The Strength and Versatility of Steel Grating
March 18th, 2025In construction, it is imperative to have a material that is both strong and durable yet versatile enough to be used in a variety of applications. This is why steel grating remains a property choice in the industry and many others. The material also provides adequate drainage, improving safety and functionality wherever it is used.

What is Steel Grating Made of?
Steel grating, also called bar grating and metal bar grating, has a pattern of crossbars and load-bearing bars created by cutting and opening a flat steel panel. It is lightweight because 80 percent of its area is open space. However, even with these open spaces, thanks to their forge-welded construction, they can withstand loads as heavy as full trucks without separating or severe bending. It also requires minimum maintenance and is corrosion-resistant when made from steel.
Steel Grating Applications
Companies often choose grating made with steel because of its strength, durability, and versatility. Bar grating can also be finished with a serrated surface, making it slip-resistant, which opens up even more possibilities for use.
Uses in Industrial Industries
Industrial factories, plants, and refineries prefer steel bar grating due to its load-bearing properties and because the open grid allows for easy ventilation and drainage. These two factors make it perfect for flooring in areas where liquids and debris may accumulate and cause potential safety issues. Maintaining sanitary standards in the gas and oil industries is easy when using metal gating for platforms, ramps, catwalks, trench covers, and mezzanine floors.
Workers are able to remain safe in hazardous areas using elevated walkways made of metal bar grating because the grid pattern allows them to maintain visibility no matter where they are in the facility. It is also used in the ramps and loading docks for the logistic centers and warehouses for shipyards and oil fields.
Uses in Commercial and Public Spaces
Bar grating also has aesthetic and practical purposes in public and commercial environments. Because it can be made to fit almost any shape, steel grating opens up possibilities for architects looking for ways to improve the functionality of their designs without decreasing the overall visual appeal. For instance, when used as a sunshade, the open grid pattern blocks direct sunlight, reducing the heat while allowing airflow. Steel grating has also been used for cladding and decorative exterior panels.
Other commercial industries and public spaces, such as stormwater management systems and public parking garages, use bar grating for ventilation and drainage properties.
Steel Grating Built for Performance
The strength, durability, and versatility of steel grating make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications across industrial and commercial industries and in public spaces. Its open grid design provides excellent drainage and ventilation, and the material can be customized to meet the needs of any project.
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