Fortress Building Products Unveils New Evolution Tile Deck Tray, Elevating Deck Construction Standards
Fortress Building Products, a well-known leader in outdoor living solutions, has launched the Evolution Tile Deck Tray, a purpose-built innovation aimed at transforming how contractors build outdoor spaces. This new addition to Fortress's portfolio is specifically designed to work with the Evolution steel deck framing system, enabling the quick and easy installation of tile pavers over a sturdy steel base. The tray's introduction on February 20, 2025, signals a new chapter in Fortress's commitment to providing contractors with stronger, smarter, and more efficient deck-building products.
This versatile product not only supports the aesthetic appeal of outdoor decks but also offers a range of practical benefits, including enhanced safety, durability, and performance. Contractors can now rely on a dependable, long-lasting surface for their deck installations, ensuring the durability and integrity of their projects, even in harsh conditions.
What Is the Evolution Tile Deck Tray?
The Evolution Tile Deck Tray is a robust steel component specifically designed to provide a flat, stable surface for laying tile pavers. It is engineered to fit seamlessly on top of the Evolution steel deck joists, creating a solid foundation for both tiles and a combination of tiles and deck boards. Each tray measures 4’ x 6”, making it large enough to cover significant areas of the deck, but compact enough to allow for easy handling and installation.
The tray is a purpose-built solution that helps contractors meet specific industry demands. The design of the tray provides several key advantages, including fall-through protection, ensuring that no materials slip through gaps in the framing. It also promotes proper water drainage, helping to prevent water accumulation and potential damage to the deck’s surface. This attention to detail is especially crucial for outdoor projects, where proper water management is essential to maintaining the structural integrity of the deck over time.
Made from high-quality steel, the tray is incredibly durable and designed to withstand exposure to harsh weather elements. Unlike traditional wood or composite materials that can rot, warp, or degrade over time when exposed to moisture, the steel tray remains resilient, offering long-term performance and structural stability.
Fire-Safe and Moisture-Resistant Benefits
One of the standout features of the Evolution Tile Deck Tray is its noncombustibility. Steel is a Class A fire-rated building material, which means it does not catch fire easily and can withstand high temperatures. This is a significant advantage for contractors building in regions that are prone to wildfires or densely populated urban areas where fire can spread rapidly between structures. By using the Evolution Tile Deck Tray, contractors can ensure their projects meet safety requirements, making them ideal for fire-sensitive areas such as Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zones.
In addition to its fire-resistant properties, the Evolution Tile Deck Tray also offers excellent moisture resistance. The steel tray will not rot, warp, split, or deteriorate even after long-term exposure to moisture, a common issue in outdoor environments. This is crucial for ensuring the longevity and stability of the deck, especially in areas that experience significant rainfall or high humidity. The tray remains flat and stays in place over time, providing a reliable surface for tile installations and minimizing the risk of future structural issues.
Design Flexibility and Aesthetic Appeal
Contractors using the Evolution Tile Deck Tray can offer homeowners a wide range of design possibilities. The tray can accommodate any exterior tile type, including porcelain, stone, and other high-performance materials. Furthermore, the tray is compatible with other framing materials, such as wood, which provides even more versatility for custom outdoor designs. This allows homeowners to personalize their outdoor spaces with a combination of tile and deck boards, giving them the freedom to create unique, visually appealing decks that reflect their individual style.
The flat and stable surface provided by the tray makes the tile installation process quicker and more efficient. Contractors can easily place tiles in place, resulting in smoother, more accurate installations and reducing labor time and costs. The result is a high-quality deck that meets homeowners’ design needs while delivering long-term performance.
Support for Sustainability and Longevity
As part of Fortress Building Products’ ongoing commitment to sustainability, the Evolution Tile Deck Tray offers long-lasting value. Steel, as a material, is inherently durable, meaning the tray’s structural integrity will not be compromised over time, unlike other materials that may degrade. This results in fewer replacements and less waste, making it a sustainable option for contractors looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Moreover, the tray is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty, providing homeowners and contractors with peace of mind that their investment is protected for years to come. This warranty ensures that the Evolution Tile Deck Tray will continue to perform reliably, further underscoring Fortress’s dedication to providing long-lasting, high-performance solutions for the outdoor building industry.
Fortress Building Products: A Legacy of Innovation
Fortress Building Products has established itself as a leading manufacturer of outdoor living solutions over its 50-year history. The company specializes in producing durable, sustainable, and innovative products that are designed to meet the needs of contractors and homeowners alike. Fortress’s range of products includes steel and aluminum railings, fencing, framing, and pergolas, all of which are built to deliver exceptional performance, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
The introduction of the Evolution Tile Deck Tray reinforces Fortress’s commitment to evolving the outdoor building products industry. The tray is just one example of how Fortress continues to innovate and drive the adoption of stronger, smarter deck building methods. By incorporating advanced materials like steel and offering versatile, high-performance products, Fortress is empowering contractors to create more reliable, durable, and personalized outdoor living spaces for homeowners.
Key Takeaways:
• New Product Launch: Fortress Building Products introduces the Evolution Tile Deck Tray, designed for use with the Evolution steel deck framing system to provide a stable surface for tile pavers.
• Compatibility: The tray can be installed on top of Evolution steel deck joists and supports a variety of exterior tiles, offering homeowners design flexibility.
• Fire Safety: Made from Class A fire-rated steel, the tray ensures fire-safe outdoor living spaces, ideal for fire-prone regions and urban zones.
• Moisture Resistance: The steel tray will not rot, warp, or degrade when exposed to moisture, ensuring the deck’s long-term stability.
• Design Flexibility: Homeowners can combine tiles and deck boards, creating unique and personalized outdoor spaces.
• Installation Efficiency: The flat surface of the tray simplifies tile installation, reducing labor time and costs for contractors.
• Sustainability: The durable steel tray offers long-lasting value, contributing to a more sustainable outdoor building solution.
• Warranty: The product is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty, ensuring peace of mind for both contractors and homeowners.
• Fortress’s Legacy: Fortress Building Products continues to lead the industry with innovative, high-quality products that support durable and fire-safe outdoor living spaces.
