Construcciones Yamaro: How builders influence the choice of metal decking

BlueDeck is designed to support efficient installation and handling on site. (Image: FTI Group)

Choosing a metal decking system can involve more than one voice on a construction project.

By Harvey Arkcoll, national sales manager at FTI Group.

Structural engineers play an important role in validating the compliance and structural performance of metal decking systems, but builders can also influence the final product decision.

When there are multiple metal decking systems that comply and meet relevant construction standards, the focus often shifts to choosing a product that is preferred by the builder or the construction team. Recognising a builder’s preference for metal decking systems can improve installation efficiency, minimise site disruptions and support program and budget certainty.

Once the metal decking product has been signed off as compliant and approved for use on the project, the builder generally focuses on choosing a system that is easy to install, simpler to manage on site and supplied by a company capable of supporting the project from start to finish.

Practical site factors

Compliance is essential, but builders don’t choose a metal decking system based on compliance alone. Once an engineer has verified the product meets structural requirements, the focus often shifts to tangible site advantages. Lead times, delivery flexibility, pack labelling, reduced site movements, ease of materials handling and supplier responsiveness can all affect how smoothly the project runs overall.

Even small efficiencies can add up to meaningful time and cost savings, especially on large-scale projects. A supplier that can guarantee fast lead times, take ownership of logistics and provide support can make life easier for the construction team. A decking system that arrives on site, clearly labelled and packed into specific zones or areas, can be quickly craned up to the exact location on the live deck, minimising site movements and associated safety risks. Using a narrower decking profile can be easier for crews to handle and install, improving productivity and reducing the physical demands of installation.

While practical site advantages don’t affect the structural design of the concrete slab, they can have an impact on a site’s productivity, safety and programming.

Supplier capability and support

Often the supplier behind the product can be just as important as the product itself. Construction programs often change, and the supplier’s ability to respond quickly and offer reliable communication can be the difference between a successful project and one that becomes delayed and over budget.

Partnering with a supplier that has a reliable team from manufacture to despatch and delivery can provide the confidence builders are looking for – certainty that the supplier can adequately support them through to project completion. Strong technical expertise and ongoing support can help to resolve issues quickly, minimise delays and keep the project on track.

A capable supplier should provide accurate mark-ups and quotations upfront, deliver the product where and when the customer needs it, communicate proactively and be ready to assist when any challenges arise.

Commercial and procurement considerations

Once a metal decking system has been proven compliant, practical to install and backed by a capable supplier, the next consideration is procurement. Builders need confidence that the product will be available when they need it and that the supply chain won’t be interrupted and cause site delays.

A compliant system can quickly lose its appeal if it’s difficult to source, has delayed lead times or requires coordinating multiple suppliers. Suppliers that stock a large amount of raw material can not only guarantee product supply but also lock in rates for the duration of the project, bringing stability and certainty to the budget and deadlines.

There can also be benefits to partnering with a supplier that can offer a range of complementary ancillary products alongside the metal decking itself. Consolidating procurement can improve supply certainty, reduce unnecessary administration, simplify logistics and reduce the coordination of numerous suppliers and contracts, offering efficiencies for the builder and their construction team.

The builder’s preference

Many experienced builders prefer a metal decking system that is proven to be easier to install, is ready to order immediately and comes from a reputable supplier that is supportive and reliable to deal with.

Structural performance and compliance are essential in the Australian construction industry, but often the builder has a strong influence on the final product decision. In some cases, builders may even push for a redesign if an alternative system can deliver better efficiencies for the project.

For more information, contact FTI Group on 1300 751 701 or visit ftigroup.com.au

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