Why FRP Grating?
FRP grating weighs less than half of comparable steel grating, which reduces structural support requirements, lowers shipping costs, and makes panels easier to handle and install on site. Unlike steel, FRP will not rust, corrode, or degrade when exposed to chemicals, saltwater, acids, bases, or other corrosive media. This makes it the preferred material in environments where steel grating would require constant maintenance or frequent replacement.
Additional advantages of FRP grating over metal and wood alternatives include non-conductivity, meaning FRP does not conduct electricity and is safer around electrical equipment, slip-resistant surface options for wet and oily environments, low thermal conductivity, meaning it stays cooler underfoot than metal in direct sun, and fire-retardant resin options that meet Class 1 Flame Spread Rating per ASTM E-84. FRP grating is also non-magnetic, does not create sparks, and produces less noise underfoot than steel.
Molded vs. Pultruded FRP Grating
Molded FRP Grating is manufactured as a one-piece panel by interweaving continuous fiberglass rovings with resin in a mold. This construction produces bi-directional strength, meaning the panel is equally strong in both directions. Molded grating has the highest resin content, approximately 65% by volume, which gives it the best chemical resistance of any FRP grating type. Its one-piece construction also allows cutouts for pipe or equipment penetrations of up to 10" without requiring additional support around the opening. Molded grating is available in square mesh patterns and is the best choice for chemical processing, food and beverage, water treatment, and any application where maximum corrosion resistance is the priority.
Pultruded FRP Grating is manufactured by pulling continuous glass fibers and resin through a heated steel mold to form individual load-bearing bars, which are then assembled with cross bars. This process produces a higher glass-to-resin ratio than molding, which gives pultruded grating greater span capability and higher unidirectional load capacity. Pultruded grating is available in I-Bar and T-Bar profiles and is the best choice for longer spans and applications where maximum load capacity in one direction is required.
Resin Systems
The resin system determines the grating's chemical resistance, fire performance, and suitability for specific environments. We carry five resin options:
IFR, Isophthalic Polyester Fire Retardant: Provides good chemical resistance and meets Class 1 Flame Spread Rating per ASTM E-84. This is the most common resin for general industrial use.
VFR, Vinyl Ester Fire Retardant: Offers superior chemical resistance compared to polyester, particularly against strong acids, bases, and solvents. Also meets Class 1 Flame Spread. Recommended for aggressive chemical environments.
PFR, Orthothalic Polyester Fire Retardant: An economical fire-retardant option for less chemically demanding applications.
PFG, Isophthalic Polyester Food Grade Fire Retardant: Formulated for food processing, beverage, and pharmaceutical environments where food-grade compliance is required.
IPE, Isophthalic Polyester Non-Flame Retardant: A non-fire-retardant option for applications where flame spread ratings are not required. Available with UV top coat for outdoor installations.
Panel Sizes, Thicknesses, and Profiles
Panel sizes: Standard panels are available in 3'x10', 4'x8', 4'x10', 4'x12', 4'x20', and 5'x8' configurations. Availability varies by grating type and resin system. Panels can be field-cut with standard carbide-tipped tools.
Panel thicknesses: 1", 1-1/2", and 2". Thicker panels support heavier loads and longer spans.
Bar profiles, pultruded: I-Bar provides maximum open area, 60-65%, for drainage and ventilation. T-Bar provides a wider top surface, 18-50% open area, for greater contact area and load distribution.
Mesh pattern, molded: 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" standard square mesh.
Open area: Ranges from 18% to 65% depending on bar profile and spacing, allowing you to balance drainage and airflow needs against surface contact area.
Surface Finishes
Grit top, fine or medium: Has an embedded anti-slip aggregate bonded to the surface. This is the standard choice for industrial walkways, platforms, and stairs where slip resistance is critical.
Meniscous top: Has a smooth, slightly concave surface without grit. This finish is easier to clean and is preferred in food processing, pharmaceutical, and other environments where surface sanitation is a priority.
UV top coat: An additional protective layer for outdoor installations, providing extended resistance to UV degradation and color fading.
Standard colors include gray, dark gray, light gray, yellow for safety marking, and white.
Standards and Certifications
All fire-retardant grating meets Class 1 Flame Spread Rating per ASTM E-84. Select pultruded panels have been tested and meet specifications set forth by the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, VGBA, for use in compliant pool and spa drain systems. FRP grating is non-conductive and is suitable for use around electrical equipment where metal grating would create a safety hazard.
Common Applications
- Industrial walkways, platforms, and mezzanines
- Chemical processing and plating facilities
- Water and wastewater treatment plants
- Food and beverage processing floors
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Power generation and utility facilities
- Marine, offshore, and coastal structures
- Stair treads and landings
- Trench and drain covers
- Pool and spa drain grating, VGBA compliant
- Mining, smelting, and refining operations
- Pulp and paper mills
Why Buy FRP Grating from Commercial Industrial Supply?
We are an authorized Champion Fiberglass distributor and carry both molded and pultruded FRP grating across the full range of resin systems, panel sizes, thicknesses, bar profiles, and surface finishes. We also stock FRP structural shapes, including channels, angles, I-beams, tubes, and flat bars, for building complete fiberglass support structures. Our product specialists can help you select the right grating type, resin, thickness, and surface finish for your application and provide load and span guidance. Wholesale pricing is available for contractors and project orders, and we return quotes within one business day. Call (866) 777-8001 or request a quote online.
