A recent Houzz survey reports that one in five homeowners who have done a home renovation in the past year has upgraded their property from the outside. One in eight of these weekend warriors has put their energy into a complete deck overhaul. Given the increasing popularity of home improvement projects in today’s ever-evolving landscape, these statistics will only keep rising.

If you’re like Houzz’s survey takers, upgrading your outdoor space with a new deck may be the answer to enhance your stay at home. A deck addition will help you maximize your usable space by expanding your living space beyond the interior. And don’t worry, when it comes to selling your home, ceiling renovations can amortize up to 90% of their costs, according to HGTV’s Top 15 Home Updates.

Before starting your project, you need to consider the type of building materials you will need for this important upgrade. Your first inclination might be to track down deck board samples from your local hardware store. Be careful not to overlook the basic materials that support the terrace system itself. At one point, wood was the only type of product available for use. However, since wood usually deteriorates after 10 years of use, builders and homeowners should consider an alternative solution. Lightweight steel frames, a permanent alternative to short-lived wooden frames, can help you create your dream outdoor living space. It will also defend itself against a costly deck overhaul later on on the road.

Here are three proven ways you can use steel frames to build a dream deck on a permanent foundation:

Gives longevity

If you’re looking to assemble a durable deck, composite and PVC deckboards are probably high on your list for good reason. On the one hand, their UV and moisture-resistant properties offer protection from irreversible weather conditions. In fact, a growing number of manufacturers back the performance of their surface plates with impressive warranties of over 25 years. But why should 25-year-old deck boards be installed on a frame that is subject to deterioration?

To avoid the headache of replacing your entire deck structure when the wooden frame can no longer serve as adequate support, look out for steel frames. Lightweight steel used in the deck frame of Evolution steel provides commercial strength and can last as long as today’s durable PVC and composite deck boards. In addition, problems related to moisture absorption, one of the most common causes of lumber decomposing, are also associated with side effects. And since steel does not warp with changes in temperature, the stable frame profiles remain straight and real over time. This makes for a more permanent, dimensionally stable solution that keeps deck boards flat and smooth underfoot.

Safety is a top priority

With your deck operating for much of the year, lives are at stake if your deck structure fails. With such high stakes, safety should be paramount when building your dream deck. Fortunately, by building with lightweight steel, you can avoid the risk of deterioration that can compromise the integrity of your deck system, including rot and decay from water, fungus, and pests.

“When the frame is built correctly, it is the load-bearing structure that remains invisible and unnoticed. However, if homeowners don’t use enough building materials, their entire decking project can be affected, ”said Toby Bostwick, vice president of product and brand, Fortress Building Products. “The inherent strength and stability of steel frames will support deck construction and provide a lasting foundation that will serve families for years.”

You can take additional “steps” to ensure the integrity of your decking system by incorporating a steel deck staircase into your renovation. Steel frame deck structures with compatible stair nosings pose widespread safety challenges in older decks, such as: B. Miscalculations, poor stringer-to-deck connections, and inconsistent climbs and runs. These freshly introduced steel stair components and brackets make it possible to marry your deck frames and stairs for a unitary construction.

Supports design freedom

To create a deck with a durable bottom-up style, look for a manufacturer that offers a comprehensive, ready-to-assemble steel frame system. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or hiring a deck builder, with integrated framing products you can easily build a dream deck without compromising your family’s safety.

To help you achieve your desired aesthetic, these steel deck frame systems can be used with any type or brand of deck, including composites, PVC, aluminum, tile, wood, and tropical hardwoods. With this design flexibility, your garden can look like a continuation of your interior hardwood floor, moving your family inside out without interruption.

Dream big and build strong

Are you ready to make your dream deck a reality? With steel deck frames, you can support these beautiful new surface boards for over 25 years. And when you build heavily with steel, you create a deck that invites you to stay home.

The post three methods to construct a long-lasting dream deck with metal framing first appeared on DECKS AND FENCES DAILY.