Design Builders, a Virginia Class A licensed contractor (license #2705141736) serving Fairfax County, VA and Montgomery County, MD since 2006, is an authorized dealer and installer of Fortress Steel framing for custom deck projects. Steel deck framing offers superior durability and longevity compared to traditional pressure-treated lumber, resisting rot, insects, and weather damage that commonly affect wood-based framing throughout the region.
Fortress Building Products looked at the problems inherent to pressure-treated lumber deck frames and engineered an entirely steel alternative: Evolution deck framing.
Switching from wood to steel eliminates two problems that consistently affect pressure-treated lumber frames — rot and visual degradation over time. Steel is also a sustainable material, making Evolution an increasingly popular choice among homeowners pursuing a more sustainable deck build.
The Evolution system was also engineered for quick, straightforward installation, reducing the labor time and cost associated with deck framing.
2010 — The product originated when a Colorado deck builder approached Fortress, then best known for metal railing systems, about developing a metal framing system. Metal framing was already gaining traction overseas but remained largely untapped in the US market.
2013–2015 — Fortress developed the concept further, surveying deck builders and researching how other countries designed and implemented steel framing systems. Input from homeowners and installers shaped the resulting design criteria.
2016–2017 — A prototype of the steel framing system was developed and debuted at the Deck Expo in Nashville, Tennessee.
2018 — Beta testing continued, with a full review of the framing system and design refinements made along the way. The first distributors and partners joined the program during this period.
2019 — Evolution steel framing appeared at the International Builders' Show (IBS), bringing on additional partners. The Fortress steel stair system launched later the same year.
Each stage of Evolution's development was deliberate, with Fortress aiming not only to improve on wood framing but to keep the system installation-friendly for both installers and homeowners.
Steel resists the extreme temperature swings and weather patterns common to Fairfax County, VA and Montgomery County, MD in ways that wood, vinyl, and other exterior materials often cannot. For homeowners planning a new deck or considering an upgrade, steel framing is one of several high-quality deck features worth factoring into the design.
Considering Fortress Evolution steel framing for a deck project in Fairfax County, VA or Montgomery County, MD? Request a free consultation with Design Builders to get started.
What is Evolution deck framing by Fortress Building Products? Evolution is an all-steel deck frame system engineered as an alternative to traditional pressure-treated lumber. It resists rot, requires less long-term maintenance, and installs efficiently, making it a durable, sustainable framing option.
Why choose steel framing over pressure-treated lumber for a deck? Steel framing avoids the rot and visual degradation that affect wood decks over time. It is also a sustainable material, faster to install, and requires minimal upkeep, reducing long-term maintenance and labor costs.
Is Fortress Evolution steel deck framing available in Fairfax County, VA and Montgomery County, MD? Yes. Design Builders is an authorized dealer and installer of Fortress Steel framing for custom deck projects throughout Fairfax County, VA and Montgomery County, MD.
How long has Evolution been on the market? Development began in 2010 when a Colorado deck builder approached Fortress Building Products with the concept. The system went through several development phases before its market debut and has continued to evolve since.
Does steel deck framing require specialized installation? Evolution was engineered for efficient installation, reducing labor time relative to traditional wood framing. Design Builders installs Fortress Steel framing as part of its authorized dealer relationship with Fortress Building Products.