If you’re planning a flooring or platform project, the materials you choose will influence everything from site safety to cost control and maintenance schedules. While steel grating has long been a go-to material, GRP grating, especially from Elemy, is fast overtaking it in performance, cost-efficiency, and safety.
Let’s compare both and see why more engineers and project managers across the UK are choosing GRP over steel.
Weight and Installation Speed
Steel Grating:
- Heavier and often requires mechanical lifting equipment
- Slower, more labour-intensive installation
- Requires additional structural support
GRP Grating (Elemy):
- Up to 50% lighter than steel
- Easily moved by hand, no heavy plant needed
- Quicker to fit and trim on site
Case in point: At Hitachi Rail Depot, Elemy’s GRP grating was lifted into position manually with no craneage – cutting both cost and time.
Safety and Compliance
Steel:
- Conductive and can pose a shock risk in electrical environments
- Can be slippery when wet, unless coated
GRP:
- Non-conductive and RF-transparent
- Fire retardant to ASTM E84 Class A
- Anti-slip grit surface, achieving high PTV slip ratings
- Complies with BS 4592, EN 14122, and ISO 9001
Elemy’s GRP is also resistant to impact, UV degradation, and corrosion—making it the safe bet in unpredictable or extreme conditions.
Corrosion Resistance and Lifespan
Steel:
- Prone to rust, especially in coastal, marine, or chemical sites
- Requires galvanising or painting, which adds cost and maintenance
GRP:
- Inherently corrosion-resistant
- No coating needed
- Lifespan of decades with minimal maintenance
GRP offers clear longevity advantages, particularly in wastewater, marine, and industrial processing facilities.
Cost Efficiency
Steel:
- Often cheaper at point of purchase
- High lifecycle costs due to upkeep and replacement
GRP:
- Slightly higher initial cost
- Substantially lower lifecycle cost
- No repainting, no galvanising, fewer replacements
Clients like London Underground and LLDC choose GRP from Elemy to meet high-spec standards without breaking budgets.
Visual, Acoustic, and Design Flexibility
Steel:
- Limited colour options
- Louder underfoot
GRP:
- Available in a wide range of RAL colours
- Dampens sound for quieter operation
- Can be moulded or pultruded to suit specific loads, spans, and layouts
Elemy even supplies solid top, open mesh, and custom profiles, giving you unmatched design freedom.
Summary: GRP Grating from Elemy Outshines Steel
| Feature | Steel Grating | Elemy GRP Grating |
| Weight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Corrosion Resistance | Requires coating | Inherent, no treatment |
| Installation | Slow | Fast, easy |
| Safety | Conductive | Non-conductive, anti-slip |
| Maintenance | Frequent | Minimal |
| Lifecycle Cost | High | Low |
| Aesthetics & Noise | Limited | Versatile, low-noise |
Ready to Upgrade to GRP?
Elemy is the UK’s trusted provider of GRP solutions. With award-winning service, decades of expertise, and a massive stock profile, we’re here to make your project simpler, safer, and smarter.
Talk to the GRP experts at Elemy: 01642 480844
Email us: info@elemy.net or contact us via the website.
Still considering steel? Let Elemy show you why GRP is the future of industrial flooring.
