What British Standards for Construction Apply to Decking

28th August 2025

Are you an architect, engineer, or contractor? If so, understanding which standards apply means fewer inspection delays, a lower risk of rework, and safer outcomes on-site. When working with concrete and steel decking in the UK, compliance with standards is a legal and structural requirement.

The main British Standards for construction include:

• BS EN 1994-1-1 (Eurocode 4) for composite steel and concrete structures.
• Parts A, B, and L of the building regulations.
• UKCA marking for certified products.

Together, these form the regulatory framework for structural strength, fire resistance, and energy performance in modern construction.

This guide breaks down the standards in simple terms. It demonstrates how we utilise them to deliver fully compliant decking solutions.

Why Compliance with British Standards Matters

Decking plays a vital role in structural floor systems. It handles both live and dead loads for commercial and industrial projects. If installed without following the right standards, there are serious risks. These include safety issues, failed approvals, and expensive repairs. Meeting British Standards and building regulations ensures that floors are safe, strong, and compliant with the law.

Compliance benefits every role in a project:

• Project managers get smoother approvals and less downtime.
• Architects and engineers see designs validated through tested standards.
• Site teams receive materials and systems that are fit to perform from day one.

We have supplied and installed some of the biggest metal decking projects in the UK. This includes in-house manufacturing and skilled installation teams. From ready mix concrete to concrete pumps for hire, our approach builds compliance into every stage of delivery.

BS EN 1994-1-1 – Eurocode 4

One of the most essential British Standards for Construction that applies to decking is BS EN 1994-1-1 (Eurocode 4). This code outlines the design rules for composite steel and concrete structures. It includes floor systems where steel decking supports a concrete slab. It gives a way to make sure both materials work safely together under load.

For specifiers, Eurocode 4 requires checks on:

• Load-bearing capacity and spans of the decking system
• Minimum slab thickness and reinforcement cover to prevent structural weaknesses
• Serviceability performance, including deflection and vibration limits

These requirements are mandatory. Inspectors and engineers use them as benchmarks to assess compliance. Meeting them ensures floors are strong, durable, and suitable for commercial and industrial use.

We use Eurocode 4 in all our projects, from concrete flooring to big steel decking installations. Our teams check every slab thickness, reinforcement detail, and bearing length. We ensure that everything meets the standard, so projects pass inspection on the first attempt.

Building Regulations Parts A, B & L

Alongside Eurocode 4, decking systems must also comply with the UK building regulations. These set minimum legal requirements for safety and performance.

Three Parts are especially relevant for concrete and steel decking:

• Part A (Structure): Ensures floors and decks are stable under both permanent and variable loads. For decking, Part A covers bearing lengths, load distribution, and safe support of the concrete slab.
• Part B (Fire Safety): Sets minimum fire resistance times for structural elements. Depending on the building type and height, decking systems may need to achieve 60, 90, or 120 minutes of fire performance.
• Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power): Requires structures to minimise heat loss and thermal bridging. In practice, Part L means careful detailing where concrete slabs and steel decking meet external walls.

We always plan for building regulation compliance before installation begins. This ensures design approvals are smoother and site teams can work with systems that are ready to meet inspection standards from day one.

UKCA Marking & Documentation

Since January 2023, most construction products in the United Kingdom have been required to bear the UKCA mark. This replaced the CE mark as proof of compliance after Brexit. For concrete and steel decking, this means the product has undergone independent testing. Ergo, that decking meets the British Standards for Construction.

Specifiers and contractors should also expect:

• Declarations of Performance (DoPs) provide the tested results for strength and fire resistance.
• Third-party certification, such as BBA or BRE approval, provides independent assurance of compliance.
• Warranties and QA records that demonstrate long-term durability and hold the supplier accountable.

These documents aren’t a box-ticking exercise, but the proof inspectors and insurers require when signing off on a project. Our group offers detailed documentation for all its services. This gives specifiers confidence that compliance is ensured from design to delivery.

Practical Decking Compliance Considerations

Compliance doesn’t stop at the paperwork. On-site, practical checks determine whether a decking system will pass inspection and remain safe over time.

Key considerations include:

• End Bearing & Spans: Steel decking needs at least 75mm of end bearing. Also, the spans should match the deck profile as shown in the manufacturer’s load tables.
• Slab Thickness & Reinforcement: Concrete requires sufficient cover over the decking ribs. Reinforcement must follow Eurocode 4 and BS 8500 standards.
• Corrosion Protection: Galvanisation and protective coatings are essential for long-term durability. This is particularly the case in exposed or humid environments.
• Fire Performance Evidence: Every decking system must be supported by test data. It’s this data that proves it can achieve the required fire resistance set out in building regulations.
• Acoustic & Thermal Performance: In some projects, floors must meet acoustic and thermal targets. This is part of Building Regulations Parts E and L.

Our in-house teams manage both concrete T-beam flooring and decking installation. We ensure that spans, bearings, slab depths, reinforcement, and performance meet the right standards. This gives project teams confidence that compliance is part of every stage of delivery.

From Standards to Site Success

Concrete and steel decking must withstand heavy loads and provide fire resistance. It must also satisfy the requirements set out in British Standards for Construction. By applying Eurocode 4, meeting the building regulations, and using products with a UKCA marking, your project remains compliant and ready for inspection.

At The LGW Group, compliance is built into every stage of our operations. With years of experience and strict safety training, we ensure slabs, beams, and decks are installed to spec. We provide quality you can trust, from liquid screed and concrete blocks to precast products and metal decking. Ready to build with confidence?

Call 0117 958 2090 or contact us online and gain a partner for unbeatable concreting and decking solutions.