Fire Rated Decking

Fire rated decking is decking that has been tested and classified according to its reaction to fire. The classification indicates how the product or system behaves when exposed to fire and helps specifiers select decking that meets the requirements of a particular project.

BM Steel supplies A1fl-s1 porcelain decking and A2fl-s1 aluminium decking for outdoor applications including balconies, terraces and walkways.

The term fireproof decking is commonly used to describe decking with a high level of fire resistance, but fire rated decking is the more accurate term. Decking products are tested and given specific reaction-to-fire classifications rather than being considered completely unaffected by fire.

When choosing decking for a fire-sensitive application, the recognised fire classification and tested system should therefore be checked rather than relying on the term “fireproof”.

A1fl and A2fl-s1 are reaction-to-fire classifications used for flooring products. They indicate a high level of fire performance under the relevant test standards, with A1fl representing the highest flooring reaction-to-fire class and A2fl-s1 indicating very limited contribution to fire with a low smoke classification.

BM Steel's EazyDeck porcelain decking is rated A1fl-s1, while EazyDeck XL aluminium decking is classified A2fl-s1 to EN 13501.

Composite decking fire ratings vary between products because performance depends on the materials used, product construction and the system tested. There is no single fire rating that applies to all composite decking boards.

The manufacturer's reaction-to-fire classification should therefore be checked for the individual product and intended installation. For projects requiring A1fl or A2fl-s1 decking, BM Steel also supplies porcelain and aluminium fire rated alternatives.

A1 EazyDeck uses porcelain boards with an A1fl-s1 reaction-to-fire classification, while A2 EazyDeck XL uses aluminium boards classified A2fl-s1 to EN 13501.

Porcelain provides a hard-wearing surface with the appearance of timber-style decking, while aluminium offers a lightweight, textured and slip-resistant decking system. The appropriate option will depend on the fire, structural, aesthetic and installation requirements of the project.

Yes. Fire rated decking is commonly specified for balconies where reaction-to-fire performance is an important consideration.

BM Steel's A1 porcelain decking is suitable for balconies and other elevated outdoor spaces, while A2 EazyDeck XL aluminium decking is designed for projects including high-rise residential balconies. The required classification and complete system specification should always be checked for the individual project.

Yes. Fire rated decking can be used for commercial terraces, hotel and restaurant outdoor spaces, walkways and other shared external areas where durability, slip resistance and fire performance are required.

The chosen decking board, substructure and fixing system should be selected according to the project specification.

Yes. Aluminium decking provides a low-maintenance alternative to timber because it does not rot, warp or splinter and does not require regular staining or timber treatments.

BM Steel's A2 EazyDeck XL also has a textured anti-slip surface and an A2fl-s1 reaction-to-fire classification, making it suitable for projects where both maintenance and fire performance are important.