Steel Decking Key Terms

Learn key terms associated with steel decking before making your next purchase

By Marjorie Gilbert

Steel decking is very useful for factory floors or in clean rooms. The fact that the decking is made of steel means that it can be cleaned thoroughly and even sterilized. Steel decking is also useful in that it can be designed to custom fit any space you like. The designers of steel decks must carefully follow OSHA standards in their construction. Learn several of the key terms listed below so that you can make the right choice for your needs.

Plank

The plank is an important part of steel decking. This is the portion upon which you walk. The metal plank can be a grate or have a special tread for traction. Planks may also be solid panels that can be designed to fit the space you need. Planks come in several materials and types including steel, fiberglass, expanded metal or bars.
Try: Power Engineering describes the various kinds of planks for steel decking.

Stair treads

Like planks, the stair treads can be grating, made of expanded metal, slotted, or have large or small holes. Stair treads can also come with traction, or raised holes on the tread itself.
Try: McNICHOLS has a selection of stair treads for steel decking.

Composite steel

Composite steel decking is cold-formed, acting as permanent decking. This type of decking comes in a variety of finishes including phosphatized, galvanized or painted. Composite decking works well with concrete and is offered in various gauges, ranging from 16 to 22.
Try: Review Metal Deck Supply for a wide selection of composite steel decking.

Roof

Roof decking is a type of steel decking made in various gauges and finishes that make them weather resistant. Various configurations of roof decking include rounded or angular corrugations.
Try: Check out the kinds of roof decking at the Flexospan website.

Button punch

A button punch tool helps in the construction of the steel decking. The tool crimps the various steel decking pieces together so that they are welded securely.
Try: Western States Decking offers button punch specifications on their site.

Steel Deck Institute (SDI)

The Steel Deck Institute (SDI) is an organization established to keep designers up-to-date on practices, uniformity of design, manufacture, quality control and construction practices for cold-formed steel decking.
Try: Explore the Steel Deck Institute for information concerning regulations and member companies.