FRP grating is a durable, low-maintenance solution for boardwalks, docks, and elevated deck applications where slip resistance, drainage, and long-term performance are critical. Lightweight yet strong, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) panels are widely used in marine and commercial environments due to their corrosion resistance and ease of installation.
Proper installation of FRP grating involves careful planning, panel layout, fastening methods, and safe handling during cutting and fabrication. Panels can be easily modified on site to fit specific layouts, curves, and directional changes, making them a versatile option for a wide range of project conditions.
FRP grating products can be cut using standard power tools, including circular saws with masonry or diamond blades, angle grinders, and jig saws for curved cuts. Always support panels on sawhorses or stable platforms during cutting to prevent flexing or shifting and ensure clean, accurate results.
FRP Fasteners
Fiberglass grating fasteners are available in a variety of styles and sizes for all types of gratings. Clips can be used to secure gratings to the supporting structure or fasten adjacent panels. Clips are made of stainless steel 304, 306 or 316L for maximum corrosion resistance. Clips are sold as a set consisting of clip, bolt, nut and washers. The most common types of clips used to install FRP grating panels are:
- M clip – for attaching gratings to supports using two adjacent bearing bars
- C clip – for joining adjacent panels
- J clip – for attaching gratings to the support frame in moderate loading applications only
- Steel beam connector – for attaching grates to steel ‘I’ beams
- Dome washer surface mount for joist installations
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M Clip
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C Clip
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J Clip
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Steel Beam
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Dome Screw & Washer
Safety Notes
- Take note of the Material Safety Data Sheet. Individuals with respiratory ailments should not fabricate FRP products.
- Observe common safety precautions when using cutting tools. Always wear gloves when handling FRP grating panels.
- Wear approved safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes and a P2 Dust mask when cutting to reduce inhalation of dust Use a dust extraction system if available.
- Dust from cutting FRP products can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and protective clothing to reduce dust from coming into contact with skin. If cutting products causes difficulty in breathing or excessive skin irritation, stop immediately and consult a physician.
Cutting and Sanding
- Avoid splitting any of the grid bars.
- Cut from the smooth side (bottom) of a grit-top panel using even, steady pressure. Excessive pressure may cause heat build-up and/or ragged edges.
- Sand all cut edges using open-grit sandpaper on a high-speed sanding wheel for best results and light, even pressure to prevent wavy, uneven surfaces.
- All cut edges should be ground smooth and given a light coating of a UV stable urethane, we recommend Sherwin Williams Acrolon 218. This is primarily to prevent corrosive liquids from contacting exposed glass fibers.
Fastening and Attachment
- Depending on the application, use C clips every 2’-3’ to secure adjacent panels to eliminate any tripping hazard. Set the clutch at a light setting on the drill when securing to avoid stripping the nut on the C clip.
- Hold down screws inserted directly into the panels should normally only be used with the MiniMesh gratings since they may split the bars and result in a loose and unsafe installation. For MiniMesh installation, firstly drill a countersink with a diamond cone bit and use stainless steel screws or bolts with a 1/2″ diam.(min) head and a 6-lobe (Torx or equiv.) drive to secure the panels to the bearers.
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