When you need metal deck for a construction project, you need to find a reliable metal deck manufacturer. The manufacturer you choose will depend upon a number of factors, like the products you need, your project timeline, and your project budget.
Because there are a wide variety of manufacturers out there, it can be hard to know where to start looking.
At CSM, we take pride in our knowledge of metal deck and our commitment to our customers. So we’ve put together a guide to help make the process of choosing a manufacturing company as simple as possible. This guide will provide you with practical tips for finding and selecting the best metal deck manufacturer for your project.
How to Find a Metal Deck Manufacturer
When looking for a metal deck manufacturer, it is best to start with trusted sources, such as construction and metal deck-specific associations, institutes, or supplier directories. These sources will have vetted their manufacturer listings for quality, ensuring that you start your search off on a solid foot.
For example, the Steel Deck Institute member directory is a curated list of roof and floor deck manufacturers. Each member on the list must pass a detailed onsite audit to ensure that they meet the manufacturing deck according to SDI standards.
Additionally, many metal deck and construction associations have state and regional chapters that can offer options that are specific to your area.
Questions to Ask a Metal Deck Manufacturer
Once you have found one or more metal deck manufacturing companies you feel confident in, you will need to meet with them and ask questions to determine whether they will be the best option.
Some questions to ask are:
Which types of deck can you manufacture?
There are many different types of deck, and you will need to ensure that a manufacturer can provide the right type for you. Ask them to give you a detailed list of all the different types of metal deck that they produce, as well as the different widths, depths, and gauges, and finishes that they offer.
What is your average lead time for manufacturing metal deck?
Depending upon the equipment that a metal deck manufacturer has and the amount of metal deck you need, there will be different lead times for the production of the deck. Some manufacturers will have extensive facilities and high-quality equipment that will allow them to more easily and efficiently produce metal deck. Others may not have the same quality equipment, and therefore will take longer to produce the deck.
Do you follow sustainable practices?
Sustainability is crucial within the construction industry. We recommend speaking with a metal deck manufacturer about their sustainability practices within their production processes. If they ship metal deck nationally or internationally, you may also want to discuss their sustainability processes for shipping.
Does your company have any certifications?
There are specific certifications that can help indicate the quality of a metal deck manufacturer. As we mentioned above, a Steel Deck Certified manufacturer will have passed a rigorous onsite test for quality and safety. Talk to a potential manufacturer about certifications or recognition they have received and what that means for their processes.
Quality Metal Deck from CSM Products & Solutions
At CSM, we produce high-quality metal roof deck and composite deck and form deck for flooring.
Our large, 16,000 square foot warehouse, additional 5-acre yard space, and 15-ton overhead crane allow us to meet various projects’ demands. In addition, our MetForm Deck Mill gives us the ability to produce different types of metal deck in multiple widths, depths, and gauges. We can also provide painted metal deck for projects that need a finished look.
Ensure peace of mind by working with a knowledgeable and professional vendor. Get started on your order of metal deck by contacting us today.
