Comparing Framing Options

Comparing Green Treated Lumber, Pacific Woodtech Treated LVL, and New Castle Steel Framing

Why Framing Materials Matter

If you are researching framing materials for your next deck project—whether it is a residential home, a commercial deck project, or even a bridge—you have likely come across green treated lumber, Pacific Woodtech treated LVL (PWT), and New Castle Steel framing. At Better Builders, we regularly evaluate these popular options to ensure our clients get the best balance of cost, durability, and longevity for your new PVC or composite deck.

In this article, we will walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each framing choice and highlight why New Castle Steel framing is our personal favorite.

Green Treated Lumber

Green treated lumber, also known as pressure-treated lumber, is one of the most commonly used framing materials in construction. It is chemically treated to increase resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Better Builders prefers to use #1 treated for better performance and quality, make sure your contractor is doing the same!

Advantages

• Cost-Effective and Widely Available: If you are on a budget, green treated lumber is typically the most affordable and easy-to-source framing option.
• Familiar to Builders: Most construction crews have extensive experience working with wood, which can help keep labor costs lower due to faster installation.

Disadvantages

• Warping and Shrinkage: Despite its treatment, green treated lumber can still warp, twist, or shrink over time, especially in regions with significant humidity and temperature changes.
• Limited Warranty Coverage: While manufacturers may offer warranties, they often do not cover shrinking, cracking, or twisting, as these issues are typically considered a normal part of the wood-drying process rather than a defect.
• Chemical Concerns: Modern treatments are generally safer than older formulas, but some homeowners remain cautious about potential chemical exposure.
• Span Limitations: Wood beams may need more frequent supports for larger open spaces, which can restrict certain architectural designs.

Pacific Woodtech Treated  (PWT) LVL

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product prized for its high strength and dimensional stability. Pacific Woodtech treated LVL further enhances these properties by adding treatments that improve resistance to moisture and pests. With this treatment, deck contractors are able to use this product for your deck and allow it to be in the elements without issues.

Advantages

• Superior Strength and Consistency: Engineered wood provides uniform quality, reducing the likelihood of warping or twisting.
• Longer Spans, Fewer Supports: LVL beams can handle wider spans, allowing for more open floor plans and fewer load-bearing walls.
• Extended Durability: The treatment safeguards against rot and insect damage, making this product longer-lasting than standard lumber.

Disadvantages

• Higher Initial Cost: Engineered wood products come at a premium compared to standard treated lumber.
• Special Handling Required: Properly storing LVL in a dry, controlled environment prior to installation is essential to maintain its structural integrity.
• Additional steps: PWT requires the use of G-Tape or some other deck joist tape to cover the top of the joist.

New Castle Steel Framing (Our Favorite)

Steel framing has become a go-to for many builders because of its exceptional durability, dimensional stability, and environmental benefits. New Castle Steel framing exemplifies these advantages, offering a high-quality, precision-engineered steel product suitable for both residential and commercial projects.

Advantages

• Unmatched Durability: Resists rust, rot, mildew, and pests, significantly reducing long-term maintenance.
• Dimensional Stability: Steel will not warp or shrink with humidity or temperature changes, helping structures maintain their shape over time.
• Eco-Friendly and Recyclable: Steel is one of the most commonly recycled materials globally, making it a top choice for sustainable construction.
• Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Steel provides robust structural support without adding excessive weight, allowing for creative design possibilities.

Disadvantages

• Higher Upfront Investment: Steel framing can be more expensive initially, but many find that lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan offset these expenses.
• Requires Specialized Labor: Skilled labor trained in steel framing is essential, which can influence project timelines and labor costs.

Making the Best Choice for Your Project

Each deck framing material—green treated lumber, Pacific Woodtech treated LVL, and New Castle Steel framing—has its place depending on your budget, project scope, and performance requirements.

1. Green Treated Lumber
   Best for smaller budgets, traditional builds, and straightforward framing needs. Watch out for warping, limited warranty for drying-related issues, and environmental concerns about chemical treatments.
2. Pacific Woodtech Treated LVL
   Best for projects demanding high load capacity, longer spans, and structural consistency. Watch out for higher purchase cost, specialized handling needs, and some additional steps to meet warranty requirements.
3. New Castle Steel Framing (Our Preferred Option)
   Best for projects with high loads, long joist spans, and where long-term durability, sustainability, and lower lifecycle costs are the priority. Watch out for the initial price tag and specialized crew requirements.

How Better Builders Can Help

At Better Builders, we strive to select high-quality, sustainable, and cost-effective construction materials that align with our clients’ goals. Our team has extensive experience working with each of these framing materials and can provide expert guidance to help you make the right decision for your unique project.

We will discuss budget constraints, design flexibility, maintenance expectations, and long-term return on investment to ensure you are fully informed. Our team is certified and trained to install any of these deck framing options. We want to make sure that your new deck stays structurally stable for years to come.

Premium Deck Builder

Better Builders stands out as the premier deck builder, recognized as the only company in the area certified at the highest level with Trex, Timbertech, and Deckorators. We are a leader in quality deck construction, guiding you from the earliest planning stages through to the final walkthrough. Throughout every step of the process, our dedicated team ensures your new deck is built with exceptional structural integrity, efficiency, and a commitment to client satisfaction at the forefront.