Outdoor living design experts dubbed multi-level decks one of the hottest trends of summer 2025. So, what is a multi-level deck? Multi-level decks make it possible to create distinct outdoor “zones” across different levels to accommodate rest, play or open-air dining. Scroll through any deck design feed, and there’s bound to be a shot of one, complete with a grill master-worthy cooking station, an outdoor dining area and a hot tub or cold plunge.

But here’s the thing. No matter how nice the surface boards look on top of the newly commissioned multi-level deck, it all comes down to what’s underneath. Framing matters. Especially when the deck substructure must support all of the sought-after outdoor amenities that homeowners want to enjoy. Enter, steel deck framing.

Delivering tested strength and long-term durability, steel deck framing is giving old-school wood framing a run for its money, especially when it comes to building a multi-level deck.

A steel deck frame delivers superior strength to a multi-level deck

All muscle and brawn, steel is a powerhouse framing material ideal for today’s bigger and better multi-level decks. With a yield strength approximately 10 times greater than wood, steel profiles can shoulder heavy loads (up to 250 psf). The high load-bearing capacity of steel directly correlates with its ability to provide greater spans between supports. This is why steel deck framing shines in multi-level deck construction. Fewer intermediate posts opens up more usable space below the upper-level deck, allowing homeowners to maximize every square inch of their outdoor living space.

For instance, Fortress Building Products offers engineered steel beams that can span up to 20 feet between supports. This means contractors can “unclutter” the lower-level space for a much cleaner appearance visually and provide unobstructed access to a home’s entry points.

A multi-level outdoor living space that is built to last

A multi-level deck is a serious investment and the deck framing material needs to measure up. Steel deck framing makes its mark here. Unlike wood frames, which are vulnerable to the damaging effects of weathering, a steel deck frame can sidestep common issues, such as deterioration after long-term exposure to moisture. Steel profiles also have the dimensional stability to resist splitting and warping due to extreme temperature fluctuations. In application, steel frame profiles will remain straight and true over time. This makes for an enduring multi-level deck framing solution that provides a reliable foundation for everything above. For contractors, this means delivering a finished project that looks great and keeps performing, year after year.

Complete steel deck framing systems support a straightforward installation process

To leverage the proven benefits of steel, contractors can turn to ready-to-assemble framing systems like Fortress® Evolution. No specialized tools required, the interlocking joist and ledger system provides a straightforward installation process that looks and feels like working with wood. Some argue that using a steel deck framing system is actually easier than working with the time-honored building material. After all, framing a multi-level deck using Evolution eliminates the hassle of planing the lumber or applying joist tape, both of which add a significant amount of time and labor on a job of that scale.

To complete the build, Fortress Building Products offers a steel stair framing system that is compatible with the Evolution steel deck frame. Sidelining serious safety concerns (like poor stringer-to-deck connections and inconsistent rises and runs), the engineered steel stair system features fixed and adjustable stair brackets that can accommodate various rise and run options. Stringer and stair trays already include blocking every 10 inches on center for railing post attachment and stair tread attachment, and self-drilling screws ensure maximum strength and security at connections.

To jumpstart their next project, contractors can take advantage of Fortress Building Products’ free stair calculator. Enter just a few parameters, and this handy tool can walk contractors through each of the steps (pun intended).

Reach out to your local Fortress Building Products rep today to put Evolution to the test on your next multi-level deck build.