Understanding Composite and Structural Floor Decks for Your Project
When it comes to building strong, long-lasting structures in Malaysia, one thing that often gets overlooked is the floor deck; the hidden hero that supports every step we take.
Whether it’s a high-rise tower in the city or a modern warehouse in the suburban area, floor decks are what hold the concrete slabs together, making sure everything stays safe, sturdy, and durable.
Beyond structure alone, the choice of floor decking impacts the entire lifecycle of a building; from its construction speed and cost, to long-term maintenance and energy efficiency.
What is Floor Decking?
A floor deck is a sheet that helps hold the concrete floor in place during construction.
You can think of it like a tray or base that supports the wet concrete until it dries and becomes solid. After that, the floor deck stays underneath the slab and continues to help support the weight of the building.
It’s usually made of steel, which is strong but light and it’s shaped with ribs (like waves or ridges) to make it even tougher.
In Malaysia, steel floor decks are used almost everywhere now because they save time, reduce labour, and last longer than traditional wooden formwork.
There are two common types of floor decks you’ll often see: structural floor decks and composite floor decks
How it Works
- Installation – The floor deck is laid across the building’s beams or structures.
- Reinforcement – Steel bars or mesh are added on top for extra strength.
- Concrete Pouring – Wet concrete is poured over the deck and spread evenly.
- Bonding & Hardening – The concrete sets and bonds with the deck’s ridges, creating a solid and stable floor slab.
Because of this process, floor decking helps in two main ways:
- During construction, it acts as a working platform and holds the wet concrete.
- After construction, it stays as part of the floor, adding strength and reducing the need for extra materials below. – elaborate
Structural Floor Decks
A structural floor deck works as a base for the concrete slab. Think of it as the solo performer of the group. It supports weight and provides a base for the concrete slab but doesn’t bond with the concrete to share strength.
Contractors like using structural decks because they’re easy to install and save time. There’s no need for temporary timber formwork, which cuts down on labour and waste.
Key Benefits :
- Acts as a permanent formwork
- Reduces construction time and cost
- Ideal for large-scale or fast-track projects
- Provides strong, durable support for concrete slabs
However, since it doesn’t form a structural bond with the concrete, it often requires more material thickness or additional reinforcements, which can raise costs slightly.
Applications
- Mezzanine floors
- Staircases and Landings
- Trenches and Tunnels
We recommend opting for TH Floor Deck 75 for structural floor decking. It features a deep 75mm rib profile that can cover wider spans and handle heavier loads. Made from high tensile steel, it’s both strong and rust-resistant, perfect for long-term use in Malaysia’s climate.
Composite Decking
When you walk into a mall or office tower, have you ever thought about what’s actually under your feet? The secret lies in something called composite floor decking, a system that makes floors strong, stable, and quick to build.
Composite floor decking is a metal sheet, usually made of steel, that works together with concrete to form a solid floor structure. Now imagine steel and concrete working together instead of separately; that’s composite floor decking. To make it easier to picture, think of it as a duo.
- The steel deck is the foundation layer.
- The concrete is poured on top.
Once the concrete hardens, both materials combine their strengths where the steel handles pulling forces and the concrete handles pushing forces, thus forming one powerful structure. That’s why it’s called composite.
Key Benefits :
- Strong and lightweight
- Easy to install
- Cost-efficient
- Environmentally friendly
Applications
- Commercial buildings
- Large-scale commercial and industrial structures
Looking for a good composite floor decking? The TH Floor Deck 75 (Structural Decking) by Thung Hing is a way to go. It combines steel and concrete to create a floor system that’s both sturdy and efficient. Its smart design uses less concrete and a thinner slab, which means the floor is lighter, costs less, and works perfectly for modern buildings.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your project needs a straightforward support structure for moderate loads, structural floor decking is dependable and easy to work with.
But if you want maximum strength, speed, and cost efficiency, composite floor decking is your best option especially for large-scale or high-rise constructions.
Choosing the right floor deck depends on the project’s needs. Structural floor decks provide a strong, simple base for concrete, while composite floor decks allow steel and concrete to work together for a lighter, more efficient floor.
Understanding these differences helps builders and developers plan more effectively and use materials wisely. The right choice can save time, reduce costs, and ensure a safe, durable floor structure for any building. Knowing your options is the first step to better construction results.
Get a quote
Let’s talk about your project
- Let us understand your requirement and let our roof specialist customise a solution for you.
- 1-to-1 meeting to discuss how our products and solutions can help in your project.
