Jul. 28, 2025
Metal Bar Grating is the workhorse of the industrial flooring market and has served industry for decades. Strong and durable with an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, metal bar grating can be easily fabricated to nearly any configuration. The high percentage of open area makes bar grating nearly maintenance free and all products are fully recyclable.
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Manufactured by assembling a series of equally spaced metal bars to connecting cross members, bar grating is available in three popular materials; mild carbon steel, series aluminum and 300 series stainless steels. Additionally, Interstate Gratings can produce gratings constructed with other specialty metal alloys. Get in touch with us to discuss your situation.
The load tables on the pages within this website provide load/deflection criteria for most common applications. These tables provide a concise reference allowing the specifying authority to select the appropriate bearing bar size and spacing for the intended application. Pedestrian loads are commonly analyzed with uniform and concentrated loads. For pedestrian comfort, deflection is typically limited to 1/4″. Heavy duty and vehicular load tables are presented for specific load conditions. Heavy duty load tables are presented with deflection limited to the lesser of 1/8″ or L/400. If your application is not addressed by the load tables found in this website, please contact Interstate Gratings. We will gladly discuss the merits of our diverse products and assist in selecting the product most appropriate for your application.
Steel grating is usually provided with bare steel (no finish), painted with one coat of IG ECOCOAT™ or other special paint finishes, or hot dip galvanized in accordance with ASTM A-123. Aluminum products are commonly supplied mill finish but they are also available with optional chemically cleaned or anodized finishes. Due to discoloration that occurs during welding and fabrication, Stainless Steel grating products typically require secondary cleaning.
IG ECOCLEAN™, abrasive blasting, and passivation provide a uniform and clean surface. All grating products can be provided with specialty finishes including enamel, epoxy paints or powder coating. When considering specialty finishes, consultation with the coating manufacturer is essential.
As manufactured, grating panels are provided with open ends. Optional trim banding, a metal flat bar welded to the open ends of the panel, provides additional transverse stiffness and a finished architectural appearance. Banding should be specified for all removable grating panels, the closed end of a banded panel providing additional worker safety during the removal and replacement process.
Gratings subject to vehicular loads should always be specified as banded. In these applications, the band bar helps reduce impact stresses by transferring loads to adjacent bearing bars and further resists deformation caused by repetitive traffic patterns on open end gratings.
Trench banding, where the band bar is elevated above the bottom of the bearing bars, is appropriate for drainage applications. The elevated band bar allows for efficient drainage and will not trap liquids between the band bar and the grating support.
Load banding, where each bearing bar is welded to the band bar, helps distribute load throughout the grating panel. See Banding Weld Standards for specific welding practices.
Aluminum Bar Grating is lightweight, corrosion resistant, non-sparking and has an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. Manufactured from ASTM B221, or alloy, aluminum grating is available in four distinct products, type “ADT” Dovetail Pressure Locked , type “SG” Swaged Rectangular Bar, type “SGI” Swaged “I” Bar, and type “SGF” Swaged Flush-Top and. All four products are available with bearing bar spacing ranging from 19/16″ (1-3/16″) to 7/16″ on center and with cross bars at either 4″ or 2″ on center. Rectangular bar products are manufactured with standard plain or optional serrated walking surfaces and “I” bar products are manufactured with a standard skid-resistant striated walking surface. Aluminum products are typically shipped “mill finish” with no additional treatment. For architectural applications or highly corrosive environments, supplemental anodizing, chemical cleaning or powder coat finishes are available.
Type “ADT” aluminum gratings have deep rectangular cross bars and are manufactured by inserting pre-punched bearing bars and cross bars into an interlocking configuration and deforming the cross bars under intense hydraulic pressure. The deep cross bars on type “ADT” gratings make them popular for architectural applications such as sun shades and infill panels with the deeper cross bar serving as a distinct architectural accent. Click Here* for detailed product specification information.
Type “SG” rectangular bar provides clean, crisp lines and the cross bar is fully locked within the bearing bar, slightly below the top surface. Type 19-SG-4 aluminum grating is the industry recognized standard for industrial applications with nearly 80% open area. Type “SG” gratings are available in close mesh ADA conforming spacings 11-SG-4 and 7-SG-4 which are commonly used in public areas. When specifying type 11-SG-4 for ADA applications, 3/16″ thick bearing bars must be specified.
Manufactured with highly efficient “I” shaped extruded bearing bars, type “SGI” aluminum grating carries the same load as 3/16” thick rectangular bar type “SG” aluminum grating, but weighs slightly less per square foot. Additionally, the striated top and bottom flanges of the “I” bar provide enhanced skid resistance without the cost of serration.
Manufactured with a unique, extruded cross bar that is flush with the top surface of the bearing bars after swaging, type “SGF” aluminum grating provides an enhanced walking surface for areas subject to continuous pedestrian traffic. Available in rectangular bar with plain or serrated surfaces, type “SGF” aluminum grating is also available in ADA conforming spacings for applications located in the public way.
Stainless Steel Bar Grating is manufactured from alloy types 304, 304L, 316 and 316L and available in grating types “WS” (welded stainless grating), “DTS” (dovetail stainless pressure locked) and “SLS” (swage locked stainless). Popular for highly corrosive environments and long-lasting architectural applications, stainless steel bar gratings are available with bearing bar spacing ranging from 19/16″ (1-3/16″) to 7/16″ on center and with cross bars at 4″ or 2″ on center. Each product is available with standard plain or optional serrated surface and finish options are diverse and should be closely considered.
Our strongest and most economical stainless product, type “WS” gratings are manufactured by forge welding rectangular bearing bars and drawn cross bars. This welding process provides a positive fused intersection providing years of service under the most demanding conditions.
Type “WS” stainless gratings are available in “19 space” (1-3/16″), “15 space” (15/16″) and “11 space” (11/16″) bearing bar centers. Standard cross bar spacing is 4″ on center and the optional 2″ cross bar spacing is also available.
Click Here* for detailed product specification information.
Anchor
– A device by which grating is attached to its supports
Band
– A flat bar welded to the end of a grating panel, or along the side of a cutout, and extending neither above nor below the bearing bars.
Load Carrying Band
– A band used to transfer load between bearing bars.
Trim Band
– A band which carries no load, used primarily for appearance and closing open ends.
Bearing Bars
– Load-carrying main elements made from steel, aluminum or stainless steel, extending in the direction of the grating span
Bearing Bar Centers
– The distance center-to-center of the bearing bars.
Carriers
– Flats or angles which are welded to the grating panel and nosing of a stair tread and are bolted to a stair stringer to support the tread.
Clear Opening
– The distance between faces of bearing bars in rectangular gratings, or between a bent connecting bar and a bearing bar in a riveted grating.
Cross Bars
– The connecting bars which extend across the bearing bars, usually perpendicular to them. The may be bent into a corrugated or sinuous pattern and, where they intersect the bearing bars, are welded, forged or mechanically locked to them.
Pressure-Locked Grating
-Pressure-locked means bearing bars are locked in position by cross bar deformation instead of riveting or welding. Several proven methods include:
• Expansion of an extruded or drawn tubular cross bar;
• Extruded cross bar deformed or swaged between bearing bars;
• Press assembly of rectangular cross bars into slotted bearing bars.
Radially Cut Grating
– Rectangular grating which is cut into panels shaped as annular segments, for use in circular or annular areas.
Reticuline Bar
– A sinuously bent connecting bar extending between two adjacent bearing bars, alternately contacting and being riveted to each.
Rivet Centers
– The distance center-to-center of rivets along one bearing bar.
Riveted Grating
– Grating composed of straight bearing bars and bent connecting bars, which are joined at their contact points, by riveting.
Serrated Grating
– Grating which has the top surfaces of the bearing bars or cross bars, or both, notched.
Cross Bar Centers
– The distance center-to-center of the cross bars.
Curved Cut
– A cutout following a curved pattern.
Cutout
– An area of grating removed to clear an obstruction or to permit pipes, ducts, columns, etc. to pass through the grating.
Electro-Forged
– A process of combining hydraulic pressure and heat fusion to forge bearing bars and cross bars into a panel grid.
Finish
– The coating, usually paint or galvanizing, which is applied to the grating.
Flush-Top Grating
– A type of pressure-locked grating in which the cross bars and bearing bars are in the same plane relative to the top surface of the grating.
Grating
– An open grid assembly of metal bars, in which the bearing bars, running in one direction, are spaced by rigid attachment to cross bars running perpendicular to them or by bent connecting bars extending between them.
Hinged Panel
– Grating panels which are hinged to their supports or to other grating parts.
I-Bar
– An extruded aluminum bearing bar having a cross section shape of the letter “I”.
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Length
– Refer to Span of Grating
Nosing
– A special “L” section member serving as the front or leading edge of a stair tread, or of grating at the head of a stair.
Span of Grating
– The distance between points of grating support, or the dimension of the bearing bars in this direction.
Straight Cut
– That portion of the cut edge or cutout of a grating which follows a straight line.
Swaging
– A method of altering the cross-section shape of a metal bar by pressure applied through dies.
Toe Plate
– A flat bar attached against the outer edge of a grating or rear edge of a tread, and projecting above the top surface of the grating or tread to form a lip or curb.
Tread
– A panel of grating having carriers and a nosing attached by welding, and designed specifically to serve as a stair tread.
Welded Grating
– Grating in which the bearing bars and cross bars are joined at their intersections by either electro-forging or conventional hand welding.
Width
– The overall dimension of a grating panel, measured perpendicular to the bearing bars, and in the same direction as the cross bars.
Galvanized steel bar grating is a cornerstone of modern industrial infrastructure. It provides safe, durable, and versatile surfaces for walkways, platforms, trench covers, and countless other applications. The strength of steel combined with the corrosion resistance of a zinc coating makes it an ideal choice for harsh environments, from offshore oil rigs to chemical processing plants. However, the success of any project hinges on the quality of the materials used.
Selecting the right galvanized steel bar grating supplier is a critical decision. A reliable supplier offers more than just a product; they provide technical expertise, consistent quality, and logistical support. Navigating the market can be challenging, with a wide array of manufacturers, distributors, and fabricators to choose from. This guide is designed to simplify that process. We will explore the essential criteria for choosing a partner and present a curated list of the top 10 suppliers for , ensuring you have the information needed to make a confident choice.
Finding the ideal supplier requires a careful approach that goes beyond a simple price comparison. Your decision should be based on a combination of technical specifications, supplier capabilities, and long-term value. A thorough evaluation ensures the grating you buy will meet performance expectations and safety standards for years to come.
Before contacting any supplier, you must first define your specific needs. The performance of bar grating is determined by its construction. Key factors include the load capacity it must support and the clear span it will cover.
You must also determine the appropriate bar spacing. Configurations like 19-W-4 are common, but your application may demand a different density. The surface type is another critical consideration. A standard plain surface is suitable for many areas, but for environments prone to moisture or oil, a serrated surface is essential for providing superior slip resistance and enhancing worker safety.
The galvanized aspect of the grating is its primary defense against corrosion. It is crucial to verify that your supplier follows recognized industry standards for this process. The most common and effective standard is ASTM A123, which specifies the requirements for hot-dip galvanizing on iron and steel products.
A supplier committed to this standard ensures a thick, durable, and uniform zinc coating that protects the underlying steel from the elements. Ask about their quality control measures for the galvanizing process. Consistent finish quality prevents early rusting and extends the service life of your installation, reducing future maintenance costs.
Suppliers operate in different ways, and understanding their model is key. A manufacturer produces the grating from raw materials, offering deep technical knowledge and control over production. A distributor or stockist maintains a large inventory of standard panels, enabling fast lead times and competitive pricing for common sizes.
Many leading suppliers also offer custom fabrication services. This is a significant value-add, as they can cut grating to precise sizes, create complex cutouts for pipes or equipment, and weld on banding or toe plates. Sourcing fabricated grating directly from the supplier saves significant time and labor on-site, ensuring a perfect fit and a more efficient installation.
Reputable suppliers operate within a framework of established industry standards. Look for suppliers who design and manufacture grating according to guidelines from the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM). This shows a commitment to quality, safety, and compatibility.
Furthermore, an ISO certification indicates that the supplier has a strong quality management system in place. This certification provides assurance that they have documented processes for everything from order entry to final inspection, leading to greater consistency and reliability. Always ask for documentation of their certifications and compliance with relevant standards.
The global market for galvanized steel bar grating is served by a diverse range of companies. This list includes global manufacturers, specialized fabricators, and large-scale distributors, offering a balanced view of the industry's best.
Company Overview
Based in Houston, Texas, Marco Specialty Steel has established itself as a premier supplier and fabricator of bar grating and other specialty steel products. They are not just a stockist; they operate a large fabrication facility, positioning them as a solutions provider for complex industrial projects. Their focus on customer service and rapid turnaround has made them a go-to partner for clients in the energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
Strengths and Specializations
Marco's primary strength lies in its extensive inventory and advanced fabrication capabilities. They stock thousands of standard bar grating panels in various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, ready for immediate shipment. Their fabrication shop can handle intricate customizations, from simple cuts to complex platforms with integrated vessel internals.
The company is particularly known for its responsiveness and technical expertise. They guide clients through the selection process, ensuring the chosen grating meets the required load, span, and environmental conditions. This combination of a vast product selection and in-house customization makes Marco Specialty Steel a highly versatile and reliable galvanized steel bar grating supplier for both standard and custom applications.
Company Overview
Metal Zenith is a leading steel manufacturing and distribution company based in China, with over 20 years of experience providing high-quality steel solutions worldwide. As a trusted partner of Ansteel, one of China's most established steel enterprises, Metal Zenith delivers premium steel products that meet the most demanding industry standards. Their business model combines manufacturing strength with a global distribution network, serving as a complete source for a vast range of steel and specialty steel products.
Strengths and Specializations
Metal Zenith's core strength is its deep integration with a top-tier steel producer, Ansteel. This partnership guarantees access to high-quality raw materials for their products, including the base steel used for grating. Their commitment to quality is backed by a rigorous 10-point quality inspection process, ensuring products like their high-strength steel coils achieve tensile strengths exceeding 400 MPa. This same dedication to quality control applies to their finished products, including galvanized bar grating.
The company's in-house team of engineers, with over 15 years of experience, provides complete technical support from material selection to application analysis. This expertise, combined with full customization capabilities, allows them to serve diverse industries such as construction, automotive, and heavy infrastructure. Metal Zenith stands out as a galvanized steel bar grating supplier that combines manufacturing scale with careful quality assurance and dedicated technical partnership.
Product Specifications:
* Grades: Various grades available (e.g., HRB400, SS400) for different structural requirements.
* Finishes: Multiple surface finishes available, including hot-dip galvanized, oiled, and pickled & oiled.
* Tolerances: Precision manufacturing allows for tight tolerances, often within +/- 0.05mm.
* Certifications: Adherence to quality management systems, including ISO certification.
* Technologies: Use of both Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking technologies.
Company Overview
Lichtgitter, with its headquarters in Germany, is a global leader in the manufacturing of gratings. With a history spanning nearly a century, the company has grown into a powerhouse of grating technology, operating numerous production facilities and sales offices across the world. Their name is synonymous with German engineering, precision, and quality in the industrial flooring sector.
Strengths and Specializations
Lichtgitter's strength is its immense manufacturing capacity and product diversity. They produce a complete range of gratings, including forge-welded and pressure-locked steel bar grating, as well as options in stainless steel, aluminum, and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). This allows them to serve as a single source for projects with varied material requirements.
Their specialization lies in producing high-quality, standardized, and custom grating solutions for large-scale industrial and architectural projects. They are known for their state-of-the-art, automated production lines that ensure exceptional consistency and adherence to tight tolerances. For clients in Europe and beyond seeking a manufacturer with a proven track record of engineering excellence, Lichtgitter is a top-tier choice.
Company Overview
Founded in , McNICHOLS has built a reputation as one of North America's leading suppliers of "Hole Products," a category that includes perforated metal, expanded metal, wire mesh, and, crucially, bar grating. With 19 service centers strategically located across the United States, their business model is built on vast inventory and rapid distribution.
Strengths and Specializations
The core strength of McNICHOLS is its logistical network and massive inventory. Their tagline, "The Hole Story," reflects their commitment to stocking a deep and wide range of products, ready for immediate shipment. For procurement managers needing standard panels of galvanized steel bar grating quickly, McNICHOLS is often the fastest option.
They specialize in service and availability. Each service center is staffed with knowledgeable associates who can assist with product selection and process orders efficiently. While they offer some fabrication services, their primary value proposition is as a master distributor that provides unmatched access to a huge selection of grating products across the country.
Company Overview
Royce Grating Limited is a specialized steel grating manufacturer and exporter based in China. Unlike massive state-owned enterprises, Royce Grating focuses specifically on the grating market, catering to international clients with a strong emphasis on quality control and customization. They have carved out a niche as a flexible and reliable partner for projects worldwide.
Strengths and Specializations
Royce Grating's strength lies in its specialization and export focus. Their entire operation is geared towards producing steel bar grating that meets international standards, including those for hot-dip galvanizing. They offer a high degree of customization, working closely with clients on drawings and specifications to deliver fabricated grating for specific projects.
They are particularly good at managing the complexities of international logistics and providing detailed documentation. For companies looking to source high-quality, project-specific galvanized grating directly from a focused Asian manufacturer, Royce Grating offers a compelling combination of competitive pricing, quality assurance, and dedicated customer service.
Company Overview
Direct Metals is a U.S.-based supplier of a wide range of industrial metal products, with bar grating being a cornerstone of their portfolio. They operate as a large-scale distributor, serving a diverse customer base across construction, manufacturing, and architecture. Their business is built on providing a complete selection of products with reliable service.
Strengths and Specializations
The key strength of Direct Metals is the breadth of their product line. They supply bar grating in numerous configurations, including welded, press-locked, and heavy-duty options. Their inventory covers both smooth and serrated surfaces and different finishes like galvanized, painted black, and plain steel, as highlighted in market research.
They specialize in being a one-stop shop for grating and other related metal products like expanded metal and fiberglass grating. This simplifies procurement for customers who need a variety of materials for a single project. Direct Metals is an excellent choice for buyers who value a wide selection and the convenience of sourcing multiple items from a single, reliable galvanized steel bar grating supplier.
Company Overview
Based in the United Kingdom, Lionweld Kennedy is a major European manufacturer of steel grating, handrailing, and access solutions. With a history of innovation in the industry, the company is part of a larger industrial group, giving it significant manufacturing and engineering resources. They are a key supplier for major infrastructure and energy projects throughout the UK and Europe.
Strengths and Specializations
Lionweld Kennedy's strength is its focus on integrated safety systems. They don't just sell grating; they provide complete flooring and access solutions, including stair treads, handrail systems, and connection clips. This complete approach ensures that all components work together seamlessly to create a safe working environment.
They specialize in high-specification projects that demand certified and tested products. Their technical team works with engineers and designers to develop solutions that meet strict safety and load-bearing requirements. For projects where safety and system integration are most important, Lionweld Kennedy is a leading European authority.
Company Overview
Vulcraft is the steel joist and deck division of Nucor Corporation, one of the largest and most advanced steel producers in North America. This direct link to a primary steel manufacturer gives Vulcraft an unmatched advantage in material quality and supply chain stability. They are a dominant force in the U.S. construction market, providing a range of structural steel products, including bar grating.
Strengths and Specializations
Vulcraft's greatest strength is its vertical integration with Nucor. This ensures a consistent supply of high-quality American steel for their grating products. They also provide exceptional technical resources for engineers and specifiers, including detailed product catalogs, load tables, and online design tools that simplify the specification process.
The company specializes in providing standard and fabricated grating for large-scale construction and industrial projects. Their ability to bundle grating with other steel products like joists and decking makes them a strategic partner for major construction firms. Choosing Vulcraft means choosing a supplier with the backing of a steel industry giant, ensuring quality and reliability.
Company Overview
Grating Pacific is a well-established specialist supplier with multiple locations on the West Coast of the United States. They have built a strong reputation for their deep technical knowledge and complete product catalogs. They serve as both a stockist and a fabricator, catering to industrial and commercial clients in the region.
Strengths and Specializations
The core strength of Grating Pacific is their technical expertise and clear documentation. As seen in their publicly available catalogs, they provide detailed guidance on how to specify grating, covering everything from bar spacing and bearing bar size to finish options and fastener selection. This commitment to educating their customers sets them apart.
They specialize in providing a wide array of grating types, including welded, swage-locked, and dovetail pressure-locked grating. This diverse offering allows them to match the perfect product to any application. For customers on the West Coast who need a technically skilled partner with a broad product range, Grating Pacific is a top-tier specialist.
Company Overview
Boyd Metals is a full-line steel service center with locations in the south-central United States. While they supply a wide range of steel products, they have developed a strong specialty in bar grating. They act as a crucial link between large mills and end-users, providing value-added processing and regional distribution.
Strengths and Specializations
Boyd Metals' key strength is its custom fabrication service. They pride themselves on processing grating to exact project requirements, delivering materials that are ready for immediate installation. This includes cutting to size, creating cutouts, and welding banding, which saves their clients valuable time and reduces on-site labor costs.
They specialize in serving as a responsive, regional partner for industrial and construction clients. Their inventory includes a variety of grating configurations, including smooth and serrated surfaces in galvanized, painted, and unpainted finishes. For projects within their service area, Boyd Metals offers the ideal combination of a large inventory and precise, value-added fabrication.
Choosing the right galvanized steel bar grating supplier is a foundational step toward ensuring the safety, longevity, and success of your industrial project. The decision extends far beyond the initial quote; it is a choice about partnership, reliability, and quality. As we have seen, the ideal supplier is one whose capabilities align with your project's specific technical needs, whether that requires extensive custom fabrication, rapid delivery from a vast inventory, or integrated safety systems.
To make the best choice, begin with a clear definition of your requirements: load capacity, span, surface type, and finish standards like ASTM A123. Use this as your blueprint to evaluate potential partners. We recommend shortlisting a diverse group—perhaps a large national distributor, a specialized fabricator, and a global manufacturer—to compare not just price, but lead times, technical support, and fabrication capabilities.
Ultimately, investing time in this selection process pays dividends. A strong supplier relationship provides access to quality materials and expert guidance, reducing risks and ensuring your infrastructure is built on a foundation of strength and durability.
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