The Last Deck You’ll Ever Need
Custom steel framed decks engineered for strength, longevity, and how you actually live.
Most Decks Are Built to Be Replaced.
Ours Aren’t.
Zero Holes in Structural Steel
Most steel decks require drilling into the frame, which creates thousands of future rust points. Ours don’t.
Patent-Pending Composi-Tie™ System
Boards attach without compromising the structure, preserving strength and lifespan.
True 80-Year Frame Lifespan
Built with USA steel, designed to outlast traditional systems by decades.
Fully Modular Design
Swap boards, railings, or upgrades anytime without rebuilding the deck.
A Smarter Way to Build a Deck
Wood rots.
Composite still relies on wood.
And most steel deck systems?
They quietly fail where it matters most.
At R&D Fabworks, we build decks differently.
From the frame up.
Our steel framed deck system is designed to eliminate the common failure points that cost homeowners tens of thousands over time.
Now you can build once and actually enjoy it.
We are happy to provide you with a custom quote.
10+ Years in Business
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Licensed & Insured
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47+ AWS Certifications
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Serving Cincinnati & Northern KY
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Built in the USA
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Custom Solutions
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Professional Design Services
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Free Estimates
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10+ Years in Business 🔶 Licensed & Insured 🔶 47+ AWS Certifications 🔶 Serving Cincinnati & Northern KY 🔶 Built in the USA 🔶 Custom Solutions 🔶 Professional Design Services 🔶 Free Estimates 🔶
Ready for some big deck energy?
More Usable Space. More Freedom.
Because of how our system is engineered, your deck can do more than sit above your yard.
Freespan large areas with fewer posts
Place hot tubs, fireplaces, and heavy features anywhere
Create a fully usable space underneath your deck
And when paired with DuxxBak decking, you can enjoy a completely dry space below—without expensive ceiling systems.
Custom Built for Your Space
Most deck systems force you into standard shapes and sizes. We don’t.
We offer custom sizes and layouts. Round, curved, and multi-level designs. We can design staircases anywhere you want.
Residential or commercial applications.
From lake homes to restaurants to event venues, if you can imagine it, we can build it.
Built Efficiently. Installed Precisely.
Our modular system allows us to build your deck faster, cleaner, and more accurately than traditional methods.
Most decks are installed in as little as 2–3 days with minimal disruption to your property.
Built in sections for perfect alignment and strength.
Designed for long-term performance. Not rushed installation volume.
What Our Clients Say
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Garrett was an absolute professional to deal with. Extremely professional, responds quicky, quotes quicky, and communicated effectively throughout the entire process.
— Sam Halpin
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Owner of R&D fully understands how to produce quality work at fair prices, is personable, and most importantly follows thru in a timely manor. Very lucky a friend referred me to them.
— A M
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R&D Fabworks is a company you can trust to get your projects completed on time and correctly. Professionalism and customer first is a priority from my experiences.
— Max Kincart
Build It Once.
Enjoy It for Decades.
Serving Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky & Beyond
Most of our work is within 3 hours of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, including lake properties and surrounding areas.
Have a larger project or a custom deck outside the area? Reach out!
Luxury Steel Framed Decks in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
When most homeowners think about building a new deck, they’re usually choosing between two familiar options: traditional wood or composite decking. What many don’t realize is that both often rely on the same hidden weak point beneath the surface… a framing system that will eventually fail.
At R&D Fabworks, we believe your deck should be built differently.
Our Luxury Steel Framed Decks by R&D Fabworks are engineered to deliver what traditional decks can’t
exceptional structural strength
dramatically longer lifespan
lower long-term maintenance
and a truly custom outdoor living experience designed around your home or business
Whether you're replacing an aging wood deck, upgrading to a luxury outdoor entertaining space, or planning a custom commercial deck project, our steel frame deck systems offer a smarter long-term investment. Built right here in Cincinnati and installed throughout Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Lexington, Louisville, Dayton, and surrounding lake communities.
Why Most Decks Fail Sooner Than They Should
Most decks don’t fail because of the decking boards you can see. They fail because of the structure underneath.
Traditional wood decks may look beautiful when they’re first installed, but over time, exposure to moisture, changing temperatures, and seasonal maintenance take their toll. Even with regular sealing and care, wood framing eventually begins to warp, rot, crack, and weaken.
Composite decks solve one problem, but often ignore the bigger one.
Many homeowners invest in premium composite boards, only to discover years later that the wood frame beneath them is deteriorating. While the deck surface may still look great, the structural system underneath may require costly repairs or a complete deck replacement.
Rebuilding the same type of deck every 10–20 years simply doesn’t make sense for homeowners who value quality, longevity, and thoughtful investment.
The Real Cost of Traditional Decking
A deck isn’t just about what it costs today; it’s about what it will cost you over time.
A traditional wood deck may seem affordable upfront, but annual staining, sealing, repairs, and eventual replacement can quickly double your total investment.
Composite-topped wood decks offer a premium appearance, but they still rely on lumber framing that can deteriorate well before the decking itself.
Even many steel frame deck systems come with hidden maintenance requirements, especially when the frame has been compromised by installation methods that introduce corrosion risk.
Our steel frame deck changes that equation.
By investing in a custom metal deck built with longevity in mind, homeowners can avoid repeated replacement cycles and significantly reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Instead of rebuilding your deck every 15–20 years, you can invest in a structure designed to serve your home, your family, or your business for generations. Our custom steel framed decks require no replacement costs for 20-25 years compared to wood framed decks.
A Better Deck System, Engineered from the Frame Up
Our Luxury Steel Framed Decks by R&D Fabworks were created to solve the problems that traditional deck systems continue to ignore.
Unlike standard deck builders, we don’t simply assemble materials onsite and hope for the best. We custom fabricate our steel frame systems in-house using USA-made steel, precision-built modular components, and a patent-pending deck attachment system designed to protect the long-term integrity of your investment.
One of the biggest flaws in most metal deck systems is how the decking is attached. Many systems require contractors to drill hundreds of holes directly into your powder-coated steel joists. Those holes create exposed points where rust can begin, reducing the lifespan of an otherwise premium deck.
We do things differently.
Our patent-pending Composi-Tie™ decking attachment system eliminates fasteners through the steel joists entirely, significantly reducing potential rust points and helping preserve the full structural strength of your deck frame for decades to come. Other steel and aluminum framed deck systems rely on fasteners that penetrate the framing and cause thousands of weak points that eventually rust or crack, causing structural failure.
This means:
No unnecessary holes in your steel joists
Reduced opportunity for corrosion and premature wear
Greater long-term structural integrity
Easier future board replacement without compromising the frame
A cleaner, more refined finished product
Every custom metal deck we build is fabricated in Cincinnati and designed to perform for the long haul.
Replace Your Existing Deck With Something Built to Last
If your current deck is showing signs of age, softness, movement, or visible deterioration, replacement may be a better investment than repair.
At R&D Fabworks, we specialize in deck replacement for homeowners who are ready to move beyond temporary fixes and invest in something better.
We can remove your existing wood or composite deck and replace it with a fully custom metal frame deck designed around your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans.
Whether you want to:
Rebuild your existing footprint
Expand your outdoor living space
Improve safety and structural performance
Upgrade to a more premium architectural design
We can help you create a deck that looks better, performs better, and lasts dramatically longer.
For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, a steel frame deck often makes far more financial sense than replacing one temporary system with another. Looking to upgrade more than just your deck? Then check out our full list of residential services.
Add Dry, Usable Space Beneath Your Deck
A well-designed deck can do more than add usable space above ground; it can create valuable living space below it, too.
Our steel deck systems are designed to support integrated dry-deck solutions that keep the space beneath your deck protected from rain and runoff, allowing you to enjoy additional storage, shaded seating, or fully finished under-deck entertaining areas.
For homeowners looking to maximize every square foot, we utilize DuxxBak composite decking, a premium decking option with a built-in water-shedding system that channels water away while helping keep the space below dry.
Unlike traditional under-deck drainage systems that often require additional materials, maintenance, or complicated retrofits, integrated dry-deck solutions can provide a cleaner, more efficient way to expand your usable outdoor space.
Custom Metal Decks Designed Around Your Home
No two homes and no two clients are the same.
That’s why we don’t believe in cookie-cutter deck kits.
Our custom metal decks can be designed in virtually any size, layout, or shape, allowing us to create an outdoor living space that fits both your home and the way you actually use it.
We can build:
Standard elevated decks
Large luxury entertaining decks
Multi-level deck systems
Curved and custom-shaped decks
Decks with integrated stair systems or spiral staircases
Modern custom railing systems
Pergolas and deck coverings
Outdoor kitchens and entertainment spaces
Hot tub-ready reinforced deck structures
Because of our structural steel framing system, we can also create freespan deck designs, reducing the need for excessive support posts and creating more usable open space beneath your deck.
Whether your goal is a peaceful backyard retreat or a statement-making luxury entertaining space, we can build it.
Steel Deck Systems for Commercial Properties
While most of our deck projects are residential, our steel framing systems are also an excellent solution for select commercial applications.
Restaurants, marinas, event venues, hospitality properties, vacation rentals, and waterfront businesses can all benefit from the same strength, longevity, and custom flexibility our residential clients enjoy.
Commercial deck applications may include:
Restaurant patio decks
Marina and waterfront decks
Event venue outdoor spaces
Hospitality and rental property decks
Elevated entertainment platforms
Multi-unit residential or condo outdoor spaces
Our fabrication background allows us to engineer commercial deck systems that can be customized for increased load requirements, unique layouts, and long-term durability in demanding environments.
Faster Installation. Cleaner Process. Exceptional Quality.
Traditional deck construction can mean weeks of disruption, constant jobsite mess, and unpredictable timelines.
Our modular fabrication process changes that.
Because major components of your deck are fabricated and prepared in advance, installation is faster, cleaner, and more efficient than traditional deck builds.
Benefits include:
Reduced onsite construction time
Cleaner installation with less disruption
Precision-built components for exact fit
Consistent quality and structural accuracy
Faster path from concept to completion
Every detail is carefully planned and professionally executed. In our experience, luxury isn’t just about how a deck looks when it’s finished. It’s about the experience of getting there.
Custom Metal Deck Builder Serving Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky & Beyond
R&D Fabworks proudly serves homeowners and commercial clients throughout:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Northern Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Dayton, Ohio
We also frequently work with homeowners building or upgrading decks and boat docks at lake homes, second homes, and vacation properties throughout the region. We work throughout the region near:
East Fork Lake
Lake Isabella
Winton Woods Lake
Stonelick Lake
Mirror Lake
Caesar Creek Lake
Acton Lake
Cowan Lake
Brookville Lake
Deer Creek Lake
Williamstown Lake
Lake Cumberland
If you're searching for a metal deck builder, a custom deck builder, or an experienced partner for steel deck framing, we’d love to discuss your project.
For larger or specialty deck projects, additional travel may be available.
Built to Last. Backed by Confidence.
Your deck should be something you enjoy—not something you worry about.
That’s why every project we complete is backed by our commitment to client satisfaction.
If you’re not satisfied, we’ll make it right.
We also offer a lifetime frame warranty with annual maintenance enrollment, giving homeowners added confidence that their investment is protected for years to come.
Additional peace of mind includes:
Licensed and insured
47+ AWS certifications
Locally owned and operated
Precision custom fabrication expertise
Financing available for qualified homeowners
A premium deck is a major investment. We believe it should come with premium support.
Whether you're replacing an aging deck, planning a luxury outdoor upgrade, or designing a custom deck for a commercial property, R&D Fabworks is ready to build something exceptional.
A better deck starts with R&D Fabworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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That’s very common. And yes, we can help.
If your current deck needs to be replaced, we can safely remove your existing wood or composite deck and build your new steel-framed system in its place.
Whether you want to maintain the same footprint or redesign your outdoor space entirely, we’ll help you transition from an aging deck to a long-term upgrade with minimal stress.
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Yes.
We work directly with your local permitting office to help manage the permit process and ensure your project is completed to applicable code requirements.
Permit costs are typically added after the final scope of your project is approved, and we’ll guide you through what to expect before construction begins.
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Absolutely.
Unlike standard deck kits, our system is designed for flexibility. We can build:
Custom-shaped decks
Curved and round deck designs
Multi-level decks
Freespan deck systems
Integrated stair systems
Pergolas and coverings
Outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces
If you can envision it, there’s a good chance we can build it.
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We proudly serve homeowners throughout Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Lexington, Louisville, Dayton, and surrounding lake communities.
For most projects, we can efficiently install within a 200-mile radius of Cincinnati, but depending on the size and scope of the project, we’re able to travel much farther—up to 500 miles for select installations.
As we continue to grow our certified installer network, we may also be able to connect clients outside our primary service area with trusted installation partners trained on our deck systems.
If you’re outside our typical range, we still encourage you to reach out. We may be able to help.
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We understand that a premium deck is a significant investment, which is why we offer flexible payment options to make the process easier.
For qualifying residential projects under $100,000, we offer third-party financing through Acorn, allowing homeowners to explore multiple loan offers and choose the financing option that works best for them.
We also offer traditional contractor payment schedules, typically structured across 3–5 payments throughout the design, fabrication, and installation process.
If you have questions about financing or payment timing, we’re happy to walk you through your options.
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If you’re looking for the lowest upfront price, we may not be the right fit (and that’s okay).
Our deck systems are designed for homeowners who value long-term quality, thoughtful design, and lasting performance.
You may be a great fit if you:
Plan to stay in your home for years to come
Want to avoid repeated deck repairs or future replacement
Appreciate premium craftsmanship and custom design
Want to invest in an outdoor space you’ll truly enjoy
Value a deck system that can enhance both lifestyle and long-term property value
For many clients, this isn’t just a deck upgrade, it’s an investment in how they live at home.
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For homeowners focused on longevity, maintenance reduction, and structural performance… yes.
Traditional wood decks require regular upkeep and often need significant repairs or replacement within 10–20 years. Even composite decks usually rely on wood framing beneath the surface.
A properly engineered steel frame deck offers greater structural strength, better long-term durability, and significantly fewer maintenance concerns.
Our patent-pending framing system is specifically designed to address many of the common issues found in both wood and traditional steel deck systems.
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Yes.
In addition to residential projects, we design and install custom steel deck systems for select commercial applications, including restaurants, marinas, event venues, hospitality spaces, and waterfront properties.
If your business needs a deck solution built for durability and long-term performance, we’d be happy to discuss your project.
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We stand behind our work.
Every project is backed by our satisfaction guarantee—if something isn’t right, we’ll make it right.
We also offer a lifetime frame warranty with annual maintenance enrollment, giving homeowners long-term peace of mind and confidence that their investment is protected.