• Corrosion and chemical resistance
• Lightweight and easy to install
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Non-conductive and non-magnetic
• Slip-resistant surface options
• Low maintenance requirements
• Long service life in harsh environments

FRP grating is widely used in:

• Water and wastewater treatment plants
• Chemical processing facilities
• Mining operations
• Marine and offshore environments
• Food and beverage plants
• Pulp and paper mills
• Industrial walkways and platforms
• Electrical substations

FRP grating is engineered to support substantial loads while remaining lightweight. Load capacities vary depending on panel thickness, mesh size, span length, and resin type. Manufacturers can provide load tables and engineering data to confirm suitability for specific applications.

Yes. One of the primary advantages of FRP grating is its excellent resistance to corrosion caused by chemicals, saltwater, moisture, and harsh industrial environments. This makes it ideal for applications where steel would rust or require regular maintenance.

Yes. FRP grating performs exceptionally well outdoors. UV-resistant resins and protective surface veils help minimise weathering and maintain performance in sunlight, rain, and coastal environments.

Yes. Most FRP gratings incorporate UV inhibitors and protective surface veils to minimise degradation from sunlight exposure.

Yes. FRP grating is available with several anti-slip surface options, including:

• Concave meniscus surface
• Gritted surface
• Covered gritted panels

These surfaces help improve safety in wet, oily, or hazardous environments.

Moulded FRP Grating

• Manufactured in a one-piece mould
• Excellent bi-directional strength
• Superior corrosion resistance
• Ideal for complex layouts and cut-outs

Pultruded FRP Grating

• Manufactured using continuous fibreglass profiles
• Higher load-bearing capacity in one direction
• Suitable for longer spans and heavy-duty applications

No. FRP grating is non-conductive, making it a safer choice around electrical equipment and substations where electrical conductivity is a concern.

Yes. FRP grating is non-conductive and is commonly used around electrical equipment, switchyards, substations, and power generation facilities.

Many FRP gratings are manufactured using fire-retardant resins that meet recognised flame spread and fire performance standards. Fire-retardant grades are available for applications requiring enhanced safety.

FRP grating can provide decades of service when correctly specified and installed. Its resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and environmental degradation significantly reduces maintenance requirements and extends service life.

Yes. FRP grating can be cut using common power tools fitted with appropriate blades. Cut edges should be sealed according to manufacturer recommendations to maintain corrosion resistance and structural integrity.

Unlike steel, FRP grating does not require coating or galvanising after cutting because corrosion resistance exists throughout the material. However, sealing cut edges can improve appearance and help protect exposed fibres.

FRP grating requires minimal maintenance. Regular inspections and cleaning are generally sufficient to maintain performance. Unlike steel, FRP grating does not require painting or corrosion treatment.

No. FRP grating will not rust because it contains no steel components that are susceptible to oxidation.

Yes. FRP grating is widely used on jetties, wharves, desalination plants, offshore platforms, and coastal facilities because it resists saltwater corrosion.

FRP grating is typically installed using purpose-designed stainless steel hold-down clips and fixing systems. The exact fixing method depends on the application, load requirements, and supporting structure.

Yes. FRP grating can be easily cut, drilled, and fabricated using standard power tools. This allows openings, penetrations, and custom shapes to be created quickly during installation.

FRP grating is commonly available in:

• Safety yellow
• Grey
• Green
• Orange
• Custom colours on request

Colour availability may vary depending on product type and project requirements.

FRP grating is available in a range of standard panel sizes, mesh configurations, and thicknesses. Custom fabrication is also available for many projects.

Yes. FRP grating can be supplied in various:

• Panel sizes
• Thicknesses
• Mesh configurations
• Resin systems
• Surface finishes
• Colours

Custom fabrication and cut-to-size services are often available.

Common resin systems include:

• Polyester resin
• Vinyl ester resin
• Phenolic resin

The best choice depends on the chemical exposure, temperature requirements, and fire performance criteria of the application.

The most common resin systems are:

• Polyester – economical and suitable for many industrial environments
• Vinyl Ester – enhanced chemical and corrosion resistance
• Phenolic – excellent fire performance and low smoke generation

The appropriate resin depends on the chemicals, temperatures, and service conditions involved.

FRP grating’s long service life, low maintenance requirements, and corrosion resistance can reduce replacement frequency and lifecycle costs. Its lightweight nature also lowers transportation and installation impacts compared to traditional materials.

Because FRP grating does not produce sparks from impact in the same way as steel, it is often selected for hazardous areas where spark generation is a concern. Specific site requirements should always be assessed.

Selecting the correct FRP grating depends on:

• Load requirements
• Span lengths
• Chemical exposure
• Environmental conditions
• Slip resistance needs
• Fire and electrical safety requirements

Consulting with an FRP grating specialist can help ensure the most suitable product is specified for your application.

FRP grating can be manufactured to meet various international standards relating to structural performance, slip resistance, fire performance, and corrosion resistance. Specific compliance depends on the product and application requirements.

Simply provide details of your project, including dimensions, load requirements, environmental conditions, and installation location. Our team can recommend the most suitable grating solution and provide a detailed quotation.

The cost comparison between FRP grating and metallic grating depends on both the initial purchase price and the whole-of-life cost of the installation.

Initial Material Cost

In general:

While FRP grating often costs more than mild steel or galvanised steel upfront, it is typically less expensive than stainless steel and can be competitive with aluminium depending on the application.

Installation Costs

FRP grating is significantly lighter than steel and stainless steel, which can reduce:

• Freight costs
• Handling and lifting requirements
• Labour costs
• Installation time
• Need for heavy lifting equipment

These savings can substantially offset the initial material cost.

Maintenance and Lifecycle Costs

In corrosive environments, FRP grating often delivers the lowest total cost of ownership because it:

• Does not rust or corrode
• Does not require painting or re-galvanising
• Requires minimal maintenance
• Provides a long service life in aggressive environments

By contrast, steel and galvanised steel may require ongoing maintenance, repairs, or replacement when exposed to chemicals, saltwater, wastewater, or coastal conditions.

Initially, yes—usually. Over the life of the project, often not.

For many industrial facilities, especially those exposed to chemicals, moisture, saltwater, or corrosive conditions, FRP grating can provide a lower lifecycle cost than galvanised steel, aluminium, or stainless steel due to reduced maintenance, longer service life, and lower installation costs.

The most cost-effective grating solution depends on the environment, load requirements, maintenance expectations, and desired service life. Our team can help compare options and identify the best value solution for your project.

In many cases, yes. FRP grating can often be installed on existing support structures while providing significant benefits in corrosion resistance, weight reduction, and maintenance costs.

Moulded grating is generally selected for maximum corrosion resistance and applications requiring bi-directional strength. Pultruded grating is typically chosen when longer spans, lower deflection, or higher load capacities are required.

Pultruded FRP grating is generally more rigid than moulded FRP grating because of the way it is manufactured and the orientation of its reinforcing fibres.

Fibre Orientation Makes the Difference

Pultruded grating is manufactured using continuous glass fibre rovings that run primarily in the load-bearing direction. These fibres are pulled through a resin bath and heated die, creating structural bearing bars with a very high glass content and highly aligned fibres.

Moulded grating, by comparison, is manufactured in a mould with glass fibres distributed in multiple directions. While this provides excellent strength in both directions, the fibres are not concentrated in the load-bearing direction to the same extent.

As a result:

• Pultruded grating has a higher modulus of elasticity (stiffness).
• Pultruded grating deflects less under load.
• Pultruded grating can span greater distances.
• Moulded grating is generally more flexible under equivalent loading conditions.

Structural Design Differences

Pultruded grating consists of individual structural bearing bars connected by cross rods, similar to traditional steel grating. The deep bearing bars provide a high moment of inertia, which greatly increases rigidity.

Moulded grating has a square mesh construction with equal load distribution in both directions, but the shallower grid structure provides less stiffness over long spans.

Both moulded and pultruded FRP gratings can offer excellent corrosion resistance when manufactured from the same resin system, but moulded grating is often considered to provide superior long-term corrosion resistance in highly aggressive chemical environments due to its construction and manufacturing process.

Higher Resin-to-Glass Ratio

Moulded grating typically contains a higher percentage of resin and a lower percentage of exposed glass reinforcement than pultruded grating.

Because the resin provides the chemical barrier, a higher resin content means:

• More protection against chemical attack
• Reduced exposure of reinforcing fibres
• Better resistance to harsh acids, alkalis, and solvents

Encapsulated Glass Fibres

During the moulding process, the glass reinforcements are thoroughly wetted and encapsulated within the resin matrix.

This creates:

• A more uniform corrosion barrier
• Protection of structural fibres from chemical exposure
• Reduced risk of wicking or fibre attack if the surface is damaged

No Exposed Bearing Bar Edges

Pultruded grating is manufactured from individual structural profiles that are mechanically assembled. Although these profiles are protected by resin-rich surface veils, they can have more exposed cut edges and fibre-rich areas, particularly after fabrication.

Moulded grating, by contrast, is manufactured as a single integral panel, resulting in:

• Consistent resin coverage throughout the panel
• Fewer potential paths for chemical ingress
• Better performance in applications involving immersion or frequent chemical exposure

Corrosion vs Structural Performance Trade-Off

The reason pultruded grating is generally stiffer is also why it can be slightly less corrosion resistant:

• Pultruded grating uses a higher glass content to maximise strength and stiffness.
• Moulded grating uses a higher resin content to maximise corrosion resistance.

Neither is inherently “better” overall—they are optimised for different performance priorities.

Typical Selection Guidance

Choose Moulded Grating When:

• Chemical resistance is the primary requirement
• The grating will be exposed to aggressive acids or alkalis
• Continuous wet service or immersion is expected
• Corrosion protection is more important than long spans

Choose Pultruded Grating When:

• Long spans are required
• Deflection limits are critical
• Higher load capacities are needed
• Corrosion resistance remains important but structural performance is the primary driver

Moulded FRP grating typically provides superior corrosion resistance because it contains a higher proportion of resin and its glass fibres are fully encapsulated within the moulded structure. The resin acts as the primary chemical barrier, helping protect the reinforcement from aggressive environments.

Pultruded grating is designed for higher strength and stiffness, using a greater proportion of continuous glass fibres in the load-bearing direction. While it still offers excellent corrosion resistance, moulded grating is often preferred for highly corrosive applications such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment, and marine environments where maximum chemical resistance is required.

FRP grating is available in a range of thicknesses and mesh sizes designed to support pedestrian, trolley, vehicle, and equipment loads. Load tables should always be consulted to confirm suitability for a specific application.

Maximum span depends on the grating type, panel thickness, support configuration, and design load. Pultruded grating generally achieves longer spans than moulded grating due to its higher stiffness.

Yes. Like all materials, FRP experiences thermal expansion and contraction. Proper design and installation practices accommodate these movements, particularly in large outdoor installations.

The operating temperature depends on the resin system used. Typical FRP gratings perform well in environments ranging from approximately -50°C to +100°C, with specialised resin systems available for higher temperatures.

FRP grating can be manufactured and tested to comply with a range of Australian and international standards relating to structural performance, slip resistance, fire performance, corrosion resistance, and workplace safety. The specific standards achieved depend on the grating type, resin system, and project requirements.

Commonly referenced standards include:

Structural Performance

• AS 1657:2018 – Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders – Design, Construction and Installation

• AS/NZS 1170 Series – Structural Design Actions (used when determining design loads for platforms, walkways, and access structures)
• ASCE Standard for Pultruded FRP Structures (United States)
• EUROCOMP Design Code and Handbook
• BS EN 13706 – Pultruded FRP profiles specifications and testing
• Manufacturer-specific load and deflection tables developed through recognised testing methods

Slip Resistance

• AS 4586 – Slip Resistance Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials (Australia)
• AS 4663 – Slip Resistance Measurement of Existing Pedestrian Surfaces (Australia)
• ASTM D2047 – Static Coefficient of Friction Testing

Fire Performance

• ASTM E84 – Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• AS 3959 – Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas.
• ASTM D635 – Rate of Burning and Self-Extinguishing Characteristics
• EN 13501 – Fire Classification of Construction Products
• Phenolic FRP gratings may meet more stringent smoke and flame spread requirements for tunnels, offshore facilities, and public infrastructure.

Corrosion Resistance

• Resin systems are selected based on recognised chemical resistance data and testing protocols.
• Vinyl ester and specialised resin systems are commonly specified for highly corrosive environments.

Electrical Properties

• ASTM D149 – Dielectric Strength Testing
• ASTM D257 – Surface Resistivity Testing

Workplace Safety Applications

FRP grating is commonly used in facilities designed and operated in accordance with:

• Australian Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations
• Mining safety requirements
• Water and wastewater industry standards
• Electrical utility and substation specifications

FRP’s high durability, low electrical conductivity, and high slip resistance make it ideal for constructing a wide range of access platforms. High corrosion resistance also makes it especially good for tough and aggressive operating environments that quickly degrade steel and aluminium.

First and foremost, FRP’s corrosion resistance and long-life span are important factors. Its lightweight nature also allows for more cost-effective installation. Its non-conductive and non-magnetic nature also reduces shock hazards and makes it the perfect cable trunking material.