• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Skip to footer navigation
EMAIL 1-866-553-0373 CONTACT
CSM Metal Deck

CSM Metal Deck

Low Cost. Same Day Shipping. In-stock. Manufactured to Spec.

  • Roof Deck
    • B Deck
    • N Deck
    • 1″ Roof Deck
  • Composite Deck
    • 1.5” Composite Deck
    • 2” Composite Deck
    • 3” Composite Deck
  • Form Deck
    • 9/16” Form Deck
    • 1” Form Deck
    • 1.5” Form Deck
    • 2″ Form Deck
    • 3″ Form Deck
  • Resources
  • Gallery
  • Articles
  • About
  • Contact
close up of metal composite floor deck

Types and Uses of Metal Floor Deck

August 11, 2021

In a previous article, we discussed the different types of metal roof deck. Just like metal roof deck, there are many types and uses of metal floor deck. If you are choosing metal floor deck for a construction project, you need to know which type will best fit your needs.

In this article, we will review the different kinds of metal floor deck, how they are used, and what kind of projects they can be used for.

What Is Metal Floor Deck?

Metal floor deck serves as a base for flooring systems. Most often, the metal floor deck is laid down, and concrete is poured on top of it to form a strong foundation.

Much like roof deck, metal floor deck can be formed in different widths, depths, and gauges to fit the needs of different commercial and industrial construction projects.

What Are the Types and Uses of Metal Floor Deck?

There are two overarching types of metal floor deck: composite deck and form deck. Each of these types has several varieties in different widths, depths, and gauges.

Composite Deck

Composite deck is a strong but lightweight metal floor deck. It is designed to provide extra strength for flooring systems without adding extra weight.

Composite deck has embossments designed to interlock with concrete slabs. The combination of floor deck and concrete serves the dual purpose of permanent form and positive reinforcement.

The three types of composite floor deck are 1.5 inch, 2 inch, and 3 inch composite deck.

1.5 Inch Composite Deck

one and a half inch composite deck profile illustration

1.5 inch composite metal deck, sometimes referred to as Type B, is a durable and easy-to-install metal floor decking. Typically, 1.5 inch Composite Deck is used for applications in outdoor flooring. It is the lowest profile type of composite deck, and is best used for short spans.

2 Inch Composite Deck

two inch composite deck profile illustration

2 inch composite metal deck is a reliable metal floor deck choice. Compared to 1.5 inch, 2 inch composite deck can handle thicker concrete slabs. It is most often used for medium to long span applications in outdoor flooring.

3 Inch Composite Deck

two inch composite deck profile illustration

3 inch composite metal deck is the deepest type of composite floor deck that is widely available. It can support thicker concrete slabs than the 1.5 or 2 inch composite floor deck, making it an extremely sturdy choice for flooring. Typically, it is used for long span applications in outdoor flooring. 

Form Deck

Metal form deck is used extensively in floor construction. It serves as a permanent steel base for poured, reinforced concrete floor slabs.

Unlike composite deck, form deck does not have embossments. It is a smooth sheet of metal deck that does not become bonded to the concrete. Instead, it is used to support the weight of wet concrete that is poured on top of it to create flooring systems.

There are 3 common types of form deck: 9/16 inch, 1 inch, and 1.5 inch.

9/16 Inch Form Deck

nine sixteenth inch form deck profile illustration

9/16 inch form deck is the lowest profile type of metal form deck. It supports the least amount of weight out of all types of form deck, but it is also the least expensive of all types. This makes it an economical choice for reinforced flooring systems on all kinds of construction projects.

1 Inch Form Deck

one inch form deck profile illustration

1 inch form deck supports more weight than the 9/16 inch form deck. It can be used for a variety of applications in concrete floor systems. Typically, 1 inch form deck is used in construction projects along the East Coast of the U.S.

1.5 Inch Form Deck

one and a half inch form deck profile illustration

1.5 inch form deck is the deepest of all types of form deck. It can support more weight than the 9/16 or 1 inch form deck, making it one of the sturdiest types of form deck available.

Metal Floor Deck from CSM

Now that you understand the different types and uses of metal floor deck, you can confidently choose which type is best for your project.

At CSM, we stock and manufacture all types of composite and form deck. We take pride in our full line of products, knowledgeable staff, and timely delivery. Simply choose which type of deck you need, and contact us to get started on your order. Once we receive your initial request, our estimators will submit a quote. They will choose between stock and production to give you the best price within your deadline.

Primary Sidebar

About CSM Metal Deck

At CSM we know metal deck. We have been supplying metal deck throughout the country for over 50 years. Choose from metal roof deck, composite deck and form deck, in a variety of depths, widths and gauges.

  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 5.
    • This field is hidden when viewing the form
      Max. file size: 6 MB.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Article Categories

    • CSM Metal Deck News
    • Metal Deck Construction Techniques
    • Product Features
    • Roof Deck

    Recent Articles

    • B Deck vs. N Deck: What’s the Difference?
    • Certifications Matter: Why buy from SDI Member Company
    • Your Guide to Metal Deck: FAQ

    Engineering Catalog

    Catalog Cover Download

    Footer

    CSM Metal Deck

    8660 Lambright Road
    Houston, TX 77075
    1-866-553-0373
    info@metaldecking.com

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube

    A Certified SDI Member

    SDI Logo
    FM Approved Logo

    Get A Quote Today

    This field is hidden when viewing the form
    How would you like to get a quote?(Required)

    Requested Product

    Product Type(Required)
    This field is hidden when viewing the form
    Finish(Required)

    Drawings

    How would you like to provide drawings?(Required)
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, png, Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 5.

      Delivery information

      Quote Purpose(Required)
      MM slash DD slash YYYY

      Send quote to

      Name(Required)
      This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

      Copyright © 2025 CSM Products and Solutions, LLC

      • Privacy Policy