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Fortress Evolution Steel Deck Frame/Substructure plus stairs

Framing with Fortress Evolution Steel

Fortress Evolution Key Features

  • Looks and installs like wood
  • Builds flat, stays flat!
  • Provides greater spans between supports
  • Works with any type or brand of decking, including composite, PVC, aluminum, tile, wood and tropical hardwoods
  • Carries a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty
  • Designed for low-maintenance, durability, ease of installation and safety
  • The premium Black Sand powder coat virtually disappears when you’re above or below your deck
  • A noncombustible material, resistant to fire and invulnerable to rotting, warping, splitting and pesky insect damage
  • Unlike wood boards, there is no need to soak steel with insecticide and fungicide
  • Steel is recycled and recyclable, making it more sustainable than wood
  • Colour, Black Sand

DOCUMENTATION

Fortress Evolutions Steel Deck Framing Compared to Wood Deck Framing

Courtesy Fortress

DECK FRAME PARTS

s-ledger

S-Ledger 12" (305mm) OC / 16" (406mm) OC

Lengths:
12' - 144" (3658mm)
20' - 240" (6096mm)

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.

blank s-ledger

Blank S-Ledger

Lengths:
12' - 144" (3658mm)
20' - 240" (6096mm)

Evolution's Blank S-Ledger is designed to work with custom, non-standard joist spacing. The Blank S-Ledger can also be used around bay windows and other angled ledger attachments.

Ledger Bracket

Ledger Bracket

Used with the S-Ledger and joist or fastened to a flush beam.

16 guage joist 2x6

16 Gauge 2x6 Joist (G60 Galvanized & Black Sand Powder Coated)

Lengths:
12' - 144" (3658mm)
14' - 168" (4267mm)
16' - 192" (4877mm)
18' - 216" (5486mm)
20' - 240" (6096mm)

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.

18 guage joist 2x6

18 Gauge 2x6 Joist (G90 Galvanized & Black Sand Powder Coated)

Lengths:
12' - 144" (3658mm)
14' - 168" (4267mm)
16' - 192" (4877mm)
18' - 216" (5486mm)
20' - 240" (6096mm)

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.

Joist Cap

Joist Cap

Covers open joist to provide clean, finished look and deter pests and animals.

rim Joist 12in

Rim Joist 12" (305mm) OC / 16" (406mm) OC (for use with fascia only)

Lengths:
8' - 96" (2438mm)

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 the Joist with minimal fasteners and provides a perfectly flat surface to attach trim or fascia.

Blank Rim Joist

Blank Rim Joist (for use with or without fascia)

Lengths:
8' - 96" (2438mm)

Curved Rim Joist

Curved Rim Joist

Lengths:
8' - 96" (2438mm)

Rim Joist Bracket

Rim Joist Bracket (for use with the curved rim joist only)

post

Post

Lengths:
10' - 120" (3048mm)

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 the trim of your choice.

Post / Pier Bracket - 3.5

Post / Pier Bracket - 3.5" (89mm)

Secures post to concrete landing or pier.

Single Beam / Post Bracket

Single Beam / Post Bracket

Used to secure post to single beam.

Double Beam / Post Bracket

Double Beam / Post Bracket

Used to secure post to double beam.

2x11 Beam

2x11 Beam

Lengths:
8' - 96" (2438mm)
12' - 144" (3658mm)
16' - 192" (4877mm)
20' - 240" (6096mm)

Evolution's Beam has been engineered to achieve longer spans between supports, eliminating excessive posts and obstructed views.

Double Beam Track

Double Beam Track

Lengths:
4' - 48" (1219mm)

Beam Cap

Beam Cap

Covers open beams to provide clean, finished look and deter pests and animals.

F-50 Bracket

F-50 Bracket

Used with S-Ledger, joist, and blocking as well as many other applications.

F-10 Bracket

F-10 Bracket

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.

45º Bracket

45º Bracket

Used with the Blank S-Ledger when joist extends at an angle.

Single Hanger Bracket

Single Hanger Bracket

Used to secure joist to flush beam applications.

Double Hanger Bracket

Double Hanger Bracket

Used to secure double joist or create a double (2"x6") carry beam.

Blocking 12 inch

Blocking 12" (305mm) OC / 16" (406mm) OC

Manufactured to match the same spacing as the S-Ledger for easy blocking of the joist on a dropped beam.

Mid-Span Strap 12 inch

Mid-Span Strap 12" (305mm) OC / 16" (406mm) OC

Manufactured to match the same spacing as the S-Ledger for easy mid-span blocking applications.

Self-Drilling Screw 3/4 inch

Self-Drilling Screw 3/4" (19mm)

Black self-drilling metal screw.

Black Sand Aerosol Touch Up Paint

Black Sand Aerosol Touch Up Paint

Evolution Framing Installation

How to install Evolution Substructure
Courtesy Fortress

Evolution Stair Framing Installation

Installing the Fixed rise/run stair brackets
Courtesy Fortress

STAIR FRAMING

Stair framing with Fortress Evolution Steel

Fortress Evolution for Stairs

  • Cuts down on the number of stair stringers required. Instead of spacing 10”, 12” or 16” on-center, Evolution’s innovative tray allows you to span 48” between stringers
  • Includes 3 different Rise/Run bracket options: 7”/11”, 7-3/4”/11” and a fully Adjustable Stair Bracket

STAIR FRAME PARTS

2x11 Beam as a Stair Stringer

2x11 Beam as a Stair Stringer

Lengths:
8' - 96" (2438mm)
12' - 144" (3658mm)
16' - 192" (4877mm)
20' - 240" (6096mm)

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.

2x6 Joist (16Ga) as a Stair Stringer

2x6 Joist (16Ga) as a Stair Stringer

Lengths:
12' - 144" (3658mm)
14' - 168" (4267mm)
16' - 192" (4877mm)
18' - 216" (5486mm)
20' - 240" (6096mm)

The stair components and brackets work with the Evolution Joists 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.

Stair Bracket 7inch

Stair Bracket 7" (178mm)/ 11" (279mm)

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.

Stair Bracket 7-3/4 inch

Stair Bracket 7-3/4" (197mm) / 11" (279mm)

The Evolution Preset 7¾"/11" Stair Bracket is engineered to slide over the top of an Evolution Joist and provide a perfect 7¾" rise and 11" run for the stringer. These brackets align directly with one another resulting in a rapid, worry-free stringer installation.

Adjustable Stair Bracket

Adjustable Stair Bracket

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 stinger installation.

Stair Strap

Stair Strap

The Evolution Stair Strap allows flexibility when connecting the stairs to the deck, landing or structure, while securely holding the stringers in place.

Anchor Bracket

Anchor Bracket

The Evolution Stair Stringer Anchor Bracket is reversible, allowing a secure, connection from the stringer to the footing, slab or pier under the last tread. Providing an aesthetically seamless transition from the stairs.

Self-Drilling Screw 3/4 inch

Self-Drilling Screw 3/4" (19mm)

Black self-drilling metal screw

Black Sand Aerosol Touch Up Paint

Black Sand Aerosol Touch Up Paint

Stair Tray 48 inch

Stair Tray 48" (1219mm)

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.