the deck looks like from above. The boards, the railing, the color. What they do not see is the frame underneath, which is what the whole structure sits on. If that frame rots, warps, or fails, it does not matter how good the decking looks. Pressure-treated wood has been the default framing material for decades but it has a real problem in NH: moisture. It absorbs water, it swells and shrinks with the seasons, and eventually it rots. Usually faster than the deck above it. We switched to Fortress steel framing and Owens Corning structural composite framing because we wanted the frame to outlast the surface, not the other way around. These are not new or experimental materials. They are built specifically for deck construction, backed by 25-plus year warranties, and they are what we would put under our own decks.
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The Framing Systems We Use
Both systems outperform pressure-treated wood on every durability measure. We will recommend the right one based on your project.
Listed Installer
Fortress Evolution Steel Framing
Fortress steel framing uses hot-dipped galvanized steel joists, beams, and posts built specifically for residential deck construction. Steel will not rot, will not warp, will not shrink or swell with moisture, and will not attract insects. We are a listed Fortress installer, which means we are trained on their system and your project qualifies for their 25-year structural warranty. It is lighter than wood, stronger than wood, and goes together faster.
Structural Framing Partner
Owens Corning Structural Composite
Owens Corning's structural composite framing is made from fiberglass-reinforced polymer. It looks and cuts like wood but none of wood's weaknesses apply. It will not absorb moisture, will not rot, and will not support mold or fungal growth. It is also lighter than pressure-treated lumber, which reduces load on footings and makes the install easier. Backed by a 25-year structural warranty.
Why It Matters
What You Get
No Rot, No Warping
Steel and composite framing will not rot, warp, or swell with moisture. The frame stays straight through NH freeze-thaw cycles. No squeaky boards, no fasteners pushing up over time.
No Insects
Pressure-treated wood is treated against bugs, but that treatment fades over time. Steel and composite framing give insects nothing to eat or burrow into. Period.
25-Plus Year Structural Warranty
Both Fortress and Owens Corning back their framing systems with 25-year structural warranties, which is longer than most pressure-treated wood is warranted against rot. The warranty comes with the product.
Protects Your Investment
You are spending real money on composite decking. A rotted wood frame underneath can force you to tear up perfectly good decking boards to fix it. Steel and composite framing gets rid of that risk.
NH Winter Tested
Both systems are built for cold climates and have been through the same freeze-thaw cycles that define southern NH winters. No seasonal swelling means fasteners stay tight and boards stay flat.
How It Works
Simple Process, No Surprises
Three steps from first call to finished deck. We handle the paperwork, you pick what you want.
Permits and Planning
We pull the permits, order the materials, and lock in a build date. You stay in the loop the whole time. No chasing us down for updates.
We Build It
Our crew shows up when we say we will, builds to code, and cleans up when we leave. You walk through it with us before we call it done.
Common Questions
Questions About Steel and Composite Framing
Does steel framing cost significantly more than pressure-treated wood?
Fortress steel framing typically adds 10 to 20 percent to the framing cost compared to pressure-treated lumber. Framing is a fraction of the total project cost, and steel framing rules out future repairs to the substructure. Most homeowners think it is worth it. We price both options in our estimates so you can make the call.
Does steel framing require special connectors or hardware?
Yes. Fortress steel framing uses specific connectors, joist hangers, and fasteners that are part of the system. Using the right hardware is what keeps the warranty valid. We carry and install all of it as part of a Fortress framing project.
Can steel or composite framing be used on elevated decks?
Yes. Both Fortress steel and Owens Corning composite framing are built for all standard residential deck applications, including elevated structures. Structural sizing is calculated based on span, load, and local code the same way it would be for wood framing.
Do you still use pressure-treated wood at all?
We use pressure-treated wood for in-ground posts where code requires it for direct burial applications. Above that, we default to steel or composite framing for all joists, beams, and rim boards. If a customer specifically wants pressure-treated framing, we will do it. But we will walk them through why we do not use it by default.
Ready to Get Started?
Free estimate, no obligation. We work with homeowners across southern NH and get back to you within 1 business day.
