Steel Handrail Stanchions, Grating Clips and Fence Accessories
Most failed guardrails are not a panel problem but a fixing problem: the stanchion base loosens, the clip is the wrong size for the bar, or the bolt corrodes first. Fence and guard systems built from grating do three jobs that solid panels cannot: they let wind through, they let light through, and they let you see what is behind them.
Steel grating for fence guard
Welded steel grating is the workhorse: bearing bars and cross bars welded into a panel that is stiff, weldable and cheap per square metre. Press-locked panels are used where the grating must look cleaner or where the top surface must stay flush, because there are no weld spurs on the bearing bar face.
Bare steel is only used indoors and dry; for anything else the panel is hot dip galvanized after fabrication so the coating covers cut ends, welds and edges.
Selection notes for this application
Substation and switchgear enclosures, machine guards, stair and opening protection, bicycle railings and site boundary screens. The open area of a grating panel is typically 60-80 percent, which keeps wind load low enough that a light posts-and-rails frame is sufficient.
- Panel depth and support spacing set by steel grating
- Surface: serrated or gritted where wet or oily
- Fixings isolated from dissimilar metals
- Cut edges sealed, passivated or galvanized on site
Typical specifications
| Bearing bar | Cross bar pitch | Span (L/200) | Load | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25x3 | 100 mm | 600 mm | 1.5 kN/m2 | Light walkway |
| 30x5 | 100 mm | 900 mm | 3.0 kN/m2 | General plant walkway |
| 40x5 | 100 mm | 1200 mm | 5.0 kN/m2 | Platform, stair tread |
| 50x5 | 50 mm | 1500 mm | 7.5 kN/m2 | Heavy duty, vehicle |
Related products and applications
Frequently asked questions
Welded or press-locked grating?
Welded is stronger and cheaper; press-locked gives a flush top, no weld marks and better lateral stiffness for a given bar size, which suits visible architecture and long panels.
What bearing bar do I need?
Match it to the span: 25x3 to 600 mm, 30x5 to 900 mm, 40x5 to 1200 mm for pedestrian loads at L/200 deflection. Add one size for maintenance access with tools.
Not sure which profile suits your site? Send the span, load and environment to our engineers and we will return a specification with drawings within one working day. Contact us or see the full product range.