Moulded and pultruded GRP grating may look similar from above, but their internal construction and load paths are different. That affects span direction, panel layout, cutting, edge support and the way technical data should be read.
In brief
- Moulded grating uses an integrated grid and can provide broadly bidirectional behaviour, subject to its specific panel geometry.
- Pultruded grating uses continuous load bars tied by cross rods, creating a clear primary span direction.
- Pultruded formats can offer efficient longer-span performance in the load-bar direction, but product data must confirm it.
- Moulded panels can be practical around numerous penetrations, but every cut still needs a support check.
Construction and load path
| Design point | Moulded grating | Pultruded grating |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacture | Resin and reinforcement formed in a moulded grid | Continuous pultruded load bars linked by cross rods |
| Primary direction | Often more balanced across two directions | Strongly directional along the load bars |
| Panel cutting | Can accommodate varied shapes with support planning | Cutting load bars can materially change capacity |
| Longer spans | Depends on depth and grid | Can be efficient in the correct bearing direction |
| Technical data | Use the exact moulded panel table | Use the exact load-bar direction and product table |
How to choose
- Set out clear spans, support lines and all openings.
- Define UDL, point, wheel and maintenance loads.
- Identify required open area, mesh size and dropped-object control.
- Compare verified deflection and capacity for exact products.
- Plan cuts so sufficient load-carrying material remains.
- Specify bearing, fixings, resin, surface and fire performance.
The names are not specifications
“Moulded” and “pultruded” describe manufacturing families. They do not define a universal strength, span or durability. Two products in the same family can use different depths, glass content, resin systems and geometries. Compare evidence for the supplied item and connect it to the actual support layout.
Frequently asked questions
Which type is stronger?
Neither family is universally stronger. Capacity depends on the exact construction, depth, span direction, support and load case.
Which is easier to cut around pipes?
Moulded grating is often practical for complex layouts, but openings and narrow remnants still require designed support.
Can pultruded grating be installed in either direction?
The primary load bars must span in the direction shown by the manufacturer’s data and project design.
Compare the actual products, not just the process
Browse GRP grating and send us the support layout, cut-outs and load cases for a product-specific check.