Comparing Steel Decking vs. Other Decking Materials: Which Is Right for You?

Whenever it's about installing decking, the biggest challenge is choosing the right decking material for you. Steel decking is one of the variety of decking materials available out there. Choosing the decking material is vital, but different materials suit different circumstances. In addition, different decking materials come up with different aesthetic appeals, costs, maintenance needs, and more.

Steel decking vs. other decking materials: What do you need to know about it?

Here we will explore steel decking with other possible material options to let you understand which one is right for you.

So, here we go:

Steel Decking

With the innovation in decking materials, steel decking is becoming a widely adopted decking material. Using steel decking doesn’t only reduce the project's overall cost. It can also provide enhanced flexibility, efficiency, and reliability compared to other decking materials. Unlike traditional structures, steel doesn’t require additional support.

Pros of steel decking

• Steel decking is lightweight and doesn’t need additional slab cast props.
• Steel decking amazingly works as a great composite member that you can use for permanent shuttering.
• It doesn’t require any main reinforcement until design parameters demand
•  these.
• Using steel decking reduced the slab thickness, resulting in lighter slabs, reduced material consumption, and lower foundation loads.

Cons of steel decking

• The construction team usually requires expertise to handle steel decking adequately.
• The initial cost can be a bit higher, but the maintenance cost of steel decking is lower than others.

PVC decking

PVC decking, also called synthetic ducking, is based on the material conventionally used in plastic fencing. You must add a protective shell to PVC decking to look wood-like.

Pros of PVC decking

• PVC decking is a lightweight alternative to wood decking.
• This decking material doesn’t rot and is easier to maintain.

Cons of PVC decking

• PVC decking comes up with low joist spans.
• This decking is most expensive than others.

Pressure-treated wood decking

Pressure-treated wood decking is a classical and one of the most popular materials used for decking. There exist some expensive wood decking types as well under this category. These usually include exotic hardwood deckings such as Ipe or teak.

This premium wood decking is typically finished with pressure to keep it from dulling or weathering.

Pros of Pressure-treated wood decking

• Natural wood decking can be a good option if you want to save on cost.
• These wood decking types are usually less complicated to install.
• This wood decking material can provide a natural feel that others can’t.

Cons of Pressure-treated wood decking

• If you don’t want to maintain your decking regularly, then pressure-treated wood decking isn't right.
• The maintenance cost of this decking material is higher because it requires refinishing after a specific time.
• You may also need to replace this decking material sooner because it is vulnerable to rot or decay.

Contact Union Steel Structure Materials to order steel decking

Do you want to enjoy all the amazing benefits of Steel decking? Union Steel Structure Materials can be your go-to solution to finding various steel decking options on the go. If you want to choose the best steel decking type from here, contact experts at Union Steel Structure Materials and get professional assistance to order the best steel decking for you.