How Much Does Commercial Metal Decking Cost?

October 7, 2024 in Decking

If you’re trying to calculate the metal decking cost for a commercial project, the final price will be determined by a range of variables. For this reason, determining an exact price can be difficult. However, understanding the considerations that go into the price can help give an accurate project cost. Continue reading below to learn what those variables are and other relevant information.

Metal Decking Cost Starts With the Market Price of Steel

Steel prices often fluctuate, with heavy price changes happening in as little as a month. Since the market price of steel varies so quickly, you’ll want to act on any received quotes as soon as possible. If you have to postpone a metal deck project, you should get a new quote closer to your construction date. Otherwise, you risk being caught by surprise by higher costs than what was initially discussed.

Most commercial decks are created using Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel. The prices of this specific type of steel have been steadily rising over the last few years, thus causing metal decking costs to increase.

Steel Gauge and Thickness

The gauge, or thickness, of the metal decking, is another critical factor in determining cost. Thicker gauges provide greater load-bearing capacity and durability, which is essential for certain applications, such as in high-traffic areas or where heavy equipment will be used.

Lighter Gauge Decking (20-22 gauge): This is typically used in applications where the decking is not expected to bear heavy loads. It is less expensive but may require additional structural support to meet load requirements. Lighter gauge decking is often used in residential or light commercial buildings where cost savings are a priority.

Heavier Gauge Decking (16-18 gauge): Thicker and stronger, heavier gauge decking is used in applications where significant weight or structural integrity is required. Although it is more expensive, it offers long-term durability and can reduce the need for additional supports, potentially lowering overall construction costs.

The prices per square foot of each of these gauges can vary based on the general market price of steel, but their averages at current price levels are as follows:

Gauge Weight (lbs per square foot) Price (per square foot)
22 1.9 $6-$7
20 2.3 $8-$9
18 2.9 $9.50-$11
16 3.5 $11-$13

 

As you can see, using a thicker steel gauge for a larger deck can cost significantly more than using a thinner gauge. For example, building a 100-square-foot deck with 22 gauge steel would cost between $600 and $700 using the above averages. But, the same-sized deck with 16 gauge steel would cost between $1,100 and $1,300. That’s a significant cost difference.

Project Scale and Customization

The most obvious consideration in your metal deck price is the size of your project. Once you’ve determined the previous factors, such as steel gauge and type, you can use the size to determine an accurate cost. Generally, there will be other materials necessary in these projects, so don’t forget to incorporate those costs into your overall price estimate, too.

  • Large-Scale Projects: Bulk purchasing for large-scale projects can often lead to cost savings. Suppliers may offer discounts for large orders, reducing the per-unit cost of the decking. Additionally, large projects often have the advantage of economies of scale, where the cost per square foot decreases as the quantity increases.
  • Customization: Custom orders, such as decking with specific finishes, coatings, or cut-to-length pieces, can increase costs. While customization allows for greater flexibility and precision in meeting project specifications, it often requires additional manufacturing processes, leading to higher prices.

Installation Costs

Installation is another factor that contributes to the overall cost of metal decking. The complexity of the installation, including labor, equipment, and time, will affect the total expense.

  • Labor Costs: Skilled labor is required to install metal decking correctly. The cost of labor can vary depending on the region, the complexity of the installation, and the contractor’s experience. In general, simpler installations with standard decking profiles will be less expensive, while complex projects with custom profiles or challenging site conditions will incur higher labor costs.
  • Equipment and Safety: Installing metal decking requires specialized equipment, such as cranes and scaffolding, as well as safety measures like harnesses and guardrails. These equipment needs can add to the overall cost, especially in large or high-rise projects where safety is a significant concern.

If you’re a project manager or purchasing coordinator who plans to hire someone to apply the metal decking, it’s a good idea to shop around for the best companies and local prices.

Remember, it’s not always good to pick the cheapest company. You’ll also want to verify the company you hire is licensed, insured, experienced, and reliable. Read online reviews and don’t be afraid to ask for verification of licensing and insurance. Once you’ve vetted two or more companies, you can choose the best quote between them.

Metal Decking Cost Depends On The Type

There are two common forms of metal decking used in roof projects, called B Deck and N Deck. Less common forms of metal decking are A Deck and F Deck. For floor decking, common types include B-36 Formlock, W2-36 Formlock, and W3-36 Formlock. The type of metal decking used can affect the price of your materials.

Roof Decking Types

B Deck

B Deck is the most widely used roof decking type due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It is primarily utilized in supporting built-up roofing systems, including single-ply, built-up, or modified bitumen roofs. The B Deck’s wide rib pattern, typically 1.5 inches deep, offers excellent load-bearing capabilities while allowing for efficient material use. Available in gauges ranging from 22 to 16, B Deck is suitable for a variety of applications, from commercial buildings to light industrial structures. Its compatibility with various roofing materials makes it a go-to choice for many contractors.

N Deck

N Deck is specifically designed for long-span conditions, making it ideal for projects where the distance between supports exceeds ten feet. The deeper rib profile, usually 3 inches, provides superior strength and rigidity, allowing it to span greater distances without requiring additional support structures. This makes N Deck a preferred choice for large commercial buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities where open floor plans are necessary. The gauges for N Deck range from 22 to 16, with thicker gauges providing even greater load capacity and durability.

A Deck/F Deck

A Deck, also known as “narrow rib decking,” is characterized by its closely spaced ribs, which were common in older construction practices. Due to its narrower rib profile, A Deck is less strong compared to modern decking options, making it less suitable for new construction. However, it remains in use for repair and restoration projects where matching the existing structure’s decking is crucial. F Deck is slightly stronger than A Deck and also finds its primary use in renovation projects, particularly when preserving the architectural integrity of older buildings. Both A Deck and F Deck are typically found in gauges ranging from 22 to 16.

Floor Decking Types

B-36 Formlock

B-36 Formlock floor decking is a versatile and widely used type of metal decking designed to support concrete slabs in floor systems. Its ribbed profile allows it to accommodate slab thicknesses ranging from 3.5 to 7 inches, making it ideal for short-span conditions. The Formlock design not only provides a secure bond between the decking and the concrete but also enhances the composite action of the floor system, resulting in improved load distribution and structural integrity. Available in gauges from 22 to 16, B-36 Formlock is commonly used in commercial and residential buildings where reliable, cost-effective floor systems are required.

W2-36 Formlock

W2-36 Formlock is a robust floor decking option designed to handle heavier loads and thicker slabs. With the capacity to support slab thicknesses from 4 to 8 inches, W2-36 Formlock is suitable for applications where moderate to heavy loads are expected. The deeper rib profile provides additional strength, making it ideal for floors in industrial buildings, parking structures, and multi-story construction. The Formlock design ensures a strong bond with the concrete, which helps in distributing loads evenly and enhancing the overall structural performance. Like other Formlock types, it is available in gauges from 22 to 16.

W3-36 Formlock

W3-36 Formlock is the strongest type of metal floor decking available, designed for applications requiring maximum strength and durability. It can accommodate slab thicknesses between 5 and 9 inches, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications such as industrial floors, mezzanines, and high-traffic areas. The deeper rib and thicker gauges, ranging from 22 to 16, provide superior load-bearing capacity, ensuring long-term performance even under the most demanding conditions. The Formlock design enhances the composite action between the deck and the concrete slab, resulting in a floor system that is both strong and stable, capable of supporting substantial loads with minimal deflection.

What Impacts the Total Metal Decking Cost?

Determining a specific metal decking cost is difficult because the overall price depends on various factors. Some of the components influencing your metal deck price are the following:

  • The market price of steel, which fluctuates frequently
  • The steel gauge used for decking, such as 22, 20, 18, and 16 GA
  • The size of your metal decking project
  • The labor costs for your decking project
  • Roof decking types like B deck, N deck, and A deck/F deck
  • Floor decking types like B-36, W2-36, and W3-36 form lock

Location and Delivery

The location of the project site and the cost of delivery can influence the overall cost of metal decking.

  • Proximity to Suppliers: Projects located near metal decking suppliers or manufacturing facilities may benefit from reduced delivery costs. Conversely, remote locations may incur higher shipping expenses, particularly for large or heavy decking materials.
  • Delivery Logistics: The size and weight of metal decking panels require careful planning for delivery. Oversized loads may require special permits or transportation methods, adding to the overall cost. Additionally, site access issues, such as narrow roads or limited space, can complicate delivery and increase costs.

Intsel’s Wide Array of Products

Your total metal deck price will partially depend on the products you use to bring your metal deck to life. Intsel has a wide range of inventory options that make us the best option for all your metal decking requirements, including steel and composite decks to meet all your needs.

Intsel’s Value Added Services

Beyond the massive range of metal decking products we provide, our team also offers the best value-added services to meet all of your decking and metal needs. Our extensive services include:

  • Section bending and cambering
  • Plate processing
  • Saw cutting
  • Shearing and bending
  • Custom roll-formed floor and roof deck
  • Tee splitting and straightening

With the extent of our services and our exceptional products, you’ll get a solution that’s truly worth the cost with Intsel.

Intsel’s Customer Support

No matter your metal decking needs, you need to choose a provider who is there for you when you need them. Intsel provides high-quality customer support to meet all your requirements during and after your metal decking project.

Our professional team values communication and can help you solve any problems during the decking process. Whenever you need a helping hand, Intsel has you covered from start to finish.

Intsel’s Delivery Options

Another reason why people choose Intsel Steel East is because of our next-day delivery service. With Intsel, you can easily meet all of your metal decking project requirements and have your project completed in no time with the materials you need and the services necessary to help you. It’s a fast and convenient solution to complete your metal deck efficiently.

We Can Help You Calculate Your Metal Decking Cost

Intsel Steel East is the leading steel distributor for all your metal decking needs, providing the best decking materials and vital services to help you complete the job. Intsel Steel East has a dedicated team of professionals committed to providing solutions to complete your metal decking project.

Request a quote from Intsel Steel East today to determine your overall metal deck price!

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