Metal Deck for Concrete: Understanding Composite And Form Decking 

Multi-story and large commercial developments require a lot of planning, preparation and man-hours to take a project from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting. While you may be familiar with roof decking - the structural metal panel designed to provide support and act as a structural base to roofing systems or additional floors - there are various determinations you'll have to make. For instance, on multi-floor developments, concrete is likely to be poured over the decking.

If this is the case, it's important to understand what type of metal deck will be required by the engineer. From composite decking to form decking, here's a look at what you need to know about metal deck for concrete.  

Metal Decking for Concrete

Begin with understanding what metal decking for concrete is.  Metal decking is a corrugated sheet metal that is braced by steel joists or beams. Concrete is then poured on top of the metal deck and it becomes either a composite floor deck system or a steel form deck system.  

Composite for Concrete: An Overview

Composite decking is the most common type of deck when structural concrete is to be poured over it. This is largely because it bonds well with this material and can enhance the strength after the pour cures to a point where it's significantly greater than the strength of each individual part. For this reason, composite decking is often used on elevated floor systems in multi-story buildings. Composite decking comes in 1.5, 2 and 3-inch depths, and is also available in a range of gauges and finishes.

There's also more specialized "deep deck" composite decking available. This decking comes in 4.5, 6 and 7.5-inch sizes. Deep composite decking tends to be very expensive and often requires longer lead times on materials.

Each project quote for composite floor deck is based on:

• The specific composite deck chosen
• Number of sheets or sq. ft.
• Length
• Gauge
• Finish

Form Decking for Concrete: An Overview

The other type of deck used when concrete is forthcoming is form decking. Form decking is a non-composite type of decking, which excels at holding the concrete in place during the pour and while the pour cures. Unlike composite decking, form decking won't add strength to the finished product. In other words, it won't bond with the concrete as composite decking will. However, it does not need to be removed after the pour is complete. It's best used as a foundation for floors, stairways or mezzanine areas. Similar to composite decking, form decking also comes in a variety of finishes.

The two main types of floor decking are a half-inch or 1-inch in depth. Form decking is also available in 9/16 and 1 5/16-inch depth, but typically only in developments being constructed on the west coast.

Each estimate for steel form decking is based on:

• The specific form deck chosen
• Number of sheets or sq. ft.
• Length
• Gauge
• Finish

Contact Us Today

For more information on composite decking and form decking for concrete pours, contact our experts today. As a leading metal deck supplier, O’Donnell Metal Deck & Bar Joist is committed to providing customers with the information needed to help them make informed decisions on the best products for their projects. Contact O’Donnell today for more information and to place your next order.