Material and product decision guide
Welded Grating vs Press-Locked Grating
Both products can form load-carrying open flooring, but their cross-bar connection, visual rhythm and available project data are different.
Use the construction named by the project; if either is acceptable, compare verified load tables, support layout, opening pattern, finish and fabrication—not the product name alone.
Side-by-side decision matrix
This matrix is a screening aid. It identifies what must be compared; it is not a substitute for the approved design or product data.
| Decision | Welded grating | Press-locked grating |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Cross bars are resistance-welded to bearing bars. | Cross bars are mechanically pressed into prepared bearing bars. |
| Typical decision driver | Established industrial flooring details and supplier load data. | Regular visual grid, architectural intent or project-specified construction. |
| Load comparison | Use the exact bar size, pitch, span and load table. | Use the exact bar size, pitch, span and load table. |
| Fabrication | Check weld, banding, cutout and coating-repair requirements. | Check locking detail, edge treatment, cutouts and panel stability. |
| Finish | Carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum options depend on the supplier. | Material and finish availability depends on the supplier and pattern. |
Choose Welded grating when
- The drawing or specification names welded bar grating.
- The selected supplier provides suitable order-specific load and fabrication data.
- The connection and finish route suit the project.
All conditions still need confirmation against the exact panel, support, load case and governing specification.
Choose Press-locked grating when
- The architectural grid or pressed construction is a stated requirement.
- The required bar spacing and material are available with supporting data.
- Edge, cutout and attachment details are coordinated.
Ask the supplier to identify any qualification, exception or missing evidence before treating the option as equivalent.
Inputs required for a defensible comparison
A quotation cannot resolve the choice unless both suppliers receive the same technical basis. Include the following in the RFQ and record assumptions explicitly.
- Bearing-bar size and direction
- Cross-bar pitch and opening requirement
- Clear span, load cases and deflection criterion
- Finish, banding, cutouts and fixing
- Applicable NAAMM document and order evidence
Related product information: Welded steel grating · Press-locked grating. For preliminary sizing, use the load and deflection guide.
What this guide does not decide
It does not approve structural capacity, slip resistance, fire performance, chemical compatibility, electrical suitability, accessibility or legal compliance. Those decisions depend on the installed system, jurisdiction, test method and order-specific evidence reviewed by the responsible project team.
Primary references
Checked 2026-09-04. Confirm the edition and scope accepted by your project.