Form deck is one of the most searched and most misunderstood terms in steel decking. Contractors use it for parking structures, mezzanines, industrial slabs and any floor where the concrete slab carries its own load. This guide explains what form deck is, how it differs from composite deck, and the sizes and weights available.
What Is Form Deck?
Form deck is cold-formed, galvanized steel sheet with a corrugated profile. Its job is simple: support the wet concrete and the construction loads during the pour, then stay in place as permanent formwork. The industry also calls it non-composite floor deck or Type WF.
Because it does not bond with the cured concrete, the reinforced slab above is designed to carry the floor loads on its own. The deck is a form, not a structural partner.
Form Deck vs. Composite Deck
| Factor | Form deck (non-composite) | Composite deck |
|---|---|---|
| Bond with concrete | No. Slab carries the load by itself | Yes. Embossments lock the deck and slab together |
| Role of the deck | Permanent formwork | Formwork plus tension reinforcement in the slab |
| Slab design | Reinforced slab designed independently | Deck and slab designed as a composite system |
| Common uses | Parking structures, mezzanines, industrial slabs | Multi-story offices, hospitals, high-rise floors |
For a deeper comparison, read Composite vs. Non-Composite Deck: How to Choose.
Form Deck Sizes and Weights
Cutting Edge Decking's non-composite floor deck comes in three depths. All have a 36-inch cover width and are available in 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge.
| Profile | Depth | Cover width | Weight, 22 / 20 / 18 / 16 ga (psf) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5NC | 1.5" | 36" | 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.6 / 3.0 |
| 2NC | 2" | 36" | 1.6 / 1.9 / 2.5 / 3.2 |
| 3NC | 3" | 36" | 1.7 / 2.1 / 2.7 / 3.5 |
See the full table, with design thicknesses, in our metal deck sizes, dimensions and weights guide, or the non-composite deck product page.
Choosing a Depth and Gauge
Deeper profiles and heavier gauges span farther before the deck needs temporary shoring. The right combination depends on the slab thickness, the span between supports and the construction loads, so it is a decision for the engineer of record. Our steel deck gauge guide explains how gauge affects strength and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is form deck?
Form deck is corrugated steel deck used as permanent formwork for a concrete slab. It holds the wet concrete during the pour and stays in place afterward. It does not bond structurally with the cured slab, so it is also called non-composite deck.
What is the difference between form deck and composite deck?
Composite deck has embossments that bond with the concrete so deck and slab act as one unit. Form deck is non-composite: the slab is designed to carry the load by itself, and the deck serves as formwork.
What depths does form deck come in?
Non-composite floor deck is commonly supplied in 1.5-inch, 2-inch and 3-inch depths. Each has a 36-inch cover width and is available in 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge.
How much does form deck weigh?
1.5-inch non-composite deck weighs 1.6, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.0 psf in 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge. 2-inch deck weighs 1.6, 1.9, 2.5 and 3.2 psf. 3-inch deck weighs 1.7, 2.1, 2.7 and 3.5 psf.
Do I need shoring with form deck?
It depends on the deck depth, gauge, span and slab thickness. Maximum unshored clear spans are calculated for each profile, and the engineer of record decides whether shoring is required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is form deck?
Form deck is corrugated steel deck used as permanent formwork for a concrete slab. It holds the wet concrete during the pour and stays in place afterward. It does not bond structurally with the cured slab, so it is also called non-composite deck.
What is the difference between form deck and composite deck?
Composite deck has embossments that bond with the concrete so deck and slab act as one unit. Form deck is non-composite: the slab is designed to carry the load by itself, and the deck serves as formwork.
What depths does form deck come in?
Non-composite floor deck is commonly supplied in 1.5-inch, 2-inch and 3-inch depths. Each has a 36-inch cover width and is available in 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge.
How much does form deck weigh?
1.5-inch non-composite deck weighs 1.6, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.0 psf in 22, 20, 18 and 16 gauge. 2-inch deck weighs 1.6, 1.9, 2.5 and 3.2 psf. 3-inch deck weighs 1.7, 2.1, 2.7 and 3.5 psf.
Do I need shoring with form deck?
It depends on the deck depth, gauge, span and slab thickness. Maximum unshored clear spans are calculated for each profile, and the engineer of record decides whether shoring is required.