Specifiers, estimators and erectors ask the same questions about steel deck again and again: how deep is it, how wide does one sheet cover, and what does it weigh? This guide puts the profile dimensions, gauge thicknesses and weights for Cutting Edge Decking's roof and floor deck in one place. The figures come from our product catalog and are calculated in accordance with ANSI/SDI RD-2017, C-2017 and NC-2017 and AISI S100.
Metal Deck Profile Dimensions at a Glance
Weights are listed for 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge, in that order. Cover width is the width one sheet covers after side laps are engaged.
| Profile | Type | Depth | Cover width | Rib spacing | Gauges | Weight (psf) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5B | Roof deck (wide rib) | 1.5" | 36" | 6" | 22, 20, 18, 16 | 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.6 / 3.0 |
| 1.5NC (1.5CF) | Non-composite / composite floor deck | 1.5" | 36" | 6" | 22, 20, 18, 16 | 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.6 / 3.0 |
| 2NC (2CF) | Non-composite / composite floor deck | 2" | 36" | 12" | 22, 20, 18, 16 | 1.6 / 1.9 / 2.5 / 3.2 |
| 3NC | Non-composite floor deck | 3" | 36" | 12" | 22, 20, 18, 16 | 1.7 / 2.1 / 2.7 / 3.5 |
| 3NJ-32 | Roof deck (3" deep) | 3" | 32" | — | 22, 20, 18, 16 | 1.91 / 2.36 / 3.04 / 3.94 |
Steel Deck Gauge Thickness
Gauge sets the steel thickness, and thickness drives both weight and strength. These design thicknesses apply to every profile above.
| Gauge | Design thickness (in.) | 1.5B weight (psf) |
|---|---|---|
| 22 ga | 0.0295 | 1.6 |
| 20 ga | 0.0358 | 2.0 |
| 18 ga | 0.0474 | 2.6 |
| 16 ga | 0.0598 | 3.0 |
For more on choosing a gauge, see our steel deck gauge guide.
1.5" B Roof Deck: Sizes and Load Capacity
1.5" B deck (also written 1.5B or Type B wide rib) is the standard roof deck profile in commercial and industrial buildings. It is 1.5 inches deep, covers 36 inches per sheet and has ribs at 6 inches on center. For a full specification overview, read What Is 1.5" B Roof Deck?
As an example of how gauge affects span, here are the allowable uniform downward loads (ASD) for single-span 1.5B deck at Fy = 33 ksi:
| Gauge | 5'-0" span | 6'-0" span | 7'-0" span |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 ga | 101 psf | 70 psf | 52 psf |
| 20 ga | 129 psf | 90 psf | 66 psf |
| 18 ga | 175 psf | 122 psf | 90 psf |
| 16 ga | 224 psf | 154 psf | 115 psf |
These values are from our catalog and are for reference only. Load tables for 40, 50 and 80 ksi steel, double and triple spans, and deflection data are in the full catalog. The engineer of record must confirm that the deck meets the project's loads and span conditions.
2-Inch and 3-Inch Floor Deck
Floor deck is used as permanent formwork for non-composite slabs, or as the tension reinforcement in composite slabs. The deeper profiles carry longer spans before shoring is needed. Both the 2" and 3" profiles have a 36-inch cover width, with ribs at 12 inches on center. The deck is available with button-punch or side-lap screw fastening of the side laps on the same sheet. To compare how the two types behave, see Composite vs. Non-Composite Deck.
3NJ-32 Roof Deck
For longer roof spans, 3NJ-32 is a 3-inch-deep roof deck with a 32-inch cover width. It is supplied in 22 to 16 gauge and in Grade 50 steel, with weights from 1.91 psf in 22 gauge to 3.94 psf in 16 gauge.
Finish, Grade and Custom Lengths
Deck is supplied galvanized to the coating class your project specifies. See G60 vs. G90 galvanized steel deck if you are choosing between them. Our catalog lists load tables for Grade 33, 40 and 50 steel, and Grade 80 for 1.5B roof deck. Sheets are cut to fit, in lengths as short as one foot at no extra charge, which reduces cutting in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of 1.5" B deck?
1.5" B roof deck is 1.5 inches deep with a 36-inch cover width and ribs spaced 6 inches apart. It is available in 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge.
How much does 1.5" B deck weigh per square foot?
Galvanized 1.5" B deck weighs about 1.6 psf in 22 gauge, 2.0 psf in 20 gauge, 2.6 psf in 18 gauge and 3.0 psf in 16 gauge.
How thick is 20 gauge metal deck?
The design thickness of 20 gauge steel deck is 0.0358 inches. 22 gauge is 0.0295 inches, 18 gauge is 0.0474 inches and 16 gauge is 0.0598 inches.
What is the cover width of steel deck?
The 1.5", 2" and 3" profiles in this guide have a 36-inch cover width. The 3NJ-32 roof deck has a 32-inch cover width.
How short can Cutting Edge Decking cut a deck sheet?
Cutting Edge Decking cuts sheets to fit and offers lengths as short as one foot at no extra charge.
Get a Quote or the Full Catalog
Need a price or the full load tables? Share your project's profile, gauge, finish and square footage through the quote request form or browse our steel deck products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of 1.5" B deck?
1.5" B roof deck is 1.5 inches deep with a 36-inch cover width and ribs spaced 6 inches apart. It is available in 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge.
How much does 1.5" B deck weigh per square foot?
Galvanized 1.5" B deck weighs about 1.6 psf in 22 gauge, 2.0 psf in 20 gauge, 2.6 psf in 18 gauge and 3.0 psf in 16 gauge.
How thick is 20 gauge metal deck?
The design thickness of 20 gauge steel deck is 0.0358 inches. 22 gauge is 0.0295 inches, 18 gauge is 0.0474 inches and 16 gauge is 0.0598 inches.
What is the cover width of steel deck?
The 1.5", 2" and 3" profiles in this guide have a 36-inch cover width. The 3NJ-32 roof deck has a 32-inch cover width.
How short can Cutting Edge Decking cut a deck sheet?
Cutting Edge Decking cuts sheets to fit and offers lengths as short as one foot at no extra charge.