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Why Steel Deck Framing Is the Fire-Safe Upgrade Your Deck Needs
Safe from the Ground Up
Living in Central Oregon means being surrounded by beautiful outdoor landscapes. But with that beauty comes the responsibility of building smart, especially when it comes to fire safety. At Webfoot, that means doing it right from the ground up. While you might choose beautiful, fire-resistant decking boards, true safety starts with what’s underneath.
While most decks rely on traditional wood framing, steel deck framing offers a fire-resistant alternative that's gaining popularity in high-risk areas. While steel is more of an investment, it offers a long-lasting solution designed to give your deck a backbone that’s as tough as it is fire-defiant. Think of it as building a deck sturdy enough to outlast wildfire season.
What Is Steel Deck Framing
Simply put, Fortress Steel framing is the safest option for non-combustible deck framing, providing a secure structural foundation for your deck. Instead of pressure-treated lumber, we use an advanced steel system designed to withstand high temperatures. Fortress steel is made from cold-formed, triple-coated galvanized steel and finished with a durable powder coating, ensuring maximum strength and weather resistance.
What sets steel framing apart is its hidden strength beneath your deck boards. It remains stable in extreme temperatures and is specifically engineered to withstand Central Oregon’s unique climate.
Why Fire Resistance Matters
With wildfire risks growing in Oregon and beyond, choosing materials wisely is becoming increasingly important. For Central Oregon homeowners, choosing wildfire-safe decking materials is essential due to our close proximity to forest lands. While fire-rated decking boards are a good first step, using them with a combustible wood frame only partially addresses the risk. To maximize safety, it’s important to consider both the decking boards and the framing materials.
That’s where steel framing makes a real difference. Unlike wood, steel is non-combustible—it won’t ignite or fuel a fire. By choosing Fortress Steel framing, you significantly reduce your deck’s vulnerability to wildfires. When you combine this sturdy steel frame with Class A fire-rated decking from brands like Trex or TimberTech, you create a system designed to withstand wildfire season. This combination offers true peace of mind, so you can relax knowing your deck is built to last and protect—no peeling, cracking, or burning, just safety you can count on.
How Does Steel Framing Perform
When comparing the benefits of steel vs wood deck framing, Fortress Steel offers impressive structural benefits beyond fire resistance. It’s up to three times stronger than wood. The stronger deck foundation allows for longer spans and straighter lines, resulting in a more stable and visually appealing deck surface. Plus, it’s resistant to rot, insects, and warping, meaning a truly long-lasting solution. It outperforms wood in every season, not just fire season. Think durable. Defensible. Deck-ready.
When it comes to feeling heat underfoot, it’s the surface you walk on that really counts, not the frame underneath. With the right fire-resistant decking material and proper ventilation, your deck stays comfortable, even on the hottest days. Pair that cool, safe surface with a Fortress Steel foundation, and you’ve got the perfect outdoor space for hanging out with friends and family.
Installing Fortress Steel framing is similar to installing wood, but you get the added precision of engineered steel parts. Self-drilling screws and sturdy brackets lock everything in place for a rock-solid build. And thanks to steel’s superior strength, you’ll often need fewer supports, giving your deck cleaner lines. Best of all? You get all these benefits with zero special maintenance required.
When Is Steel Framing the right choice?
Steel framing is a smart choice for homeowners who want a deck that’s built to last and puts safety first.
- Perfect for homes in high fire-risk areas or near forests
- Meets HOA standards for non-combustible materials
- A smart investment for anyone who values longevity and low maintenance
Pair steel framing with Class A fire-rated deck boards, and you’ve got the ultimate fire-safe deck. It’s all about building it right the first time. Steel is the perfect partner for fire-rated decking.
The Webfoot Way™: Smarter Decks from the Start
At Webfoot, we’re committed to building smarter, safer decks from the ground up. We take care of every detail—from permitting and planning to material selection—for a smooth, stress-free experience. Our crews are highly trained and certified to install steel framing with precision, so you can trust every inch is built to last.
We build decks in Bend that are ready for anything—decks that not only look great but also help protect your home.
Ready for a deck that stands up to everything Oregon has to offer? Schedule your free consultation today and let us know your fire safety priorities. You’ll get expert advice and top-quality craftsmanship. It's the Webfoot Way.
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