FRP vs galvanised steel grating: corrosion, weight and whole-life cost

Where FRP clearly wins

• Corrosive environments. Chlorides, acids, alkalis and continuous wetting destroy galvanising. FRP with the right resin keeps its properties.
• Weight and handling. A 38 mm moulded panel of 3660 × 1220 mm weighs about 85 kg, which two people can handle; cutting is done with a diamond blade, no hot-work permit.
• Electrical and magnetic neutrality. FRP is non-conductive and non-magnetic — useful near electrical equipment and in some instrument areas.
• Low maintenance. No painting or re-galvanising.

Where steel still makes sense

• High temperatures and fire-critical areas where a composite’s fire performance is not acceptable to the authority.
• Very heavy point loads and vehicle loading.
• Stiffness-critical, long-span applications where FRP depth would become impractical.

Whole-life cost thinking

Compare the cost of installation plus replacement cycles, maintenance shutdowns and access equipment — not only the purchase price per square metre. In aggressive environments FRP often costs more to buy but less to own.

Trade note for US projects

Chinese steel grating is subject to US anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders, continued after the 2026 sunset review. FRP grating is a different product, but tariff classification and scope must be confirmed for each shipment.