Pan decking is a term that we get inquiries for on a weekly basis, but it hasn’t been manufactured for over 50 years. So why then do we keep getting calls for pan decking if it isn’t available?
It’s just one of those trade names that has stuck around. The term pan decking simply means metal floor decking.
MetalDeck.com has been stocking and selling metal roof and floor decking for over 30 years. As a steel decking supplier, when we get a request for pan decking, we immediately have recommended alternate types of metal decking for concrete that’s readily available. So it made sense for us to write this article to help you solve the problem that being asked for pan decking creates.
If you’re bidding on a job where you have a request for pan decking, then we want to make sure you understand what pan decking is, how much pan decking costs, and help you find some alternatives.
In order to help you with your metal decking job, this article will cover:
Pan decking is a corrugated sheet metal designed to have structural concrete poured over top it. It’s a stay in place form that will support the concrete while it cures. Pan decking is no longer available. Nowadays, it’s a generic term for metal floor decking.
Pan decking refers to the corrugations of the metal decking that make it ready to receive concrete. Metal pan decking was used from the 1940s up until the 1960s but isn’t manufactured anymore. Instead, when you hear this term it simply means that you want either a composite metal floor deck or steel form decking.
There is another type of steel pan decking that exists, but if you’re reading this article it’s likely not what you’re interested in. There’s a metal building company that manufactures metal roofing products designed for carports and self-storage facilities. They piggybacked off of the popularity of the old term “Pan Decking” and have named one of their products “Pan-Deck”.
If you find pan decking for sale it will cost you $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot. There is such a large range of pricing because there are many factors that will affect the price of pan decking such as:
We will not discuss these factors here as there’s an entire article that you can check out if you have further interest.
How Much Does Metal Deck Cost (Rates, Factors, & Fees)
Here are some ballpark pan decking costs:
| Gauge | Deck Weight (psf) | Price Per Square Foot |
| 22 | 1.9 | $2.50 - $3.25 |
| 20 | 2.3 | $2.75 - $3.75 |
| 18 | 2.9 | $3.25 - $4.25 |
| 16 | 3.5 | $4.00 - $5.00 |
When you have a job that has pan decking in the metal decking specifications, it’s pretty simple to find a modern-day alternative. You will need either a steel form decking or a composite metal floor deck.
Composite floor decking systems consist of concrete and metal decking that’s bonded together. It’s the most popular type of metal floor decking because it increases the strength of the floor, without adding any extra weight to the structure.
There are three basic types of composite floor decking. They go by different names depending upon your region, but the main identifying factor is the depth of the panel. Composite floor decking is normally either 1.5”, 2”, or 3” in depth.
If you would like a deeper dive into composite floor decks we recommend:
What is Composite Floor Decking & How Does it Work?
W3-36 FormLok is a three-inch deep composite floor decking. It’s 36” wide and the sidelaps have a male leg and a female leg. This is the strongest of the three types and can span the furthest between supports. There are embossments that are located along the sides of the flutes that are required for a composite floor deck system.
Form decking is a stay-in-place form that will support the weight of the wet concrete as it cures. It will not increase the overall strength of the floor system.
Similar to composite floor decking, each type has a different name. The main identifying factor is the depth of the panel. Steel form decking does not have three typical sizes, but has a range of sizes that vary from 1/2” to 1.5” in depth.
If you would like a deeper dive into steel form decks we recommend:
What Is Form Decking? Types & Uses Of Steel Form Deck
If you have a job specifying pan decking, your first step would be to determine whether you need a composite floor deck or a form decking. Next, determine the depth of the panel, gauge, and finish. Once you have that information, then we suggest contacting your local metal decking supplier.
If you need help trying to figure out how to determine what type of metal decking is needed or where to look within your set of plans, we can help you. Check out:
What Are Metal Decking Specifications?
If you’re not used to metal decking specifications, it can be confusing to determine the correct metal decking product. We can help you navigate the metal decking specifications.
Our sales reps have many years of experience selling metal decking and can assist you with your next steel decking job. We have an extensive selection of form decking and floor decking, gauges, and sheet lengths. Fill out our quick and simple online quote request form for metal deck pricing and availability.
If you would like to learn more about metal decking, view our Metal Decking Learning Center or YouTube channel.