What Is Standard GRP Grating? Mesh, Thickness and Load Explained

Standard GRP grating is the most widely used type of fibreglass grating: an open mesh panel with a 38x38mm square pattern and an integral anti-slip grit top, used for industrial and commercial walkways, work platforms, mezzanines and access flooring. It is often called open mesh GRP grating, and it is the default choice wherever you need a strong, corrosion-resistant, slip-resistant floor that lets water, debris and light through.

What makes it "standard"?

GRP grating comes in three main mesh patterns. Standard grating uses the larger, most economical 38x38mm open mesh. The alternatives are mini mesh, with much smaller openings for heel safety and dropped-object protection, and covered top, which has a sealed surface with 0% open area. For most general access and walkway applications, standard mesh gives the best balance of strength, drainage and cost.

Standard GRP grating mesh, hole and thickness sizes

Standard panels are defined by their bar pitch and depth:

• 25mm and 38mm thick panels have a 38x38mm mesh (centre to centre of the load bars) with a 32mm square hole.
• 50mm thick panels have a 50x50mm mesh with a 42mm square hole.

Full open mesh panels range from 1985 x 996mm to 3660 x 1220mm, and we can cut panels to your sizes, free of charge in most cases.

Load and span

The thicker the panel and the closer the supports, the greater the load it carries and the further it can span. As a general guide, 25mm suits light pedestrian walkways with closely spaced supports, 38mm is the workhorse for general access and platforms, and 50mm is for longer spans and heavier loads. Always check the figures on our load deflection data before specifying.

Moulded or pultruded?

GRP grating is made in two ways, moulded and pultruded, and all of our open mesh panels are moulded. Moulded grating has bi-directional strength and excellent corrosion resistance, while pultruded grating is stronger in one direction for longer single spans. Our guide to moulded vs pultruded GRP grating explains how to choose.

Where standard GRP grating is used

You will find standard open mesh grating on walkways, work platforms, mezzanine floors, trench and pit covers, and external access areas across water treatment, food production, chemical processing, offshore and rail sites. Its anti-slip grit top and resistance to corrosion and chemicals make it a long-life replacement for painted steel and chequer plate.

Frequently asked questions

What is standard GRP grating?

Standard GRP grating is open mesh fibreglass grating with a 38x38mm square pattern and an anti-slip grit top, used as corrosion-resistant flooring for walkways, platforms and access areas.

What size is standard GRP grating mesh?

The standard mesh is 38x38mm centre to centre of the load bars, giving a 32mm square hole on 25mm and 38mm panels. 50mm panels use a 50x50mm mesh with a 42mm square hole.

What thicknesses does standard GRP grating come in?

The common depths are 25mm, 38mm and 50mm, with 38mm the most widely used for general industrial access.

Is standard GRP grating anti-slip?

Yes. Every panel has an integral gritted top surface that bonds the slip resistance into the grating, so it cannot wear off or peel away.

Buy standard GRP grating

We stock standard open mesh GRP grating in 25mm, 38mm and 50mm, with orders by 12pm normally dispatched the same working day and a cut-to-size service. Not sure which to choose? Read our guide to choosing the right thickness and load rating.