When to Use Steel Welded Bar Grating vs. Fiberglass Grating

When to use Steel vs. Fiberglass Grating (FRP)

Floor gratings can be manufactured using several different materials and various types of steel, and aluminum, also including fiberglass, Buyers must choose the material that will best perform the functions required of the grating, keeping in mind such constraints as strength, durability, corrosivity, conductivity, weight, and cost. Environmentally conscious buyers also consider the environmental impact of each material and its future recyclability.

In this article we’ll compare Steel Welded Bar Grating to Fiberglass Grating to guide you in your choice as you decide on the best suited grating for your facility. While fiberglass is appropriate for certain use cases, steel is often the safer, more economical, and more environmentally friendly choice.

Choosing between Steel Welded Bar Grating and Fiberglass

• Steel is stronger, more durable, and more economical than fiberglass. It is required for grating that must withstand heavy loads, such as vehicular traffic. For elevated platforms and flooring, steel is the safer choice. Slip-resistant coatings and treads can be applied to steel grating for stairways and walkways. Steel grating can also offered in a serrated surface for more traction. Buyers who require corrosion resistance can choose stainless steel grating over carbon steel.
• Steel is more environmentally friendly than fiberglass. Fiberglass is constructed from reinforced fiberglass plastic that releases VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which, at high volumes, are harmful to human health and indoor air quality. As most fiberglass products are imported, carbon emissions are released to transport them overseas. Furthermore, while steel welded bar grating can be recycled, fiberglass cannot. In addition, since the integrity of fiberglass products can be compromised over time as the plastic is exposed to UV radiation, the grating is difficult to reuse or repurpose.
• Fiberglass is lighter than steel, electrically non-conductive, and corrosion resistant. It is often used in the food, chemical, and wastewater processing industries because it doesn’t rust. Since it can withstand frequent submersion in water, fiberglass is a popular choice of grating for foot bridges, handrails, decks, and pond skimmers.

Steel with a Slip-Resistant Finish

At Interstate Gratings, we understand that some buyers may hesitate to select steel grating if they require the corrosion resistance and slip resistance that fiberglass is known for. Along with offering grating with a serrated surface, we offer slip resistant finishes in our line of steel products.

We offer two types of slip-resistant finishes for our steel gratings:

IG GritWeldTM for welded gratings and press-locked gratings. IG GritWeld™ is a thermally applied anti-skid surface. It offers the ultimate in traction for extreme environments.

Treaded checker plate nosing or GritWeldTM nosing for stairs. Treads along the nose of each stair (the edge that is stepped on) grip the undersoles of shoes to prevent slippage. GritWeldTM is a thermally applied anti-skid surface that provides extra grip for increased safety.

Get Steel Welded Bar Grating Solutions

Interstate Gratings does offers a variety of fiberglass grating. Buyers who must adhere to weight restrictions or who require grating that do not conduct electricity should explore these options.

For applications that steel will be a better product, we invite you to learn about our wide range of high-quality stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and other welded bar grating, please contact us today.