Aluminium Deck Framing: The Ultimate Guide to Outdure QwickBuild
What is Aluminium Deck Framing?
Outdure® QwickBuild® is a modular aluminium deck framing system designed to replace traditional timber joists and beams entirely. Conceived in New Zealand in response to the industry’s chronic timber failure problems, it has become the go-to deck subframe system across the US, Australia, and New Zealand — and is now available exclusively in the UK through F.H.Brundle.
Unlike timber, aluminium doesn’t rot, swell, bow, twist, or degrade when exposed to the moisture conditions inherent to outdoor UK environments. The QwickBuild® system delivers a precisely-engineered, moisture-proof, dimensionally stable subframe that stays straight and true for the lifetime of your outdoor space.
The system is built around a core set of 6063 T6 aluminium joists, beams, brackets and adjustable supports, all engineered to work together as an integrated solution. A unique dual-orientation joist design — flat face or channelled face — means the system is compatible with virtually any deck surface fixing method, from hidden clips to screws and baseboards.
Whether you’re constructing a garden patio, a multi-level deck, or a commercial walkway — QwickBuild® provides the structural foundation that professionals and demanding homeowners trust.
Outdure QwickBuild System Components
Aluminium Framing vs Treated Timber
Timber deck subframes have been the default for decades. That doesn’t mean they’re the right choice — especially in the UK’s wet, variable climate. Here’s why specifiers, installers, and homeowners are switching.
| Feature | Outdure QwickBuild Aluminium | Traditional Treated Timber |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture & rot resistance | ✓ Fully moisture-proof — will never rot | ✗ Highly susceptible at low heights |
| Dimensional stability | ✓ Zero bowing, twisting or warping | ✗ Naturally bows, twists and shrinks |
| Low-height installations | ✓ From 57mm (2 1/4″) from substrate | ✗ Impractical under ~100mm; moisture risk |
| Weight & handling | ✓ Lightweight — fast, easy on-site handling | ✗ Heavy and cumbersome to manage |
| Multi-surface compatibility | ✓ Composite, tile, artificial grass & timber — one frame | ✗ Typically single surface only |
| Waste on site | ✓ Precision-cut aluminium, minimal waste | ✗ High waste percentage typical |
| Waterproof membrane safety | ✓ Floating system — no membrane penetration | ✗ Fixing can compromise membranes |
| Ventilation | ✓ Open profile promotes natural airflow | ✗ Blocking required, limits critical airflow |
| Long-term durability | ✓ Lifetime (residential) warranty available | ✗ Typically 10–15 years before replacement |
| Environmental credentials | ✓ GreenTag Level C Certified | ✗ Treatment chemicals, end-of-life waste |
Manufacture’s Limited Lifetime Warranty dependent on deck frame being installed in residential setting by a trained Outdure installer. Full conditions apply.
Compatible Surfaces: One Subframe. Every Surface.
QwickBuild’s dual-orientation joist design means you can mix and match surface materials across a single contiguous structure — something no timber system can achieve cleanly.
Composite Decking
Compatible with channelled and un-channelled (solid) composite and mineral boards from all leading manufacturers. Use the channelled joist face with hidden clip systems for a clean, screw-free finish.
Porcelain & Stone Tiles
Supports exterior structural and stabilised porcelain or natural stone tiles from 20mm thickness. Ideal for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions where paving and decking meet at the same level.
Artificial Grass
Compatible with most major artificial grass brands. F.H.Brundle exclusively recommends Pragma 40mm pile grass for seamless tile-to-grass transitions. Aluminium turf baseboards ensure a clean edge.
Softwood & Hardwood Timber
Use the flat joist face for top-fixing with screws. Compatible with UC3-treated softwood boards (32mm min. recommended) and all hardwood variants. Combine timber zones with other surfaces on one frame.
Mixed Surfaces on One Structure
Create outdoor spaces that transition seamlessly from composite deck board to porcelain tile to artificial grass — all on a single, level Outdure QwickBuild subframe. Ensure flush transitions using appropriate surface depths; Pragma 40mm grass is recommended where tiles meet turf.
Applications: Built for Every Outdoor Project
From low-clearance balconies to large commercial rooftop terraces — Outdure QwickBuild adapts to the project, not the other way around.
Free DeckPlanner Tool
Take the complexity and guesswork out of deck design. The DeckPlanner is an industry-first free design and pricing tool, purpose-built for Outdure QwickBuild and its compatible surfaces.
• Enter your deck dimensions and substrate type
• Select your surface type(s)
• Choose joist/beam profiles for your height requirement
• Get an optimised structural layout with spans and centres
• Download a full itemised parts list with SKUs and installation instructions (including cuts)
• Receive a project price estimate instantly
Outdure QwickBuild Framing Warranty Coverage
QwickBuild’s aluminium frame system carries one of the strongest warranties in UK decking — and completion of the Outdure training programme unlocks the maximum coverage for your customers.
Manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
Residential
Available to Outdure-trained installers on all residential deck frame installations.
Manufacturer’s
15-Year Warranty
Commercial
Available to Outdure-trained installers on all residential deck frame installations.
Manufacturer’s
10-Year Warranty
Standard
Applies to all QwickBuild installations carried out by non-Outdure-trained installers — still industry-leading.
FAQs
The modular design and DeckPlanner tool make QwickBuild accessible to confident DIY builders, particularly for straightforward garden patio projects. However, professional installation is recommended for balconies, rooftop terraces, and commercial applications — and is required to access the lifetime residential or 15-year commercial warranty. F.H.Brundle’s training programme equips trade installers to work with the system confidently and correctly.
F.H.Brundle provides the free DeckPlanner tool — a five-step online design and pricing tool that takes your deck dimensions, substrate type, and surface choices, then calculates the optimum structural configuration, generates an itemised parts list with product SKUs, and provides a project price estimate. It eliminates guesswork and ensures you order exactly what you need. No registration is required to use it.
QwickBuild can be installed over concrete pads, existing pavers, waterproof membranes (without penetration), natural ground, and existing turf. Its versatility in substrate handling is one of the primary reasons it suits both new build and renovation projects.
Absolutely. The adjustable supports are specifically designed for uneven, undulating, and sloping substrates. Supports adjust between 35mm and 65mm individually, and support extenders add further 30mm increments. This means the subframe can be brought to a precise level plane above virtually any substrate condition without costly groundwork. For raised decks, 90×90mm aluminium posts provide height and structural integrity.
QwickBuild carries a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on residential installations and a 15-year warranty on commercial installations, both when installed by an Outdure-trained installer. Installations by non-trained installers carry a 10-year warranty — still one of the strongest in the UK market. The Outdure training programme is available through F.H.Brundle.
Yes. QwickBuild is specifically designed for low-height and membrane / flat roof applications — one of its biggest advantages over timber. Using the A110 profile as both joist and beam gives a structural depth of just 45mm + 45mm, with supports starting from 3mm above the substrate. The full low-height range is 30–160mm (frame + supports, not including surface). The system is a floating installation that does not penetrate waterproof membranes — essential for balconies and rooftop terraces. It is approved for rooftop use up to 11m.
QwickBuild is compatible with composite and PVC decking boards (grooved and ungrooved), exterior structural porcelain or stone tiles (20mm minimum), hardwood and UC3-treated softwood timber, and artificial grass. Crucially, multiple surface types can be combined across a single subframe — a unique capability made possible by the dual-orientation joist design.
F.H.Brundle is the exclusive UK distributor of Outdure QwickBuild. You can order online via fhbrundle.co.uk, contact your nearest F.H.Brundle branch (Rainham, Glasgow, Birmingham, Southampton, Ilkeston, Newton, Burton or Cardiff), or call the team for expert advice on 0808 258 94 90. Next-day delivery is available on all stocked items.
Outdure QwickBuild is a modular aluminium deck subframe system that replaces traditional timber joists and beams. It consists of precision-engineered aluminium joists, beams, adjustable supports or posts, and connecting brackets that assemble into a fully level, moisture-proof structural base for any outdoor surface. It is now used globally in residential and commercial projects.
