FRP Grating for Boardwalk Decking & Pathways

Unmatched combination of longevity and strength

In almost all respects, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) grating stands out as the superior choice for boardwalk decking, offering significant advantages over traditional materials such as softwood, hardwood, steel, composite wood, and precast concrete.

In terms of durability, safety, and longevity in particular, FRP grating is unmatched, making it especially well-suited for use in remote and environmentally sensitive areas including wetlands boardwalks where the ease of installation, minimal maintenance requirements, and extended lifespan are essential for building sustainable and functional boardwalks.

Proven durability & reliability in the most extreme conditions

In countries such as Australia, FRP grating has almost universally replaced all other decking material for boardwalks, over the past few decades. From the scorching desert pathways circling Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the remote coastal walkways in Southern Tasmania lashed by the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean, FRP boardwalks provide the safest, most stable and durable surfaces for withstanding the constant streams of daily visitors, in all weather conditions, maintenance free.

All Archatrak ‘SpanTrak’ grating panels for exterior use are manufactured exclusively with pure isophthalic resins with UV additives to provide maximum resistance against degradation under all climatic and location specific conditions.

Superior pedestrian safety

Our ‘SpanTrak’ FRP grating panels for boardwalk decking are supplied with a gritted surface which provide unmatched slip resistance with all types of footwear, in all weather conditions, even in drenching rain, icy or severe Winter conditions. Furthermore, in such conditions, the open nature of the grating panels restricts the build up of ice and snow, which causes so many problems with solid surface boardwalk decking.

Cyclists in particular prefer FRP grating on cycle paths since they know it’s practically impossible for wheels to slip or slide on gritted FRP grating in comparison with wood which can be dangerous when icy or wet and covered with moss or mildew.

Enhanced comfort for pedestrians and wheelchair users

Because FRP gratings can deflect slightly under load, they can feel more comfortable underfoot compared with a solid surface like wood or steel. And the broad, flat surface offers a much smoother and even surface for wheelchairs, bicycles and scooters than parallel deck boards.

Excellent fire resistance

‘SpanTrak’ FRP grating panels are manufactured exclusively with Type-I Isophthalic resins combined with Aluminum Hydroxide filler (not Calcium Carbonate) giving results for smoke developed and spread of flame index that fall well within the classification for Class 1 or A fire resistance rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Only steel or concrete boardwalk material can match this rating.

Lowest maintenance decking material

In remote locations and wetlands boardwalks in particular, you want a boardwalk you can rely on, year after year.  Wood can decay or suffer insect attack, boards can twist and warp, steel can rust and collapse, creating safety hazards for walkers. “SpanTrak’ FRP grating panels are built for maximum durability with very little need for regular maintenance or constant inspection.

Lower environmental impact

In environmentally sensitive locations like wetlands or cold alpine locations, where boardwalks are used to protect the vegetation from foot traffic, the open grid structure of ‘SpanTrak’ FRP boardwalk gratings allows both sunlight and rainwater to reach the vegetation virtually unimpeded. In addition, ‘SpanTrak’ FRP boardwalk decking panels can be supplied in colors chosen to blend in with the existing environment, reducing the visual impact of boardwalks and enhancing visitor experience.
Unlike pressure treated wood decking, you also avoid all concerns about leaching of preservative chemicals.

Faster, simpler construction

Since ‘SpanTrak’ FRP boardwalk decking is typically supplied in 4’ x 8’ panels which generally only need fixing to the boardwalk support structure at 24” intervals, FRP grating panels are much quicker to install than wood planks. Even in comparison with steel grating which is up to 4 times as heavy, FRP panels can be easily cut with a power saw, while steel grating must generally be prefabricated to fit the precise location.

Aesthetic appeal

While the perhaps the somewhat more ‘industrial’ look of ‘SpanTrak’ fiberglass decking may not appeal to all tastes, its more modern, uniform, consistent color can be more appropriate in many situations. And the ability to specify a color for the fiberglass decking that will blend into the environment can significantly reduce the visual impact in regions where there is trade off between the need for a boardwalk but a requirement for minimal impact on the local environment.