On moulded grating, the surface describes how the top of the panel is finished. Even with the same model, mesh size and load rating, the choice of surface changes slip resistance, appearance and cleaning routine. We therefore recommend treating the surface as a separate decision once you have chosen the model.
Before choosing a surface, answer three questions: how often is the floor wet or oily, is the area sloping, and how important is the appearance of the grating? The answers usually determine the surface on their own. Below we describe the four surfaces in terms of these questions.
Surface finishing is one of the last steps in production. Polyester resin and glass fibre are combined in layers in the mould and cured under heat and pressure; after the panel is cut and edge-finished, surface finishing and quality control are carried out.
Concave surface: the standard choice
On a concave surface, the tops of the load-bearing bars are formed with a hollow profile. When a foot presses on a bar, its two edges provide grip. Because moulded grating has bidirectional strength, the bars carry load in both directions. The concave surface is the standard option and is sufficient for most uses, such as walkways, platforms and maintenance areas.
Another advantage of the concave surface is easy cleaning: with no added texture on top, it washes easily with water and detergent, and thanks to the open mesh, water and dirt drain through the grating.
Gritted surface: extra slip resistance
A gritted surface adds extra slip resistance to the concave surface by means of grit particles on top. We recommend it for wet, oily or sloping floors, for areas constantly exposed to water such as marinas and jetties, and for stairs.
Our stair treads are cut from moulded grating and the anti-slip nosing is gritted. The front edge of the tread is where feet slip most, and that is exactly where the gritted nosing works. When cleaning a gritted surface, avoid hard tools that could wear away the grit.
In areas such as marinas, jetties and around pools, consider the gritted surface together with the salt-water resistance of composite: the grating does not rust and needs no painting, and the surface provides extra slip resistance on wet floors.
Smooth and covered surfaces
The smooth surface is a sanded finish. Its clean lines make it the preferred choice for facades, balconies and decorative applications. On walked surfaces a smooth finish reduces slip resistance; there we recommend a concave or gritted surface.
Combined with the colour options, smooth-surface panels give a facade an orderly, calm appearance. The open mesh of the grating forms a light screen without closing off the facade completely; services behind it are hidden while light and air continue to pass through.
The covered surface is produced by bonding the grating to a flat plate. It can be considered where nothing must pass through from above. In this case the passage of water and light provided by the open mesh is lost, and drainage must be planned separately. If preventing small objects from falling through is enough, 19×19 mini mesh can be a lighter solution.
| Surface | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Concave | Walkway, platform, maintenance area | Standard choice |
| Gritted | Wet, oily, sloping floors; stairs | Extra slip resistance; do not clean with hard tools |
| Smooth | Facade, balcony, decorative | Reduced slip resistance on walked areas |
| Covered | Areas that must be closed on top | No passage of water or light |
The same logic applies to the mini mesh models: the 19×19 mesh stops small objects falling through, while the surface determines grip. You can consider the two independently.
Consider colour and surface together
Panels can be produced in black, grey, yellow, green and blue; other colours can be discussed on request. Yellow is useful for edges and crossings that need to stand out; grey and black give a calmer appearance. Simply state your surface and colour preference in the quote form together with the sizes and quantity; we confirm both in the same quote.
Surface and colour do not change the load rating; you still choose the model by span and use. Tell us about your application and how wet the floor stays, and we will choose the surface together. You can see cross-section drawings of the surfaces on the products page.