McNICHOLS® Plank Grating Resources
Plank Grating facilitates secure footing on rooftop walkways, catwalks, stairs, and other surface applications when safety is critical. The product line is lightweight and easy to cut and fabricate. Made by forming and punching metal, McNICHOLS® Plank Grating comes in a variety of materials including Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Stainless Steel. Different construction types consist of Plank, Walkway (both with Heavy-Duty options), Interlocking, Extruded Interlocking, and Heavy-Duty Plank. Additional construction types consist of several Ladder Rung Plank styles, as well as Stair Tread Plank Grating options. An array of heights, widths, surface profiles, thicknesses, and more are all part of our complete line of Plank Grating Hole Products! McNICHOLS also has a complete line of Plank Grating Stair Treads and available resources. For information on Plank Grating Stair Treads, please visit our Stair Tread Resources landing page.
Benefits of Plank Grating
Plank Grating products are engineered to meet strict industrial and safety standards while remaining cost-effective and easy to install. Some key advantages include:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Provides structural integrity without adding excess weight.
- Slip Resistance: Multiple surface options, including serrated and perforated patterns, help prevent slips in wet or oily conditions.
- Drainage and Ventilation: Openings promote air circulation and prevent pooling of liquids.
- Low Maintenance: Durable, corrosion-resistant materials extend service life and reduce upkeep.
- Easy Installation: Lightweight panels simplify handling and fastening for on-site installation.
McNICHOLS® Plank Grating Product Lines
GRIP STRUT®
GRIP STRUT® features an aggressive serrated diamond pattern that delivers multidirectional slip resistance. Its open design ensures excellent drainage and visibility, making it a top choice for industrial catwalks, walkways, and stair treads. The pattern provides 360° traction—even in oily or wet environments.
PERF-O GRIP®
PERF-O GRIP® has large debossed holes surrounded by raised perforations that provide superior traction while allowing debris and fluids to pass through. This design offers a balance of comfort and security, suitable for ramp systems, mezzanines, and maintenance platforms where cleanliness and safety are priorities.
TRACTION TREAD™
Our TRACTION TREAD™ features round perforations with raised buttons that enhance slip resistance and provide a smooth, walkable surface. It is commonly used in architectural, retail, and public spaces where both appearance and safety are essential. This style also performs well in indoor settings, stair treads, and foot traffic areas.
GRATE-LOCK®
GRATE-LOCK® features a series of interlocking planks with embossed traction lugs for superior grip. This system allows easy alignment and load distribution across large floor areas, making it ideal for assembly lines, platforms, and industrial work areas. GRATE-LOCK® offers long-term durability and can be easily cut or configured to fit any space.
Its unique design also provides more design options. Increased load performance has been achieved through interlocking planks, a stronger rung design, and an expanded selection of leg heights and material gauges. GRATE-LOCK® lets you specify lighter gauge steel for substantial material savings.
DIAMONDBACK®
The DIAMONDBACK® line consists of Deckplate, Treadplate, Stair Treads, and Ladder Rungs, all designed with a slip-resistant surface for improved safety. It is made from an Aluminum 6061-T6 extrusion, strong and lightweight, then deeply textured to form an appealing corrosion-resistant finish that is virtually maintenance-free. DIAMONDBACK® is available in solid or ventilated designs. The self-cleaning ventilated design prevents the buildup of dirt, grease, snow, etc. DIAMONDBACK® is a versatile product available in several different configurations and sizes.
Plank Grating Stair Treads
McNICHOLS® offers a comprehensive line of Plank Grating Stair Treads designed for maximum safety, durability, and performance in both industrial and architectural applications.
Our stair treads are available in Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Stainless Steel, with options including Plank, Heavy-Duty Plank, Extruded Plank, and Heavy-Duty Extruded Plank styles to suit a wide range of project needs.
For enhanced safety, we provide Stair Treads with a built-in shelf that accepts Cast-Abrasive Nosing, delivering superior slip resistance in high-traffic areas. McNICHOLS carries the nation’s largest inventory of Safety Grating Stair Treads, featuring top brands such as GRIP STRUT®, PERF-O GRIP®, TRACTION TREAD™, GRATE-LOCK®, and DIAMONDBACK®.
Plank Grating Accessories: Clips & Fasteners
Secure your McNICHOLS® Plank Grating installations with confidence using our selection of Clips and Fasteners. Engineered for strength, ease of installation, and long-term performance, these accessories ensure your GRIP STRUT®, PERF-O GRIP®, TRACTION TREAD™, and GRATE-LOCK® Plank Grating systems remain stable and reliable in any application.
Available in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, McNICHOLS® Clips and Fasteners are designed to fit their respective grating products precisely. When you specify a clip or fastener type, our quote will include the exact size needed for your chosen plank style.
Diamond Anchor: Designed specifically for GRIP STRUT®, this versatile anchor fits securely within grating openings and fastens directly to the support structure.
- Material: Galvanized or Stainless Steel
- Compatibility: Fits all GRIP STRUT® sizes
- Hardware: Not included (square hole fits 5/16" carriage bolt)
Splice Plates: Used to connect GRIP STRUT® and PERF-O GRIP® walkway panels for seamless alignment and stability.
- Small Splice Plates: Connect adjacent walkway panels over supports for continuous runs.
- Large Splice Plates: Connect adjacent walkway panels between supports to maintain strength and load-bearing capability.
ACA Clip: This anchor and clamp assembly secures GRIP STRUT® planks to supports while locking adjacent panels together.
- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Compatibility: Fits all GRIP STRUT® sizes
- Hardware: Integral with assembly
H-B-C-10 Saddle: Built for Heavy-Duty GRIP STRUT® applications, this anchor device slides into an opening and fastens to the support surface for maximum hold.
- Material: Stainless Steel or Galvanized
- Compatibility: Fits all Heavy-Duty GRIP STRUT® sizes
- Hardware: Not included (square hole fits 3/8" square shank carriage bolt)
Mid Support Clamp: Used on GRIP STRUT®, PERF-O GRIP®, and TRACTION TREAD™ planks, this clamp fastens side channels together at mid-span to improve load performance and rigidity.
- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Compatibility: Fits all sizes
- Hardware: Included (with kit orders only)
Bolt Seat: Designed for PERF-O GRIP®, this fastener slides into round openings and secures the grating to its support for a tight, stable connection.
- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Compatibility: Fits all PERF-O GRIP® sizes
- Hardware: Not included (round hole fits 3/8" carriage bolt)
J Bolt: A dependable fastening option for GRATE-LOCK®, the J Bolt holds the grating channel securely to its support, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Compatibility: Fits all GRATE-LOCK® sizes
- Hardware: Integral with fastener
M Clamp: The M Clamp slides into GRATE-LOCK® slots to fasten panels to the support structure, providing a strong and simple hold-down method.
- Material: Galvanized Steel
- Compatibility: Fits all GRATE-LOCK® sizes
- Hardware: Not included
How to Specify & Order Plank Grating
The information below serves as your comprehensive guide for specifying and ordering the right McNICHOLS® Plank Grating product for your next project. Each step helps ensure your selection meets performance, safety, and design needs. Please specify:
Application
Start by identifying how and where your Plank Grating will be used. Consider environmental conditions, load and span requirements, and the type of traffic the surface will support—whether pedestrian, light handcart, or heavy-duty industrial use.
Many McNICHOLS® Plank Grating products meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines when installed per published standards. For design inspiration, explore our Plank Grating Product and Application Gallery to see common and custom uses across industries.
Construction Type
McNICHOLS offers a diverse range of Plank Grating construction types designed for various environments and load demands. Choose from Plank, Walkway, Heavy-Duty Plank, Heavy-Duty Walkway, Interlocking Plank, Extruded Interlocking Plank, or Heavy-Duty Extruded Plank styles. Each option provides unique surface characteristics, strength profiles, and installation benefits.
Series Type & Name
Determine the series type and name that best fits your project requirements. Common examples include GRIP STRUT® Walkway, PERF-O GRIP® Plank, and GRATE-LOCK® Interlocking Plank Grating. Products designed to meet ADA standards will clearly indicate compliance within their descriptions and item specifications.
Primary Material & Finish
Select the primary material type that suits your application’s environment and appearance requirements. McNICHOLS offers Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Stainless Steel Plank Grating options, typically available in mill finish. Additional finishes, such as Hot Dipped Galvanized or Powder Coated, may be available upon request. For detailed information, visit the Primary Material Types and Product Finishes sections linked in the Overview area of the Plank Grating Resources page.
Alloy, Grade, or Type
If your application demands specific performance attributes, identify the material alloy, grade, or type that best fits your needs. Factors such as temperature exposure, corrosion resistance, and environmental conditions can affect your material choice. These details help ensure long-term durability and performance.
Gauge/Thickness
Determine the gauge or thickness of your material. Gauge number corresponds to thickness in inches for formed Plank products, while extruded items are designated by their extrusion type rather than a gauge. Thicker materials generally offer greater load capacity and rigidity.
Surface Profile
Select the surface profile that aligns with your functional and safety needs. Surface profiles describe opening patterns, width, and traction features (for example, 5-Diamond, 11-3/4" Width or 6-Hole, 12" Width). McNICHOLS offers multiple configurations to balance strength, drainage, and slip resistance.
Channel Size
Choose the channel depth or height for your surface profile. Plank products reference channel depth, while Walkway products use channel height, reflecting their upturned edge design. For GRATE-LOCK® Interlocking Plank Grating, also specify flange type (Male, Female, or One Male and One Female) to ensure proper fit and assembly.
Percent Open Area
Define the percentage of open area needed in your Plank Grating. This value affects air and light passage, drainage capability, and overall weight—important for selecting the correct grating type for safety and performance.
Span
Determine the span direction of your Plank Grating openings relative to your support structure. The span is the direction in which load-bearing strength is required, and clear span refers to the unsupported distance between supports. Correct orientation is essential to achieving optimal performance and load capacity.
Product Size, Form, & Quantity
Specify the number, width, and length of Plank Grating panels or other required forms such as cut-to-size pieces, sections, or stair treads. Projects exceeding standard panel widths will be provided in multiple pieces to ensure a proper fit.
Special Requirements
Identify any custom or non-standard needs, such as fabrication, cut-outs, notching, forming, stair tread applications, or tolerance adjustments. Custom fabrication can help ensure your Plank Grating fits seamlessly into your structure or assembly.
Accessories
Don’t forget to include Plank Grating Accessories for a complete installation. McNICHOLS offers a selection of clips, fasteners, splice plate kits, and hardware designed for secure attachment and long-term stability.
Downloadable Resources
Overview
Charts
Load Tables
Plank - Aluminum
Plank - Carbon Steel & Galvanized Steel
Plank - Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, & Stainless Steel
Plank - Metals (Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, & Stainless Steel)
- PERF-O GRIP® | 2-Hole | 5" Width
- PERF-O GRIP® | 3-Hole | 7" Width
- PERF-O GRIP® | 5-Hole | 10" Width
- PERF-O GRIP® | 6-Hole | 12" Width
- PERF-O GRIP® | 10-Hole | 18" Width
- TRACTION TREAD™ | ADA | 10-Row | Button-Top | 7" Width
- TRACTION TREAD™ | ADA | 15-Row | Button-Top | 10" Width
- TRACTION TREAD™ | ADA | 18-Row | Button-Top | 12" Width