What a specification states
A complete grating specification removes ambiguity. It says what carries the load, how far apart the load paths are, how the panel is finished, and how big it is.
The elements
- Bearing-bar size: depth and thickness, which set strength.
- Bearing-bar pitch: centre-to-centre spacing, which sets the opening.
- Cross-bar pitch: spacing of the bars running across.
- Surface: plain or serrated.
- Panel size and direction: overall dimensions and which way the bars run.
- Finish: hot-dip galvanized, painted or stainless.
Common size ranges
| Element | Common range |
|---|---|
| Bearing-bar size | 20×3 mm up to 60×5 mm and heavier |
| Bearing-bar pitch | 30 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm; fine 15/20 mm |
| Cross-bar pitch | 50 mm or 100 mm |
| Surface | Plain or serrated |
| Finish | Hot-dip galvanized, painted, stainless |
Reading a designation
- Read the bar size first: it tells you the strength of each bar.
- Then the pitch: it tells you the opening and how many bars share load.
- Then the surface and finish: plain or serrated, galvanized or other.
- Finish with the panel size and the bearing direction.
Standard versus custom panels
- Standard panels: common sizes held in production; faster and usually cheaper.
- Cut-to-size panels: standard grating cut to your dimensions.
- Custom fabrication: shaped, notched or framed work made to drawing.
- Confirm tolerances and lead time differ between these three.
Specifications FAQ
What is the most important number?
The bearing-bar size together with the span, since those govern capacity.
Does pitch change strength?
It changes how many bars share the load, so yes, indirectly.
Are these sizes universal?
Ranges are common, but confirm availability and tolerances for your order.
