McNICHOLS® Plank Grating Resources

Plank grating provides secure footing for rooftop walkways, catwalks, stairs, and other surfaces where safety matters most. Lightweight and easy to cut, this system simplifies on-site fabrication and installation. Manufactured by forming and punching metal, McNICHOLS® Plank Grating is available in Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Stainless Steel, so you can pick a material that matches your environment and load requirements.

Different construction types consist of Plank, Walkway (both with Heavy-Duty options), Interlocking, and Extruded Interlocking. Additional construction types consist of several Ladder Rung Plank styles, as well as Stair Tread Plank Grating options. Moreover, 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. For example, some key advantages include:

High strength-to-weight ratio: This provides structural integrity without excess weight, which reduces supporting structure cost.
Slip resistance: Multiple surface profiles — including serrated and perforated patterns — help prevent slips in wet or oily conditions.
Improved drainage and ventilation: Openings promote air circulation and prevent pooling of liquids, which reduces corrosion and debris buildup.
Low maintenance: Durable, corrosion-resistant materials extend service life and reduce upkeep.
Fast installation: Because panels are lightweight, crews can handle and fasten them more quickly on site.

McNICHOLS® Plank Grating Product Lines

GRIP STRUT®

GRIP STRUT® features an aggressive serrated diamond pattern that delivers multidirectional slip resistance. Because of its open design, it ensures excellent drainage and visibility, making it a top choice for industrial catwalks, walkways, and stair treads. Moreover, 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. Consequently, it balances comfort and security and is suitable for ramps, mezzanines, and maintenance platforms where cleanliness and safety are priorities.

TRACTION TREAD™

TRACTION TREAD™ features round perforations with raised buttons that enhance slip resistance and provide a smooth, walkable surface. For instance, it is commonly used in architectural, retail, and public spaces where both appearance and safety are essential. Additionally, this style also performs well in indoor settings, on stair treads, and in foot traffic areas.

GRATE-LOCK®

GRATE-LOCK®'s use of interlocking planks with embossed traction lugs for superior grip allows easy alignment and load distribution across large floor areas, making it ideal for assembly lines, platforms, and industrial work areas. Furthermore, GRATE-LOCK® offers long-term durability and can be easily cut or configured to fit any space. Increased load performance can be achieved through interlocking planks, a stronger rung design, and an expanded selection of leg heights and material gauges. Lastly, GRATE-LOCK® lets you specify lighter gauge steel for substantial material savings.

DIAMONDBACK®

DIAMONDBACK® Series includes Extruded Interlocking Plank, Extruded Stair Tread Plank, and Extruded Ladder Rung Plank — all designed with slip-resistant surfaces for enhanced safety. Made from Aluminum 6061-T6 Extrusion, these products are strong, lightweight, and deeply textured to produce an attractive, corrosion-resistant finish that is virtually maintenance-free. In addition, DIAMONDBACK® comes in solid or vented designs; the self-cleaning vented option prevents buildup of dirt, grease, and snow. Overall, this line is highly versatile and available in multiple configurations.

Plank Grating Stair Treads

McNICHOLS® offers a comprehensive Stair Tread line designed for maximum safety, durability, and performance across industrial and architectural applications.

Generally, Stair Treads are available in Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Stainless Steel, with Plank, Heavy-Duty Plank, Extruded Plank, and Heavy-Duty Extruded Plank options to suit various project needs.

For enhanced slip resistance, we provide treads with a built-in shelf that accepts cast-abrasive nosing — ideal for 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: Fasteners

Secure your McNICHOLS® Plank Grating installations with confidence using our selection of 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.

Available in several styles, sizes, and materials, McNICHOLS® Fasteners are designed to fit their respective Grating products precisely. Subsequently, when you specify a Fastener type, our quote will include the exact size needed for your chosen Plank style.

DIAMOND ANCHOR

Designed specifically for GRIP STRUT® Plank Grating and Walkway Plank Grating, this versatile anchor fits securely within grating openings and fastens directly to the support structure.

Material: Galvanized or Stainless Steel
Compatibility: Fits all sizes
Hardware: Not included (square hole fits 5/16" carriage bolt)

ACA Anchor & Clamp

The ACA Anchor & Clamp Assembly secures GRIP STRUT® Plank Grating to supports while locking adjacent panels together.

Material: Galvanized Steel
Compatibility: Options for GRIP STRUT® Plank Grating with a 1-1/2", 2", and 3" Channel Depth
Hardware: Integral with assembly

H-BC-10 Hold-Down Clip

Built for GRIP STRUT® Heavy-Duty Plank Grating and Heavy-Duty Walkway Plank Grating applications, this clip slides into an opening and fastens to the support surface for maximum hold.

Material: Stainless Steel or Galvanized Steel
Compatibility: Fits all sizes
Hardware: Not included (square hole fits 3/8" square shank carriage bolt)

Mid-Support Clip

Used on GRIP STRUT®, PERF-O GRIP®, and TRACTION TREAD™ Plank Grating, this clip 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® Plank Grating and Walkway Plank Grating, this fastener slides into round openings and secures the grating to its support for a tight, stable connection.

Material: Galvanized Steel
Compatibility: Fits all sizes
Hardware: Not included (round hole fits 3/8" carriage bolt)

M-250 J-Bolt

A dependable fastening option for GRATE-LOCK® Interlocking Plank Grating, the M-250 J-Bolt holds the grating channel securely to its support, ensuring long-term structural integrity.

Material: Galvanized Steel
Compatibility: Fits all GRATE-LOCK® Interlocking Plank Grating with a 2-1/2" Channel Depth
Hardware: Integral with fastener

MHC-25 Hold-Down Clamp

Another option for GRATE-LOCK® Interlocking Plank Grating, the MHC-25 Hold-Down Clamp secures the Plank to the support structure.

Material: Galvanized Steel
Compatibility: Fits all GRATE-LOCK® Interlocking Plank Grating with a 2-1/2" Channel Depth
Hardware: Not included

Splice Plates

Used to connect GRIP STRUT® and PERF-O GRIP® Walkway Plank Grating 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.

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

First, 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.

Plank

Plank Grating consists of individual planks with surface profiles designed for slip resistance and drainage. Commonly used in platforms, walkways, and stair tread applications, planks are available in various widths, materials, and surface profiles. They are installed individually or side by side to create customized surfaces.

Walkway Plank

Walkway Plank Grating features upward side channels and a built-in toe plate for added strength and edge protection. Its open surface allows debris to pass through making it ideal for elevated walkways in industrial settings. Sections are often connected end-to-end (with the Splice Plate Kit accessory) to create continuous walkways.

Series Type & Name

Next, 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

Then, 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 Plank items are designated by their extrusion type rather than a gauge. Thicker materials generally offer greater load capacity and rigidity.

Surface Profile

Afterwards, 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 & Flange Type

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

Next, 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

Finally, 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.