Case Studies

Project Details

Property: Residential

Location: Island Park, Idaho

Products: Evolution Steel Deck Framing

Oney Tews, owner of Spot-on Construction, has designed beautiful rustic-style homes and cabins, complete with expansive decks and patios, in southeastern Idaho for nearly a decade. Recently, Oney took on a remodeling project in Island Park, Idaho, a small town known by winter sport enthusiasts for its abundance of snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. A key component of this project? The construction of a 1,600-square-foot second-story deck, which wraps around the backside of the remodeled cabin to provide functional outdoor living space underneath the towering A-frame roof.

Sidelining challenges associated with traditional wood deck framing

The newly commissioned deck stands in place of the original 25-year-old wood framed deck, which had slowly deteriorated over time due to the harsh Idaho elements. Terrifyingly enough, it eventually collapsed. Unfortunately, that’s not a surprise. Mother Nature can wreak havoc on any wooden structures left out in the open. This problem is intensified in a location like Island Park, which receives an average annual snowfall of 250-300 inches. “Snow sits on the deck for a long time and the prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to deterioration of lumber,” Oney explained. “Lumber can’t handle the load and it’s not weather-proof so there are going to be issues with rot and rust.” This poses major challenges for decks constructed with traditional wood framing. It’s not uncommon to see an old-school wood frame deck completely deteriorate after long-term exposure to the elements.

When it came time to recommend the best deck framing material for the Island Park project, Oney knew he had to sideline any concern of rot and rust. He wasn’t going to let history repeat itself for clients who had already watched one deck collapse. So, when a colleague told him about the Evolution steel deck framing system from Fortress Building Products, Oney immediately pitched the idea to his client. “They were happy to put steel deck framing to the test if it meant eliminating the limitations associated with lumber,” he reported.

Supporting a bigger and stronger deck structure with more usable space underneath

Leveraging the proven strength of steel, Evolution steel deck framing tackles snow-load concerns head-on. Steel has an ultimate yield strength around 10 times greater than wood and even flexes with force—one of the reasons for its success on large construction projects. All muscle and brawn, steel profiles can shoulder heavy loads—up to 200-psf. The high load-bearing capacity of steel directly correlates with its ability to provide greater spans with fewer intermediate supports. For example, Fortress® offers an engineered steel deck beam that can span as long as 20 feet between supports. This made it possible for Oney to create more usable space underneath the deck, leaving plenty of room for his clients to access the entry points to the home’s walk-out basement. Using fewer vertical supports also “uncluttered” the ground-level space for a cleaner appearance.

Leveraging steel’s proven performance and enhanced durability

When building decks in snow-prone regions like Island Park, strength is just one piece of the puzzle. Oney recognized that he needed a durable solution that could provide peace of mind in the long-term structural integrity of the project. Steel is resilient to most tangible threats, including rot and decay, fungi, pests (such as termites) and weathering. This makes it possible to sideline major issues such as deterioration after long-term exposure to moisture, and splitting and warping as a result of extreme temperature changes. For enhanced durability and protection from the effects of weathering, the steel components are hot-dipped galvanized to G60 standards (0.90 ounces of zinc coating per square foot of steel sheet) or higher. In application, steel frame profiles will remain straight and true over time. This makes for an enduring, dimensionally stable deck framing solution that keeps surface boards flat and smooth underfoot. 

Noncombustible steel supports fire-safe deck construction  

Not only does steel sideline concerns about the effects of weathering, but it is also a noncombustible building material. In recent years, many parts of Idaho's beautiful rangelands have experienced devastating wildfires. But the growing threat of wildfire is not unique to Idaho. More and more at-risk regions across the country are prioritizing fire-safe deck building construction methods and materials. Consequently, there is a growing number of contractors like Oney putting Class A fire-rated materials (building materials that won’t contribute fuel to a fire) like steel to the test.

Underscoring its safety factor, Evolution received a Class A fire rating after completing the ASTM E84-21a, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, making it approved for use in WUI zones and other wildfire-prone areas. Used in deck construction, Evolution steel deck framing can help prevent a ground fire from spreading quickly, reducing the vulnerability of a home and its surrounding neighbors.

A comprehensive steel deck framing system ensures a straightforward installation

The Island Park project was the first time that Oney and his crew had ever worked with Evolution. Designed to support a straightforward installation process, the interlocking joist and ledger system lets first-time users like Oney build a deck with less effort. No additional tools or special industry knowledge required, the deck framing system also comes with a rim joist, midspan blocking, beam blocking and pre-punched ledgers at 12” and 16” on center. Designed by deck builders for deck builders, many contractors find that installing Evolution feels very similar to framing a deck with wood. But in fact, Oney reported that the “installation process was considerably faster.”

A compatible steel deck stair system completes the project

To deliver a safer and longer-lasting deck structure, Oney’s crew incorporated the Evolution steel deck stair system in the build. Marrying the compatible steel deck framing and steel deck stair system sidelines serious safety concerns, like poor stringer-to-deck connections and inconsistent rises and runs. These challenges are common in traditional wood decks, as conventional stair construction requires contractors to cut pieces of lumber by hand. The Evolution steel deck stair system includes fixed and adjustable stair brackets that can accommodate various rise and run options. The stringer and stair trays already include blocking every 10 inches on center for railing post attachment and stair tread attachment. Self-drilling screws ensure maximum strength and security at connections.

Delivering long-lasting performance in Idaho

Leveraging the innovation and tested performance of Evolution steel deck framing, Oney successfully delivered a structurally sound 1,600-square-foot wraparound deck set against Idaho’s scenic wooded views. The new deck will remain standing strong for 25 or more years, safeguarding Oney’s legacy of work.

To bring the advantages of steel to your next project, reach out to your local Fortress Building Products Rep or click on our Where to Buy tab.