W2 Metal Deck: A Complete Guide to W2-36 Form-Lok, B-36 & W-Type Decks
A strong floor starts with the right deck profile. Steel floor decking supports fresh concrete, creates a working platform, and helps form the finished slab. Among the common profiles, W2 metal deck offers a useful balance of depth, strength, and span capacity for composite floor systems. For contractors, engineers, and project managers, knowing how W2-36 FormLok compares with B-36 and deeper W-type profiles makes specification easier.
Understanding W2-36 FormLok Metal Deck
W2-36 FormLok is a composite floor deck made from formed steel. The profile is about 2 inches deep and 36 inches wide. Its rib shape helps the steel deck bond with concrete after the pour. This creates composite action between the two materials.
The deck comes in 22, 20, 18, and 16 gauge options. Heavier gauges use more steel and provide greater section strength. The right gauge depends on span, loads, slab depth, and the project design.
W2-36 FormLok has a standard interlocking sidelap. Depending on the product version and connection method, sidelaps can use button punches, top seam welds, or other approved fastening systems.
W2-36 FormLok vs. B-36 Metal Deck
Both profiles work as composite floor decking, but their depth sets them apart. B-36 is 1.5 inches deep, while W2-36 is about 2 inches deep. The deeper W2 profile provides greater structural capacity and can suit longer spans.
| Feature | W2-36 FormLok | B-36 FormLok |
| Deck depth | About 2 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Panel width | 36 inches | 36 inches |
| Common gauges | 22, 20, 18, 16 | 22, 20, 18, 16 |
| Deck type | Composite floor deck | Composite floor deck |
| Typical role | Medium to longer spans | Shorter spans |
| Concrete action | Composite slab | Composite slab |
B-36 suits projects that need a lower profile while meeting structural requirements. B-36 metal deck provides a practical option for short-span composite floors, while W2-36 offers more depth for projects needing greater span capability.
How W-Type Deck Profiles Differ
The term W-type describes deeper floor deck profiles designed for composite construction. W2-36 is 2 inches deep, while W3-36 is 3 inches deep. As depth increases, the profile can provide greater span potential, subject to gauge, slab design, support conditions, and loading.
W-3-36 Form-Lok is a 3-inch-deep composite deck. It can serve longer-span applications where a deeper profile makes sense. Choosing between W2 and W3 should come from the structural design rather than deck depth alone.
Key factors for deck selection
- Span: Longer spans can call for a deeper or heavier deck profile.
- Gauge: Gauge affects the deck’s strength and weight.
- Slab depth: The deck profile must work with the specified concrete thickness.
- Loads: Construction and final loads both matter.
- Connection: Side-lap and support connections must follow the approved system.
- Project use: Offices, warehouses, schools, healthcare buildings, and similar structures can have different floor demands.
Where W2-36 FormLok Fits Best
W2-36 FormLok is used across commercial and institutional construction. Verco lists education, retail, warehouse, government, and healthcare projects among common market segments. The profile has an upper span range of about 14 feet, depending on the design conditions.
The deck can serve as a working surface during construction while also acting as permanent formwork for the concrete slab. Once the concrete cures, the formed steel and concrete work together as a composite floor system.
For projects needing different performance features, “W” type decks provide several profile choices. Acoustic and cellular versions are available for selected W2 products, giving designers more options for floor assemblies.
How W2-36 Works With Concrete
The steel deck receives wet concrete during construction. Its ribs help create mechanical interaction between the deck and slab. After curing, the two materials work together to resist floor loads.
Proper support, fastening, concrete placement, and construction loading remain critical. Engineers must check the actual span and loading conditions before selecting a deck gauge or slab thickness. Product design tables should guide the final specification.
The Myers Group can help contractors and project teams identify suitable deck products for their project needs. From CE-A metal deck options to composite floor profiles, product selection should match the plans, structural requirements, and installation details.
Choose the Right Metal Deck for Your Project
The right deck profile depends on more than depth. Span, gauge, slab thickness, loading, support conditions, and connection details all matter. The Myers Group supplies a range of metal decking solutions to help project teams find a suitable match for their plans.
Need help selecting the right profile? Contact The Myers Group to discuss your metal decking requirements and find a practical solution for your next project.
FAQs
What Is W2 Metal Deck?
W2 metal deck is a composite steel floor deck with a profile about 2 inches deep. It supports concrete during construction and works with the cured concrete slab to form a composite floor system.
What Is W2-36 FormLok Metal Deck?
W2-36 FormLok is a 36-inch-wide composite steel floor deck with a nominal depth of about 2 inches. Its formed ribs and interlocking sidelaps support composite slab construction.
What Are the Dimensions of W2-36 FormLok?
W2-36 FormLok is 36 inches wide with a nominal depth of 2 1/16 inches. The profile uses a 12-inch rib pitch and comes in standard lengths based on manufacturer availability.
What Is W2-36 FormLok Used For?
W2-36 FormLok is used for composite floor systems in commercial, institutional, warehouse, retail, healthcare, and government buildings. Its profile can support medium to long spans under suitable design conditions.
What Are the Available Gauges for W2-36 FormLok?
W2-36 FormLok is available in 22, 20, 18, and 16 gauge. The correct gauge depends on span, construction loads, slab design, support conditions, and structural requirements.
How Does W2-36 FormLok Compare With B-36 Metal Deck?
W2-36 is deeper by about 2 inches, while B-36 is 1.5 inches deep. W2-36 can provide greater span capability, while B-36 suits shorter-span composite floor applications.
What Is the Difference Between W2-36 and W3-36 FormLok?
W2-36 FormLok is about 2 inches deep, while W3-36 FormLok is 3 inches deep. W3-36 provides a deeper profile suited to longer-span applications when the structural design calls for it.
What Are W-Type Metal Decks?
“W” type decks are composite steel floor deck profiles designed with deeper rib configurations. W2 and W3 versions provide different depth and span options, allowing engineers to match deck selection with project demands.
What Is B-36 Metal Deck Used For?
B-36 metal deck is a 1.5-inch-deep composite floor deck used for short-span conditions. It supports concrete placement while forming part of the finished composite slab.
How Does W2-36 FormLok Work With Concrete?
W2-36 FormLok supports fresh concrete during construction. After curing, mechanical interaction between the formed steel deck and concrete allows both materials to work together as a composite slab.