Plain Steel Grating VS Serrated Steel Grating
Aug. 25, 2025
Plain Steel Grating VS Serrated Steel Grating
Introduction
Steel grating is an essential part of many industrial and commercial flooring applications. But which type of steel grating should you choose? Compare the advantages and disadvantages of plain steel grating versus serrated steel grating to find the best option for your needs.
Plain or Serrated Steel Grating? Both offer strong, durable, and slip-resistant surfaces, but the serrated design provides an added grip for extra safety.
1. Basics of two types of steel gratings
Plained steel grating
Plain steel grating is a type of metal grating that is manufactured using a variety of materials, including steel and aluminum, to provide a durable, slip-resistant surface. The grating is constructed with a series of interlocking metal bars that are connected by an array of cross bars.
The most common types of the grating are welded, press-locked, and riveted. Each type of grating has its unique characteristics and benefits. The bearing bars are available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and styles. The cross bars are usually welded at each intersection and are typically spaced at intervals of 4”, 6”, or 8”.
This type of grating is widely used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. And also in architectural applications due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is lightweight, which makes it a popular option for areas with limited space.
It is typically used in areas that require heavy-duty strength and durability, such as industrial platforms and walkways. This type of grating is also resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Serrated steel grating
Serrated steel grating is a reliable and cost-effective solution for a wide variety of applications. It is constructed from high-grade steel that has been cut into a series of parallel bars, with notches cut into the surface to form a serrated pattern. This pattern increases the structural strength and improves the traction of the grating.
It is available in a range of types and specifications, including welded, press-locked, swage locked, and riveted, and can be custom-manufactured to meet specific requirements. Serrated steel grating is an ideal choice for industrial applications such as stair treads, catwalks, platforms, and walkways, and can also be used in various residential and commercial settings.
Similarities of two types of gratings
- Both are made from steel, available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes
- Both can be used for a variety of industrial applications
- Both are slip-resistant, durable, and long-lasting
- Both are easy to install and maintain
- Both can provide good ventilation and drainage
- Both can provide adequate light transmission and visibility
2. Differences between two types of gratings
Anti-slip ability
In terms of anti-slip ability, plain steel grating has a smooth surface and does not provide as much traction as serrated steel grating. Serrated steel grating has a raised pattern that provides better traction and is better suited for applications where there is a risk of slipping or sliding.
Benefits
In terms of benefits, plain steel grating is more resistant to corrosion and is welcomed for its neat and clean appearance, making it a popular choice for applications where aesthetic appeal is important. Serrated steel grating, on the other hand, has a raised surface pattern that provides better traction and is better suited for applications where there is a risk of slipping or sliding.
Application
In terms of application, plain steel grating is commonly used in applications such as walkways, industrial sites, and stairways where aesthetic appeal is important. Serrated steel grating, on the other hand, is commonly used in areas with high traffic, such as loading docks and parking garages, as it provides better traction than painted steel grating.
Features
The front side of the serrated steel grating is serrated, which is an important safety feature for any walkway or stairs. The serrated surface helps to provide more traction, especially when the surface is wet. This can help to prevent people from slipping and falling when walking on it.
plain steel grating is flat on both sides, sometimes it doesn’t need to distinguish between the front and the backside. And it is used much more widely while its price is cheaper.
Conclusion
Plain steel grating offers a cost-effective solution for light loads, while serrated steel grating is more suitable for heavier loads and offers superior slip resistance, making it the superior choice in most applications.
19W4 Serrated and Non-Serrated Bar Grating - Kloeckner Metals
Serrated grating offers a particular advantage when used on stairs or escalators where it tends to be less prone to slipping than non-serrated models. On busy paths and walkways, an anti-slip design is essential for preventing accidents and injuries.
For more information, please visit Shunbo Steel Grating.
However, serrated grating is easier to install and remove than non-serrated alternatives. If you’re looking for something that’s both secure and quick to swap out, serrated grating may be a good option for your venue or business.
Overall Bar Grating Advantages:
- High strength – to- weight ratio
- Corrosion, impact, fire, and chemically resistant
- Non-slip surface
- Affordable and obtainable
Overall Bar Grating Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive
- If not treated, can be susceptible to rust
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- If not welded, may be susceptible to theft
Both serrated and non-serrated grating have a variety of applications, including industrial, residential, and commercial uses.
The construction industry uses serrated grating in areas that require secure footing, yet need to be able to provide some give in case people trip or a heavy object falls against it. For example, many fire escapes and ladders employ serrated bar grating on both sides of handrails. Another example would be anywhere an open balcony needs a secure but soft railing surface that won’t break under pressure (i.e., on cruise ships).
Landscapers often use serrated bar grating for wood decks or as fencing around trees and garden beds. It is especially popular in outdoor settings due to its weatherproof design and ease of use throughout all seasons.
Serrated grating is made in two ways, both of which are pretty simple to achieve.
1) Serrated grating can be created via machining, which involves running a saw along a bar-shaped piece of metal until its edges become knife-like in appearance although the result is not sharp like a blade. When formed this way, bar grating can be locked, riveted, or welded.
2) Perforated steel sheets can be stretched to create diamond-shaped openings between threads of steel. This is sometimes called “expanded metal” rather than bar grating.
Bar grating is easy to weld. In fact, to function properly as stair treads, platforms, or flooring, bar grating must be locked, riveted, swaged, pressure-locked, or welded in order to connect bearing bars and cross bars.
Fusing the bars through welding creates the rigidity and strength required for the product to function. Plus, welding is the most economical option. That said, welding forms a permanent joint while locking does not.
Welding serrated grating requires more precision and skill but produces a consistent, accurate end product that lasts far longer than its counterparts.
ANSWER:
Steel bar grating can be serrated, basically scalloped on top, or non-serrated, simply flat on top. Serrated bars often look nicer because serrations make it more difficult for debris to accumulate and help your grating surface cleaner looking over time—but non-serrated grating is generally much cheaper than its serrated counterpart, while also being easier
For more information, please visit bearing bar grating.
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