Short Answer
A complete FRP grating RFQ lists 12 items: grating type, resin, height, mesh, surface, color, panel size, span, design load, deflection limit, fire rating and required documents. Leave any of them out and suppliers will guess, so their quotes stop being comparable. Span and deflection matter most, because FRP grating is usually sized by stiffness, not strength.
Key Takeaways
- Always give the clear span between supports and the design load. Without them, nobody can size the grating.
- State a deflection limit. A common pedestrian limit is 1/4 in (6 mm) at the design load (Strongwell).
- Resin and fire rating drive price more than any other line.
- Ask for the documents you need (load tables, test reports) in the RFQ, not after the order.
What are the 12 specs an FRP grating RFQ needs?
Use this table as your RFQ template. The right-hand column shows how each spec affects the quote.
| # | Spec | Example | Effect on price / lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grating type | Molded or pultruded | Pultruded spans further at the same height but costs more |
| 2 | Resin | Orthophthalic, isophthalic, vinyl ester, phenolic | Vinyl ester and phenolic cost more |
| 3 | Bar height | 25, 30, 38, 50 mm | More height means more material and higher cost |
| 4 | Mesh / bar spacing | 38×38 mm, mini-mesh | Special meshes may need a specific mold |
| 5 | Surface | Concave, grit top, smooth | Grit top adds a process step |
| 6 | Color | Yellow, gray, green | Non-standard colors may need a minimum quantity |
| 7 | Panel size and cutting | 1220×3660 mm, cut to drawing | Cut-to-size adds labor and edge sealing |
| 8 | Clear span | 900 mm between supports | Decides the minimum height |
| 9 | Design load | Uniform kPa or a point load | Decides the minimum height |
| 10 | Deflection limit | 6 mm or L/200 | A stricter limit may need a taller bar |
| 11 | Fire rating | ASTM E84 class, or offshore level | Fire-retardant resin costs more; offshore ratings cost most |
| 12 | Documents and accessories | Load tables, test reports, clips, edge sealing kit | Accessories are often missed in quotes |
Why do span and deflection matter more than strength?
FRP is strong but flexible, so a panel usually bends too much long before it breaks. That makes deflection, not strength, the check that decides the size.
- Too much deflection feels unsafe to walk on.
- Bending also pries on hold-down clips and can loosen them. Deflection over about 1/2 in (12 mm) is not advised for this reason (Strongwell).
- Pultruded grating spans considerably further than molded grating of the same height.
Compare the two types in pultruded vs molded grating.
How should you state the load?
State the load type and the value, and say where it applies.
- Uniform load: for walkways and platforms, such as people spread across the floor.
- Concentrated load: for a single heavy item or a person’s foot at mid-span.
- Rolling or vehicle load: for carts, forklifts or cars. Always give wheel load and contact area.
If the grating is used on an accessible route, openings must not let a 1/2 in (13 mm) sphere pass (ADA Standards §302.3). Add this to the RFQ if it applies.
Which resin should you specify?
Choose the resin by the environment, not by price.
- Orthophthalic: dry, mild indoor use.
- Isophthalic: general industrial use with moderate chemicals.
- Vinyl ester: strong acids, alkalis and chemical plants.
- Phenolic: low smoke and fire-critical areas.
What documents should you request up front?
Request them in the RFQ so they are priced and delivered with the goods.
- Load and deflection table for the quoted product
- Fire test report matching the resin and height
- Material test report (glass content, mechanical properties)
- Installation drawing with clip spacing
- Packing list with batch numbers
Also include the clips you need. See grating clip types.
FAQ
Can I just send a drawing instead of specs?
Yes, if the drawing shows spans, loads and the environment. The supplier can then propose the grating, but ask them to state every assumption in the quote.
What is the most common RFQ mistake?
Missing span or load. Without them, suppliers quote different heights and the prices cannot be compared.
Should I specify a brand’s product code?
Only as a reference. It is better to specify performance: span, load, deflection and fire rating.
Get a quote you can compare
Send us your drawing or this 12-point list and we will return a quote with the load table and the assumptions stated. Request a quote. Buying from China for the first time? Read our QC checklist for importers.
