Fortress® Framing
Stronger. Safer. Non-Combustible Steel Framing.
Say goodbye to rot, decay, and fire concerns. Fortress® steel framing delivers a non-combustible, corrosion-resistant alternative to wood, engineered for long-term structural integrity. Our interlocking joist and ledger system eases installation—even on curves—and supports greater spans while pairing seamlessly with most decking materials. Powder-coated for added durability and built to resist extreme elements, Fortress framing offers peace of mind you won't get from typical timber. Built for safety, built to last.
Steel Deck Framing
Evolution Steel Deck Framing
Look underneath most decks and you’ll see a weak link. Your decking and railing is engineered to last 25 years or more. So, why are you using wood framing? Choose Evolution steel deck framing. It's a smarter galvanized steel system designed by deck builders, for deck builders. The interlocking joist and ledger system lets you build sturdy, safe decks with less effort. Our powder-coated finish provides increased corrosion resistance and a more finished look.
Key Features
EASY TO INSTALL | If you know how to frame with wood, you can frame with Evolution.
STRAIGHT, UNIFORM PIECES | Builds flat, stays flat!
GREATER SPANS | Fewer posts for less obstructed views.
COMPATIBILITY | Works with any type or brand of decking.
BEAUTIFUL | The premium Black Sand powder coat provides a pleasing look that virtually disappears.
CLASS-A FIRE RATING | A noncombustible material that’s resistant to fire and meets the requirements for use in all Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones.
PROTECTED | Invulnerable to rotting, warping, splitting and insect damage
Ledger & Joists
Evolution's S-Ledger is an engineered interlocking design with the Ledger Bracket that eliminates the need for excessive fasteners and drastically speeds up installation. The “S" shape provides a sturdy, safe deck connection that will offer peace of mind for decades. The S-Ledger is available with pre-punched, standard spacing options that simplify deck construction.
Evolution's Blamk S-Ledger is designed to work with custom, non-standard jost spacing. The Blank S-Ledger can also be used around bay windows and other angled ledger attachments.
Used with the S-Ledger and joist or fastened to a flush beam
Evolution's joists are a familiar shape that install quickly and easily with minimal fasteners. The steel joists will hold their shape, providing a perfectly flat deck surface that will not sag or warp over the life of your deck.
Covers open joist to provide clean, finished look and deter pests and animals
Rim Joists
Evolution;s Rim Joist incorporates the same pre-punched and non-punched system as the S-Ledger for consistent, quicker installation without the hassle. Evolution's Rim Joists provide a solution for any installation application, including an option for curved decks. The Rim Joist attaches to theJoist with minimal fasteners and provides a perfectly flat surface to attach trim or fascia
Inserts into joist at the end of the deck for attaching the curved rim joist
Posts & Beam
Evolution's steel post and brackets provide the perfect solution to support your deck. The black powder coated posts look great on their own or can be customized with trim of your choice.
Evolution's steel post and brackets provide the perfect solution to support your deck. The black powder coated posts look great on their own or can be customized with trim of your choice.
Evolution's Beam has been engineered to achieve longer spans between supports, eliminating excessive posts and obstructed views.
Packaged in bags of two and used to cap the bottom of two beams to quickly and easily make a double beam.
Covers open beams to provide clean, finished look and deter pests and animals.
Brackets & Accessories
The Evolution tile deck tray is installed on top of Evolution deck joists to make tile installtions quick and easy. The design provides fall-through protection and water infiltration while creating the ideal surface for tile paver installations.
Used with S-Ledger, joist, and blocking as well as many other applications
Used to secure joist to a drop beam when non-standard spacing is required and as a cap on the bottom of the S-Ledger.
Used with the Blank S-Ledger when joist extends at an angle
Used to secure joist to flush beam applications.
Used to secure double joist or create a double (2'x6") carry beam.
Manufactured to match the same spacing as the S-Ledger for easy blocking of the joist on a dropped beam.
Manufactured to match the same spacing as the S-Ledger for easy mid-span blocking applications.
Used to tie framing members together when building stairs.
Used when thru-bolting into joists and beams.
Innovative nut and bolt system that makes fastening surface mount posts to steel framing quick and easy.
Used most often in railing post mounting to stairs. Kit includes bolts, nuts, and washers to mount 1 post.
Used to thru-bolt posts to 2x6 joists. Kit includes bolts, nuts, and washers to mount 1 post.
Used to thru-bolt posts to 2x11 beams. Kit includes bolts, nuts, and washers to mount 1 post.
Color-matching paint for powder-coated Evolution parts. Use to touch up any imperfections as well as covering and protecting cut ends.
Evolution Stair Framing
Evolution Stair Framing
Eliminate time and headaches with this innovative solution. The steel stair system components and brackets work with Evolution joist and beams to provide quick, easy assembly, dramatically decreasing installation time! The stair system's Black Sand powder coat delivers an aesthetically pleasing modern look on its own. Or, use it with fascia/trim for a more traditional look.
Key Features
The 1st complete steel stair system in deck framing
Carries a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty
Compatible with any type of deck framing, even wood!
Works with any type or brand of decking, including composite, PVC, aluminum, tile, wood and tropical hardwoods
Designed for low-maintenance, durability, ease of installation and safety
A noncombustible material, resistant to fire and invulnerable to rotting, warping, splitting and pesky insect damage
Cuts down on the number of stair stringers required. Instead of spacing 10", 12" or 16" on-center
Includes 3 different Rise/Run bracket options: 7"/11", 7-3/4"/11" and a fully Adjustable Stair Bracket
Joist & Beam Stringer
The stair components and brackets work with the Evolution Beams to provide a quick, easy assembly, dramatically decreasing installation time! The Black Sand powder coat delivers an aesthetically pleasing modern look on its own or use with fascia/trim for a more traditional look.
The stair components and brackets work with the Evolution Beams to provide a quick, easy assembly, dramatically decreasing installation time! The Black Sand powder coat delivers an aesthetically pleasing modern look on its own or use with fascia/trim for a more traditional look.
Brackets & Accessories
The Evolution Preset 7"/11" Stair Bracket is engineered to slide over the top of an Evolution Joist and provide a perfect 7" rise and 11" run for the stringer. These brackets align directly with one another resulting in a rapid, worry-free stringer installation.
The Evolution Preset 7-3/4"/11" Stair Bracket is engineered to slide over the top of an Evolution Joist and provide a perfect 7-3/4" rise and 11" run for the stringer. These brackets align directly with one another resulting in a rapid, worry-free stringer installation.
The Evolution Adjustable Stair Bracket allows you to quickly and easily customize the stair's rise and run using the two provided set pins. Simply place the set pins in the desired holes and slide the stair brackets over an Evolution Joist to complete the stringer installation.
The Evolution Stair Strap allows flexibility when connecting the stairs to the deck, landing or structure, while securely holding the stringers in place.
Color-matching paint for powder-coated Evolution parts. Use to touch up any imperfections as well as covering and protecting cut ends.
Stair Tray
The Evolution Stair Tray allows quick and easy installation without all the stringers and hassle. The lateral supports are spaced to work with any kind of deck board and provides blocking for surface mounted posts.
The 48" Adjustable Stair Tray allows for quick and easy installation when using the Adjustable Stair Bracket. This tray has an adjustable run that can be set anywhere between 10" and 11". The lateral supports are spaced to work with any kind of deck board and provides blocking for surface mounted posts.
FortressView™ 2.0 visualizer
Explore our FortressView™ 2.0 visualizer to envision your framing and railing in a 3D setting. Choose dimensions, products, colors and accessories from our interactive tool.
At Fortress Building Products, our entrepreneurial spirit is evident in all that we do. We always look for ways to make every part of your building experience easier, faster and more fun.
