The Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Steel Decking

Steel decking is a thin sheet of galvanised steel commonly used for floors and roofs. It's easy to identify by its corrugated shape, which gives it its trademark strength and rigidity.
Steel decking is popular for all sorts of reasons: it's lightweight, durable, and impressively cost-effective. But one of the biggest benefits? It's much easier to install by hand than other materials, as long as you've got the right tools and know-how. So, what are the exact steps to fit it in place?
Well, that's what we're here to explain. Read on for The LGW Group's step-by-step guide to installing steel decking, from initial preparations to finishing touches!
Before you get started
It's tempting to get stuck in but hold on! While steel decking might be easier to install than some other roofing or flooring options, it can still be difficult (and potentially dangerous) if you're not familiar with construction.
If you haven't tackled similar projects before, it's best to team up with a qualified installer - like the experts at The LGW Group. We'll make sure your steel decking is put in safely, meets all building codes, and performs its best for years to come.
But if you're a seasoned DIYer and confident in your skills, keep reading!
1. Safety first
Like any construction project, safety comes first. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Wear appropriate PPE including hard hats, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear.
- Have a designated plan for safe removal of waste materials.
- Utilise guardrails, safety nets, or fall arrest systems to prevent falls.
- Secure loose items on top of bundles before lifting.
- If stud welding is used, ensure a safe and proper power supply is available.
- Land bundles on framing members that can support them during un-strapping to prevent dislodging.
- Steel decking has sharp edges. Wear cut-resistant gloves to handle the sheets and avoid injuries.
- Plan for safe access to each working level.
- Avoid working in high winds or other adverse weather that could compromise safety.
- Keep the work area clean and free of tripping hazards.
Remember: These are just general guidelines. Always follow the latest safety regulations and manufacturer recommendations before starting any work.
2. Preparation
Once you have proper safety precautions in place, you're ready to move on to the preparation stage:
- Double-check the construction plans to understand the layout, beam locations, and any specific deck requirements. This will help you avoid any oversights when you get started.
- Once the steel decking arrives, inspect each sheet for any damage like warping or bends. Never install compromised materials, as they can affect the overall stability of the deck.
- You'll need proper lifting equipment (potentially a crane), personal protective equipment (gloves, boots, hard hat), metal cutting tools (tin snips or saws), and fasteners (nails, screws) suitable for the deck and support structure. Check all your equipment is in good condition and ready for the task at hand.
3. Installation
Now it's time to start the installation! Here's what to do:
- Prepare the support structure, checking the beams or framework are level, plumb, and can support the weight of the decking. Any unevenness can cause problems later in the construction process.
- Position the first sheet in the designated corner, making sure it's aligned correctly with the beams. Double-check for levelness at this initial stage.
- Subsequent sheets should overlap according to the manufacturer's specifications. These overlaps create a continuous and strong surface. Use appropriate fasteners, like nails or screws, to securely fix the sheets to the support structure at predetermined intervals following the installation guide.
- When encountering beams, columns, or openings, use metal cutting tools to precisely size and fit the sheets. Make sure the cuts are clean for a proper fit and minimal material waste.
- Continue laying and fixing sheets until the entire designated area is covered. Maintain proper overlaps throughout the process and ensure the entire deck remains level. Use levelling tools like a torpedo level to check for any dips or rises.
- If any pipes or electrical conduits need to pass through the deck, install fire-rated sleeves to maintain the structural integrity of the deck and allow for proper fireproofing.
Trust The LGW Group for all your steel decking needs
Steel decking is a key part of countless construction projects, but it's a job best suited for the professionals. If you're not 100% comfortable tackling it yourself, then bringing in experienced contractors - like us! - is the way to go.
Prodeck-Fixing, part of The LGW Group, is one of Europe's leading metal decking companies. Our team have been designing and installing high-quality steel decking across the South for years, on structures of all shapes and sizes. We'll take care of everything from the initial design to the final installation, so you can sit back, relax, and let us build the exact steel decking your project calls for.
Ready to get started? Get a quote online or call us on 0117 958 2090 today!