Metal deck, also called steel deck, is corrugated sheet metal used in roof decks or composite floor decks. Metal deck is popular for commercial construction, and offers benefits such as strength, light weight, low cost, and easy installation. At Nettles, we have decades of experience with all types of metal deck. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, our experts have assembled all the information you may need to know before placing your order.
Types of metal deck
There are two basic types of metal deck: roof decks, which are used as the structural base of commercial roofs, and form and composite decks, which are used for floors or roof structures and form the base for structural concrete.
Metal roof decking
Metal roof deck is installed over joists or beams on a roof deck, and attached by welding, screwing, or mechanically fastening the metal sheets to the steel. Roofing materials, insulation, waterproof membranes, and/or lightweight concrete can be installed over the metal deck to create a roof assembly.
There are a variety of metal roof deck types to choose from, including:
- Type B: Also called wide-rib roof deck, this is the most common roof deck. It has a 1.5” profile and wide ribs, allowing it to carry higher loads and make longer spans than other types.
- Finish options: Primed gray, G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 18, 20, 22
- Pre-cut sizes: 36” x 20’2”, 36” x 24’2”
- Type F: Features a 1.5” profile with intermediate rib width, making it not as strong as B deck. Type F deck is typically used to repair or replace existing F deck on older buildings.
- Finish options: Primed gray, G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 18, 20, 22
- Pre-cut sizes: 36” x 20’2”, 36” x 24’2”
- Type A: A roof deck also has a 1.5” profile, but with the narrowest ribs, making it the least strong metal roof deck option. It is typically found on older buildings.
- Finish options: Primed gray, G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 22
- Pre-cut sizes: 36” x 20’2”, 36” x 24’2”
- Type N: If you need metal roof deck with a high carrying capacity, consider Type N, which has a 3” deep profile. N deck is ideal for applications where supporting members are spaced further apart, such as gymnasiums.
- Finish options: Primed gray, G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 18, 20, 22
- Pre-cut sizes: 36” x 24’2”
Commercial form decking
Form deck is a permanent base for poured concrete slabs. It is typically used for lighter concrete pours, like stairs in commercial buildings, due to its smaller corrugation and lower gauge. Form decking is cheaper than pan decking, and is designed for smaller spans that are supported every few feet.
Choose between 3 types of form deck, including:
- 0.6C form deck or 9/16” form deck: Commonly used in floor construction to support concrete slabs.
- Finish options: G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 22, 26
- Pre-cut sizes: 30” x 20’3”
- 1.0C form deck or 15/16” form deck: Ideal for heavy-duty applications and serves as a permanent steel base for concrete floor slabs.
- Finish options: G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 20, 22, 26
- Pre-cut sizes: 30” x 20’3”
- 1.5C form deck or 1.5” form deck: The highest-strength form deck option.
- Finish options: G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 18, 20, 22
- Pre-cut sizes: 30” x 20’3”
Commercial composite decking
Also called pan decking or concrete decking, composite deck is used under suspended concrete slabs like basements or parking garages. Pan deck is more efficient and reliable than wood-framed suspended concrete, which is why it is now required in many U.S. cities.
Choose between 3 types of composite deck, including:
- 1.5” composite deck (1.5 VLI): Acts as a platform before and during concrete placement and eliminates the need for wood forms or rebar.
- Finish options: G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 18, 20
- Pre-cut sizes: 36” x 20’0”, 36” x 24’0”, 36” x 27’0”
- 2.0” composite deck (2.0 VLI): A long-lasting and durable support structure for the flooring concrete.
- Finish options: G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 18, 20
- Pre-cut sizes: 36” x 20’0”, 36” x 24’0”, 36” x 27’0”
- 3.0” composite deck (3.0 VLI): This type requires more concrete than 1.5” or 2.0”, but spans greater distances.
- Finish options: G60 galvanized
- Gauge options: 18, 20
- Pre-cut sizes: 36” x 20’0”, 36” x 24’0”, 36” x 27’0”
Identify your deck type
Need to repair or replace part of your existing decking? Follow this simple three-step process to identify the type of deck used in your application.
Specifying your metal deck order
Our experts can help you identify the best metal deck type for your application, based on your load carrying needs. Once you’ve selected a metal deck type, you can specify the finish, gauge, and size. Choose between a primed gray finish, which is less resistant to water and the elements, or a G60 galvanized finish that can withstand harsher weather conditions. Your gauge choice depends on the strength needed–a lighter gauge means it can support less weight.
We keep a variety of standard metal deck sizes in stock, but also offer custom cut-to-order services to fit your needs.
Advantages of metal deck
Why choose steel deck over other deck options? Metal deck is a popular choice for a variety of reasons, including:
- Strength: Steel deck is strong and offers a better strength-to-weight ratio than alternatives.
- Ease of installation: Metal deck is quick and easy to install.
- Weather resistance: Especially when protected by the G60 galvanized finish, steel deck will last a long time and is resistant to extreme weather conditions.
- Modularity: Metal deck is modular, meaning you can easily repair or replace only a section of it rather than the whole thing.
- High-quality material: All our metal deck is certified by the Steel Deck Institute, meaning it meets high standards of durability and performance.
- Price: Metal deck is a more cost-effective option than other roof or structural solutions.
Factors to consider when partnering with a metal deck supplier
- What is their minimum order quantity?
- Do they offer delivery?
- What is their lead time?
- Can they custom-cut metal deck to the size you need?
- Can they supply older or less common metal deck types if your application requires it?
Want to learn more?
Our metal deck experts would love to speak with you. Contact us today!
