Under 12 inches points to the A100 through A120 range. One to four feet lands you in A120 through A140. Over four feet calls for A130 through A150, along with a post profile.
Every QwickBuild deck starts with the same question: how high off the ground does the finished surface need to sit? That measurement determines which joist and beam profile will carry the load, span the distance, and keep the deck level for the life of the structure.
QwickBuild offers six aluminum joist-beam profiles, ranging from 2 x 1/2 inch up to 2 x 8 inches, all extruded from 6063-T6 grade aluminum with a powder-coated black finish and supplied in 20-foot lengths. Whichever height your project calls for, there’s a profile sized to match it rather than a one-size-fits-all compromise.
The Full QwickBuild Profile Range
QwickBuild’s profile lineup is built around one idea: match the aluminum to the height, not the other way around.
Model Number
Dimensions
Length
Material
Recommended Height Range
A100
2 x 1/2 in
20 ft
Aluminum 6063-T6, powder-coated black
Low (4–12 in)
A110
2 x 1 in
20 ft
Aluminum 6063-T6, powder-coated black
Low (4–12 in)
A120
2 x 2 in
20 ft
Aluminum 6063-T6, powder-coated black
Low to mid (4 in–4 ft)
A130
2 x 4 in
20 ft
Aluminum 6063-T6, powder-coated black
Mid to elevated (1–4 ft+)
A140
2 x 6 in
20 ft
Aluminum 6063-T6, powder-coated black
Mid to elevated (1–4 ft+)
A150
2 x 8 in
20 ft
Aluminum 6063-T6, powder-coated black
Elevated (4 ft+)
Since several profiles overlap across height categories, homeowners, contractors, and specifiers have room to fine-tune a build rather than forcing a project into a rigid bracket.
Low Height Decks: 4 to 12 Inches
Recommended profiles: A100, A110, A120
Low-height applications are where QwickBuild excels above every competing system. An ultra-low build height of just four inches makes this the right choice for rooftop decks, podium developments, balconies, and ground-level patios, or any project that needs to finish flush with an interior floor. There’s no step-down to manage and no substrate penetration required.
Best for:
- Rooftop decks over waterproof membrane
- Patios over existing concrete pads or pavers
- Balconies and terraces
- Aged care, healthcare, and education facilities where a flush threshold is essential
Mid Height Decks: 1 to 4 Feet
Recommended profiles: A120, A130, A140
The mid-height range is the most common residential application, typical of a backyard build stepping down from a main-floor patio door. These profiles are sized to span longer distances than traditional wood framing, so raised builds need fewer footings and finish with a cleaner underside. The A130 and A140 in particular handle most backyard renovations and new builds with room to spare.
Best for:
- Residential backyard decks
- Pool surrounds and hot tub platforms
- Outdoor kitchen and entertaining areas
- Light commercial patios
Elevated Decks: Over 4 Feet
Recommended profiles: A130, A140, A150
For elevated structures, the deeper A140 and A150 profiles deliver the span performance needed for taller builds, whether that’s a second-storey deck, a raised platform, or a dock reaching out over water. Paired with an aluminum post profile, the full structure stays rust-proof and rot-proof from the ground up.
Best for:
- Second-storey and walkout decks
- Raised entertaining platforms
- Dock and waterfront structures
- Commercial elevated walkways
Post Profiles for Elevated Builds
Elevated decks need vertical support, and QwickBuild covers that with two aluminum post profiles: the A194 (a 4 x 4 inch post available in 10-foot lengths) and the A195 (a 6 x 6 inch post available in 20-foot lengths). Both are manufactured from the same powder-coated 6063-T6 aluminum as the joist-beam profiles, so the entire structure shares the same corrosion resistance and finish from post to beam to joist. The A194 suits most elevated builds, while the A195 steps in when a taller structure or heavier load calls for a larger post footprint. Dedicated bracket kits connect each post size to the beam above it, keeping the whole assembly aluminum rather than mixing in a different material at the connection point.
How to Choose: A Quick Decision Guide
If you’re not ready to run your project through the Deck Planner just yet, these questions will point you toward the right profile range.
What are you building on?
Concrete, pavers, a waterproof membrane, and bare ground with footings are all compatible substrates, though the substrate can influence how much site preparation is needed before installation.
What decking surface are you installing?
Composite and tile work at any height in the lineup. Hardwood is suited to structures over four inches high.
Will the deck need posts?
Any build climbing past the mid-height range should factor post profile selection into the plan from the start, not as an afterthought once framing is underway.
Answer those four questions and you’ll already know which profiles belong on your shopping list.
Let the Deck Planner Do It for You
Working through profile selection by hand is useful for understanding the logic behind QwickBuild’s range, but you don’t have to do it manually. The Deck Planner takes your deck’s dimensions, height, and surface material and returns a complete, project-specific package: an itemized shopping list, a design plan laid out for your chosen decking surface, height-specific engineering for joists, beams, and supports, and step-by-step installation guidance. What takes several minutes of back-and-forth in a decision guide takes the Deck Planner just a few clicks, and you’re left with a materials list that’s ready to bring to your Vista dealer.
