Steel Stair Treads and Grating Stair Tread Assemblies
A stair tread is the one grating product people touch with their full weight on every step, so it fails differently from a platform panel: it wears at the nosing, it collects water at the front edge, and it must not flex under a foot landing. We make stair treads as self-contained carriers with welded end plates, ready to bolt onto stringers.
Grating stair treads vs. tread plate
Grating treads win wherever water, oil or snow must fall through: outdoor stairs, cooling towers, food plants and wash-down areas. Solid tread plate (checker plate) wins where small parts must not fall through, or where the stair is inside a clean room. Grating treads are lighter for the same stiffness and are easier to lift out for maintenance.
For heavy pedestrian traffic we recommend a 30x5 or 32x5 bearing bar with a serrated top and a 50 mm deep front nosing. For ladders and light access, a 25x3 plain bar with a 2 mm abrasive nosing strip is enough.
Fixing and nosing options
- Bolted end plates (standard), drilled for M10 or M12.
- Welded cleats for side-fixed stringers.
- Removable treads with hook brackets for inspection pits.
- Nosing: serrated bar, abrasive strip, or stainless insert for slip resistance on wet steps.
Typical specifications
| Tread width | Bearing bar | Cross bar | Load per step | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 mm | 25x3 | 6 mm twisted | 1.5 kN | Access ladders, light foot traffic |
| 800 mm | 30x5 | 6 mm twisted | 3.0 kN | Industrial stairs, plant walkways |
| 1000 mm | 32x5 | 8 mm twisted | 4.0 kN | Public and heavy traffic stairs |
| 1200 mm | 40x5 | 8 mm twisted | 5.0 kN | Platform stairs, truck access |
Related products and applications
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard size of a steel stair tread?
The common industrial size is 800-1000 mm wide with a 250-300 mm going, in a 30x5 or 32x5 bearing bar. Widths follow the stair stringer spacing, so treads are usually made to order rather than cut from stock.
Should stair treads be serrated?
Yes for outdoor, wet or oily locations. Serrated bearing bars roughly double slip resistance when the surface is wet; plain tops are used indoors where footwear is clean and dry.
Can grating treads be retrofitted to an existing stair?
Usually yes. Treads are drilled to match the existing stringer holes, or supplied with slotted end plates so the bolt spacing can be adjusted on site.
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.