What is the difference between MetFloor and ComFlor?

The difference between MetFloor and ComFlor is a fair thing to ask, because both do a very similar job and you will see both specified across UK projects. The short answer is that they are two brands of composite floor decking, made by two different UK manufacturers, with broadly comparable profiles across their ranges.

This guide explains who makes each, how the ranges line up, and the practical way to choose between them without getting hung up on the brand name.

Who makes each

ComFlor is manufactured by Tata Steel, through Building Systems UK. It is a well established range of composite floor deck profiles produced in the UK.

MetFloor is manufactured by CMF, Construction Metal Forming, based in South Wales, who first formed as Composite Metal Flooring. It is an equally established UK range.

Both are long standing names in the UK decking market, and both produce composite floor deck profiles used on steel frame and other structures.

How the ranges compare

The two ranges line up more closely than you might expect. Both include a re-entrant dovetail profile and trapezoidal profiles, so whatever shape of deck your design calls for, there is usually an option in each range. Both are designed to the same recognised standards, BS 5950 and BS EN 1994-1-1 (Eurocode 4), and both come with their own design software assessed by the Steel Construction Institute (SCI).

In practice this means that for many projects there is a MetFloor profile and a ComFlor profile that would both do the job. The differences that matter on any given project are the specific profile characteristics, the published load and span tables, availability, and how the profile suits the rest of the design.

What actually decides the choice

Because the ranges are comparable, the decision is rarely about the brand on the label. It comes down to matching the right profile to your project. Work from the span and the loads, check the published tables for a profile that fits, then factor in slab depth, fire requirements and lead time.

Availability can be the deciding factor when a programme is tight. Having both ranges to hand means the choice is made on what suits the job and what can get to site when you need it, rather than being tied to one manufacturer.

Why brand is rarely the deciding factor

It is easy to assume one brand must be better than the other, but that is not really how it works. Both are quality UK products designed to the same standards. A better question than which brand is which profile, at which gauge, best suits your span, loading and slab depth. Answer that and the brand tends to sort itself out.

We supply both

We supply both MetFloor and ComFlor, so our advice is not tied to one manufacturer. Tell us the span, the loads and any constraints, and we will point you to the profile that suits the job, whichever brand it happens to be.

Frequently asked questions

Is ComFlor better than MetFloor?

Not as a rule. Both are established UK composite floor decking ranges designed to the same standards. The better choice is the profile that suits your span, loading and slab depth, which can come from either range.

Who makes ComFlor and MetFloor?

ComFlor is made by Tata Steel, through Building Systems UK. MetFloor is made by CMF, Construction Metal Forming, based in South Wales. Both are UK manufacturers.

Are MetFloor and ComFlor interchangeable?

The ranges are broadly comparable, with re-entrant and trapezoidal options in both, but individual profiles are not identical. Any substitution should be confirmed against the load and span tables for the specific profile and your design.

Which standards do they design to?

Both design to BS 5950 and BS EN 1994-1-1 (Eurocode 4), and both provide SCI assessed design software for working out spans, loads and fire performance.

Do you supply both?

Yes. We supply the full ComFlor and MetFloor ranges, so we can advise on and provide whichever profile suits your project.

Not sure which profile suits your project?

Tell us a bit about the floor and we will match a profile to it, from either range. Helpful things to send:

• the span and the imposed and dead loadings, if known
• the allowable slab depth or finished floor levels
• the fire resistance period required
• the steelwork general arrangement (GA) drawing, if available
• any profile you already have in mind

Learn more about our Floor Supply & Design service, or explore the floor decking range.