Steel Deck

We are completing a renovation in the next few weeks and wanted to ask about other folks’ experience with steel decks. Having previously lived in apartments and suburbia, we never came across a steel deck. Does the metal get dangerously hot in the summer time? I assume we can’t walk in them barefoot but has anyone ran into issues with the hot steel? Any work arounds (coatings, etc) that may be helpful in dealing with this in the summer time? Thanks in advance for any insights!

skylightseeker

in Construction 11 years and 3 months ago

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hermanhund | 10 years and 9 months ago

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We have a 30×40 metal building which we made from a steel building contractor – AMF Steel. Yes there is problem of heat with metal buildings but we can overcome them with installing an insulation like foam. There is issue of fire proofing with steel buildings as steel conduct heat quite fast.

theoperadiva | 11 years and 2 months ago

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queenschick – it was painted by the team hired by our contractor, Naccarato Contracting, as part of our overall renovation. They did a terrific job painting throughout our home.

queenschick | 11 years and 2 months ago

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theoperadiva: who did you get to paint your deck?

theoperadiva | 11 years and 3 months ago

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We have an all steel deck and absolutely love it. We do not have the rusting issues that others suggest because we hired an expert painting team that did the job right, plus the deck was primed properly by the steel contractor (Lopopolo Ironworks, who was absolutely fantastic). Our home is on the North Side of the street so we have a North facing garden. We therefore do not have the heat issues that others complained about because the sunlight that hits it isn’t direct all day long. So, all that being said, what sort of light will the area where you are installing the deck be? If it is direct summer sun and you are home all day and hope to use the deck during peak hours, that’s something to consider. If you only plan to use the deck in the evenings and on the weekends, getting a large tilting umbrella might be enough to shade the area. Wood “carpets” exist that you can roll out if need be, or there are lots of exterior fabric carpet options. Make sure if you do go for a steel deck that you ask for fire escape style grating rather than subway grating. It is far more comfortable on the feet to walk barefoot. Good luck!

NeoGrec | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Our deck is very similar to the one DIBS built, including the wood decking installation. We have ipe which I pressure wash every year and stain every other year. We had the posts and rails repainted last year — first time since we built in 13 years ago and it really wasn’t in bad shape at all. Though I do wish that, like a neighbor, we had built the entire deck from galvanized steel, not just the flat surface and stair treads. Nice modern look (zinc-like appearance) and no rust!

Rick | 11 years and 3 months ago

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I built mine as an all metal structure with subway slats for flooring and I’m happy with it. I like that rain and snow goes right through. The filtered light from below is nice. Not a big deal for me to paint it every few years. It doesn’t get hot on that side of the house. I often wear shoes anyway. A wood deck would be softer to walk on but for me it’s a small trade off for the other benefits.

urbanexteriors | 11 years and 3 months ago

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@brooklynny I’m a deck builder, and have decked out a few subway grating decks. It’s not too easy, but it’s possible. Definitely not for a DIY, unless you have tools/skills. You can get those snap together wood tiles…they would work well in your situation. I wouldn’t just lay wood planks on top of the grating. When the sun hits those boards, they will twist up, and be worse than the grating. steve

brooklynny | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Thanks – I’ve considered modular systems like Ikea’s but would prefer regular wood planks. I just need to figure out the best way to attach them to the metal grating. It seems like even laying wood planks unattached would work relatively well if they are heavy enough, so maybe the method of anchoring them to the metal deck isn’t that important.

anotherposter | 11 years and 3 months ago

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We have a steel frame and stairs with cement pavers as the flooring. The maintenance is easy. We don’t get a ton of sun but they’ve never come close to being too hot to walk on and aren’t slick when it rains. If we want, we can lift them out to replace them (granted, they are heavy).

daveinbedstuy | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Yes, lots of different modular tile systems out there. Some of them very wood-like.

BobMarvin | 11 years and 3 months ago

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You could just lay modular wooden tiles, like Ikea’s PLATTA, on top of the metal deck: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20165486/

brooklynny | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Any thoughts on how to attach wood decking to a subway grating style steel deck? I had the steel deck built already and am waiting until after DOB sign-off to install the wood. Since the metal deck is already built, it seems like I should be able to DIY the installation of wood planks if I can figure out the best way to attach them to the metal grating.

resident2 | 11 years and 3 months ago

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A completely steel deck is a major problem, painting and rusting is a constant problem. It is also as you suspect extremely uncomfortable. Build the frame with steel, use a fire retardant recycled wood composite for the floor, it holds up better than the wood and is easier to keep clean. As others have said within 3′ of the property line on both sides needs to be made of fire retardant material.

daveinbedstuy | 11 years and 3 months ago

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The wood decking was screwed to wood stringers which, in turn, were bolted to the steel framing. Rail was capped with wood as well. They did a nice job. Was around $20k or so back in early 2008\. No permits.

skylightseeker | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Thanks for the replies! daveinbedstuy, did you just overlay the wood on top of your steel deck or did you actually build a wood deck?

daveinbedstuy | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Loved my deck that Sketch and Hammer built. Yes, the center had wood decking. You just can’t have combustible material within 3′ from the propeerty line on either side but after inspection (if you are going to get one) you put up whtever you want. I had planters built for the sides and a lattice screen that was secured to steel frame.

metalwork | 11 years and 3 months ago

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Some people build steel deck frame and for the flooring they use wood, or they have an awning to shade the sun from direct contact with the metal.