Straighter boards start underneath.
Why regular deck lumber lets you down
Standard pressure-treated lumber is cut from whole trees. Every board has its own knots, grain, and moisture. Some are straight. Some have plans of their own.
As they dry out in Colorado sun and wind, boards twist, cup, and crown at different rates. That's where wavy decking and popped fasteners come from. It's not bad building. It's just wood being wood.
❋ Flatter deck surfaceLVL is made from thin layers of wood glued and pressed with the grain running one way. It comes out straight and consistent, so the boards on top stay that way too.
❋ Longer spansEngineered lumber is much stronger than a sawn board of the same size. That means fewer posts and beams, and a more open space underneath.
❋ Less movement over timeWe use PWT treated LVL, rated for exterior deck framing, and we tape the tops of joists and beams to keep water out of fastener holes.
❋ Priced in the middleA real step up from standard framing, without going all the way to steel. Your quote shows the exact difference.
What's in the Structural LVL Frame?
Every LVL Frame is backed by our 3-year labor warranty.
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PWT treated LVL, rated for exterior deck framing and sized by design for your deck.
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On the tops of every joist and beam, to keep water out of fastener holes.
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Spans and connections designed for your deck, with stamped plans where required.
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Plans, submittal, plan check, and inspections.
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We'll walk you through decking, rails, and lighting options as part of our design consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Plywood alternates grain direction for stability in sheets. LVL runs the grain the same way for strength along its length, which is what you want in a beam or joist.
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Yes. We use PWT treated LVL rated for exterior framing, protect it with joist tape, and detail it to shed water.
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Sometimes, depending on the requirements for your property. If fire resistance is the priority, the Forever Frame is the better answer.
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Choose LVL if you want a straighter, stronger deck at a moderate step up in cost, and you're not in a WUI zone. Choose the Forever Frame if you want framing that outlasts your decking, can't rot, and won't burn. Not sure? We'll price it both ways.
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Yes. LVL frames can be extended, and we keep the plans.
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Every LVL Frame is backed by our 3-year labor warranty. The deck boards you put on top carry their own manufacturer warranty, often 25 years or more.