Step 02 · Framing

Build the skeleton to last.

Framing is what your deck stands on for the next 30 years. Most people focus on the deck boards — we'd argue this matters more.

Douglas Fir + Glulam Beams (with Butyl Tape)

$$$

Doug Fir frame with butyl tape — the Wasatch Front standard.

Best for: Premium wood-framed decks where strength, straightness, and longevity matter.

Pros

Stronger and straighter than PT southern yellow pine
Glulam beams handle the longest spans cleanly
Butyl tape on every joist top stops water from sitting on the wood
Beautiful grain when any of the structure is exposed

Cons

More expensive than standard PT
Requires proper detailing and tape to maximize lifespan

#2 Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine

The workhorse. Still the most common.

Best for: Standard residential decks where budget matters and the framing stays dry-ish.

Pros

Affordable and readily available
Easy to repair or modify down the road
20–30 year lifespan with butyl tape and good drainage

Cons

Can warp, twist, or cup as it dries
Vulnerable to rot if water sits on it (always tape the tops)
Heavier than you'd think

PWT-Treated LVLs (with Butyl Tape)

$$$

Engineered lumber for the longest spans.

Best for: Long open spans, hot-tub framing, or anywhere you want a perfectly straight joist that won't move.

Pros

Perfectly straight — composite and PVC sit dead-level on top
Spans further than dimensional lumber
PWT treatment + butyl tape on top = extremely long life

Cons

More expensive than dimensional PT
Heavier — careful handling required

Owens Corning Composite Structural Lumber

$$$$

Will literally never rot.

Best for: Ledger boards, flat blocking, picture frame, stair stringers, rail blocking, and inlay framing — anywhere wood would eventually rot.

Pros

Won't rot, warp, twist, swell, or burn
Perfect for ledgers, flat blocking, and stair stringers (where water hits)
Pairs beautifully with PWT joists and Fortress steel beams

Cons

Significantly more expensive than wood
Specialty fasteners required

Fortress Steel Framing

$$$$

Lifetime structure under your deck.

Best for: Premium builds, tall decks, hot tub pads, and clients who want the framing to outlast the decking.

Pros

Won't rot, warp, twist, or burn
Perfectly flat — composite/PVC sits dead-level
Lifetime limited warranty
Ideal for beams and 6×6 posts on our hybrid builds

Cons

Significantly more expensive upfront
Specialty fasteners and connectors required

Zbolt Pick

Owens Corning + PWT Mix

$$$$

Rot-free guarantee on all the parts that matter.

Best for: Clients who want the longest-lasting framing system without going full steel — our go-to hybrid.

Pros

Rot-free guarantee on the important parts — Owens Corning lumber in the ledger, flat blocking, and posts
Stronger spans with PWT-treated LVL joists and beams
Lower labor cost — engineered products install cleaner, no fighting warped lumber
Engineered frame that doesn't shrink or swell like wood — stable for decades
Composite + engineered wood combo outlasts traditional framing by decades
Pairs perfectly with our top-tier decking lines

Cons

Higher upfront cost than Doug Fir or PT

Our Ideal Hybrid Build

The framing system we build for our most discerning clients.

After years of building in Utah weather, this is the combination we believe outperforms anything else on the market. Each material does what it does best — and nothing more.

Owens Corning composite — ledger, flat blocking, picture frame, stairs, rail, inlays
Anywhere water hits or wood would eventually rot, we use composite. It will never rot. Period.
PWT-treated LVL joists with butyl tape on top
Engineered for the farthest spans, perfectly straight, taped against water — joists that will outlive the deck boards.
Fortress steel beams and 6×6 posts
The structural backbone — won't rot, won't warp, lifetime warranty. The deck above can be replaced; the steel never has to be.

Real Jobs

Framing we've done

Fortress steel + PWT LVL hybrid frame — Saratoga Springs in Saratoga Springs — ZBolt Decks — Fortress steel + PWT LVL hybrid frame — Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs · 2024

Doug Fir with glulam beam and butyl tape — Springville in Springville — ZBolt Decks — Doug Fir with glulam beam and butyl tape — Springville
Springville · 2024

Owens Corning composite ledger and stair stringers — Provo in Provo — ZBolt Decks — Owens Corning composite ledger and stair stringers — Provo
Provo · 2023

Talk Directly With The Builder

Schedule your deck consultation.

Free on-site walkthroughs across nephi to salt lake — wasatch front, park city & heber. We'll review your space, your budget, footing & framing options, and the build that fits your needs — not industry standard.

(801) 995-8764 See our process →

Start with a realistic deck budget

Tell us about the project and we'll be in touch to schedule your consultation.