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Alternative Framing Options

Writer's picture: Alexandra WilsonAlexandra Wilson

Choosing the Right Deck Framing and Materials for Your Project

When building a deck, selecting the right materials is crucial for durability, maintenance, and long-term satisfaction. Below, we break down the pros and cons of pressure-treated wood, composite decking, and different framing options, including composite, steel, and aluminum framing.


Pressure-Treated Wood

Pros:

  • Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly upfront.

  • Availability: Widely accessible at most home improvement stores & suppliers.

  • Customizability: Can be stained or painted to achieve the desired look.

  • Selection: There are different levels of quality with pressure treated framing. Iron Ridge always uses #1 Select which has the most strength and less knots.

Cons:

  • Maintenance: Requires regular upkeep, including staining and sealing, to prevent issues like rot and insect damage.

  • Durability: Prone to warping, cracking, and splintering over time, especially with exposure to moisture.

  • Environmental Impact: Treated with chemicals that may pose environmental concerns.


Warranty: Iron Ridge offers a 5-year Labor warranty but are often limited to 10-15 years against rot and decay.
Warranty: Iron Ridge offers a 5-year Labor warranty but are often limited to 10-15 years against rot and decay.

Owens Corning's Composite Framing (OC™ Lumber Structural Framing)

Pros:

  • Rot and Rust Proof: Unaffected by moisture, making it ideal for ground contact and marine environments.

  • Dimensional Stability: Designed for minimal expansion and contraction, ensuring structural integrity.

  • Ease of Installation: Installs like traditional lumber, facilitating a straightforward building process.

Cons:

  • Cost: Higher initial investment compared to pressure-treated wood.

  • Thermal Resistance: While designed to handle various conditions, composite materials can retain more heat than natural wood.

    Warranty: Owens Corning provides a 25-year limited warranty on their composite framing products.
    Warranty: Owens Corning provides a 25-year limited warranty on their composite framing products.

Fortress Steel Framing

Pros:

  • Unmatched Strength: Steel framing offers superior strength and load-bearing capacity compared to traditional wood.

  • Longevity: Resistant to rot, termites, and moisture damage, making it ideal for long-term performance.

  • Fire Resistance: Non-combustible, offering enhanced safety compared to wood-based options.

  • Minimal Maintenance: Unlike wood, steel framing doesn’t require staining, sealing, or treatment.

Cons:

  • Higher Initial Investment: The upfront cost is greater than wood but provides long-term savings due to reduced maintenance.

  • Complexity of Installation: Requires specialized tools and knowledge for proper assembly.

  • Heat Conductivity: Can become hotter in direct sunlight compared to wood or composite framing.

    Warranty: Fortress Steel Framing comes with a 25-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring structural integrity and longevity.
    Warranty: Fortress Steel Framing comes with a 25-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring structural integrity and longevity.

Aluminum Framing

Pros:

  • Lightweight Yet Strong: Aluminum is both lightweight and incredibly strong, making it easy to handle and install.

  • Corrosion Resistant: Ideal for coastal or humid environments due to its resistance to rust and decay.

  • Eco-Friendly: Fully recyclable and sustainable, reducing the environmental impact.

  • Low Maintenance: Does not require painting, staining, or sealing.

Cons:

  • Cost: More expensive than both wood and steel framing, making it a premium option.

  • Thermal Expansion: Can expand and contract with temperature changes, requiring proper installation techniques to mitigate movement.

    Warranty: TimberTech provides a 25-Year Limited Warranty for residential applications, covering material defects resulting in issues like peeling, blistering, splitting, or cracking under normal use.
    Warranty: TimberTech provides a 25-Year Limited Warranty for residential applications, covering material defects resulting in issues like peeling, blistering, splitting, or cracking under normal use.

Common Pain Points and Considerations

  • Pressure-Treated Wood: Homeowners often find the ongoing maintenance burdensome, as regular staining and sealing are necessary to maintain appearance and structural integrity.

  • Composite Materials: The higher upfront cost can be a deterrent, despite long-term benefits like durability and reduced maintenance.

  • Steel and Aluminum Framing: These options offer outstanding durability and performance but require higher initial investment and specific installation expertise.


Making the Right Choice

Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of each material and framing option will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance expectations. Whether you prioritize affordability, sustainability, or long-term performance, there is a decking and framing solution suited to your needs.


At Iron Ridge Contracting, we offer a hands-on experience in our showroom where you can explore samples of decking, framing, and railing materials. Stop by to see the options in person and consult with our experts to make the best choice for your project. Contact us today to schedule a visit!


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