Steel grating or chequer plate?
Steel grating and chequer plate are the two most common walking surfaces for steps and floors of steel staircases, platforms, and walkways. Both materials serve the same purpose, safe walking on a steel structure, but they behave differently outdoors, require different maintenance, and differ in price. Below we summarise the differences that determine the choice in practice.
What is steel grating
Steel grating is a welded or pressed steel grating made of bearing bars and cross rods, leaving the floor largely open. Water, snow and dirt fall through, keeping the surface dry and allowing the grating to clean itself practically automatically. Anti-slip properties can be further enhanced by serrating the bearing bars. It is manufactured in standard apertures (typically 30/30 or 34/38 mm) and supplied hot-dip galvanised.
For outdoor staircases, emergency escape stairs, industrial platforms and walkways, steel grating is the first choice: ice does not adhere to it, puddles do not form, and it meets requirements for slip resistance and drainage.
What is chequer plate
Tear-drop plate is a fully rolled sheet with a regular tear-drop pattern that increases sole friction. The floor made from it is solid, nothing falls through, which is an advantage wherever people move under the structure or where small materials must not fall down (warehouses, production lines, service walkways above machinery).
A disadvantage in the exterior is that water pools on flat sheeting and freezes in winter; relief helps, but dry standing seam is safer. Debris needs occasional sweeping as there is no self-cleaning effect here.
Practical comparison
- Non-slip when wet and in winter: steel grating significantly better (water and snow pass through). - Debris falling through: Chequer plate steel wins, nothing falls through to people or equipment below the structure. Weight: comparable; depends on sheet thickness and grate type, not on the category itself. - Maintenance: The root cap cleans itself; the sheet is swept clean; both are supplied hot-dip galvanised. Appearance and comfort: Full sheeting creates a solid surface and is easier for trolleys to traverse; perforated sheeting has a more industrial appearance. Price: of a similar order of magnitude; the decisive factors are rather the dimensions, thickness and surface treatment than the type itself.
When to choose what
Outdoor staircases and platforms, escape stairs, weather-exposed walkways → perforated metal. Indoor platforms above workstations, stores with small parts, areas with forklift traffic → diamond plate sheet. We often combine both variants in a single structure: steps made of perforated metal, landings above machinery from solid sheet.
Both materials are supplied hot-dip galvanised to EN ISO 1461; fabrication of structures is carried out in accordance with EN 1090-2 (EXC2). If you are unsure about the choice, send us a description of your operation. We will recommend a solution from our offer.