--- title: "Fiberglass Grating FAQ: Specs, Pricing, Buying Direct" description: "Fiberglass grating FAQ: short answers on conductivity, slip resistance, loads, fire ratings, ADA, clips, prices and import duty, each linking to its full page." url: https://www.strongrate.us/faq/ markdown: https://www.strongrate.us/faq.md published: 2026-10-16 updated: 2026-10-17 --- [Home](https://www.strongrate.us/) › [Resources](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/) › [FAQ](https://www.strongrate.us/faq/) # Fiberglass Grating: Frequently Asked Questions _Updated Oct 17, 2026_ Short answers to the fiberglass (FRP) grating questions US and Canadian buyers ask most, grouped by topic, each linking to the page that covers it in full. Two facts matter most for imports: China-made FRP grating carries about 42.8% US duty as of Oct 2026 (confirm with your licensed customs broker), and it does not qualify for federally funded [Buy America (BABA)](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/buy-america-baba/) projects. **Fiberglass grating FAQ topics and the pages that cover them in full** | Topic | Questions on this page | Full pages | | --- | --- | --- | | Material and durability | Conductivity, slip resistance, service life, corrosion, heat | [Fiberglass grating types](https://www.strongrate.us/fiberglass-grating/), [molded fiberglass grating](https://www.strongrate.us/molded-fiberglass-grating/), [fiberglass vs steel grating](https://www.strongrate.us/compare/fiberglass-vs-steel-grating/) | | Loads and design | Load at a 24" span, walkway design loads, vehicle traffic | [Fiberglass grating load tables](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/fiberglass-grating-load-tables/), [fiberglass grating sizes, weight and open area](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/fiberglass-grating-sizes-weight-and-open-area/), [trench covers and drain grates](https://www.strongrate.us/applications/trench-covers-and-drain-grates/) | | Fire, accessibility and codes | Fire rating, ADA openings, OSHA floors and stairs | [ASTM E84 Class 1 fire rating](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/astm-e84-class-1-fire-rating/), [mini-mesh ADA grating](https://www.strongrate.us/molded-fiberglass-grating/mini-mesh-ada/), [guide specification](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/fiberglass-grating-specifications/) | | Installation | Clips per panel, bearing on supports | [How to install fiberglass grating](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/how-to-install-fiberglass-grating/), [how to cut fiberglass grating](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/how-to-cut-fiberglass-grating/), [fiberglass grating clips](https://www.strongrate.us/accessories/fiberglass-grating-clips/) | | Prices and buying | Price per sq ft, cost against steel, buying direct, US stock, samples | [Fiberglass grating price per square foot](https://www.strongrate.us/pricing/fiberglass-grating-price/), [buying fiberglass grating direct from the factory](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/), [fiberglass grating lead times and minimum order](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/lead-times-moq-and-shipping/), [US fiberglass grating suppliers](https://www.strongrate.us/fiberglass-grating-suppliers/) | | Import and shipping | Import duty, container freight | [Landed cost, duty and freight](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/landed-cost-duty-and-freight/), [Buy America (BABA)](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/buy-america-baba/) | | About Strongrate | Former name, certificates | [About Strongrate](https://www.strongrate.us/about/), [certifications and test reports](https://www.strongrate.us/about/certifications-and-test-reports/) | _Questions below follow the order of this table. Questions on transit times, minimum orders, panel sizes and weights, cutting, Canadian duty and BABA are answered on the full pages listed._ ## Frequently asked questions ### Material and durability #### Is FRP grating conductive? No. Fiberglass grating is non-conductive, and suppliers market it for electrical flooring. Conductive molded grating also exists for static control: Strongrate’s catalog lists one with an electrical resistance of 1 × 10⁵ to 5 × 10⁵ ohms for spark-sensitive plants. See [molded fiberglass grating](https://www.strongrate.us/molded-fiberglass-grating/). #### Is fiberglass grating slippery when wet? Its standard surfaces are made to resist slipping: molded grating has a concave (meniscus) top or applied quartz grit, and pultruded grating usually has bonded grit. Strongrate’s catalog states a slip coefficient of 0.91 for its normal grit surface, citing ASTM D2047. See [molded fiberglass grating](https://www.strongrate.us/molded-fiberglass-grating/). #### How long does fiberglass grating last? There is no single figure: in one maker’s study, 30-year-old pultruded grating kept about 85% of its flexural modulus. Strongrate’s catalog states a designed lifespan of more than 20 years and colors that hold for more than 12 months in sunlight, catalog statements rather than a warranty. Outdoors, one guide specification requires a UV inhibitor in FRP exposed to weather. See [fiberglass vs steel grating](https://www.strongrate.us/compare/fiberglass-vs-steel-grating/). #### Does fiberglass grating rust or corrode? It contains no steel, so it does not rust; its chemical resistance depends on the resin, with vinyl ester for harsher chemical service than isophthalic polyester. Strongrate’s catalog rates 76 chemical environments for each resin; the chart is on [fiberglass grating specifications](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/fiberglass-grating-specifications/). #### What temperatures can fiberglass grating handle? Published maximum service temperatures run about 150–160°F (66–71°C) for polyester resins, 185–200°F (85–93°C) for vinyl ester and up to 300°F (149°C) for phenolic, and some chemicals lower them. Strongrate’s catalog prints 230°F (110°C) for vinyl ester and 176°F (80°C) for isophthalic in its resin table but lower limits in its chemical chart, so send your chemicals and service temperatures with your [quote request](https://www.strongrate.us/request-quote/) to confirm the limit. ### Loads and design #### How much load does fiberglass grating carry at a 24-inch span? It depends on depth, mesh and the maker’s safety factor: at a 24" (610 mm) span, published safe or maximum recommended uniform loads for 1-1/2" square-mesh molded grating run from about 780 psf (37.3 kPa) to 1,190 psf (57.0 kPa) across three US makers, on different bases. Strongrate’s 2023 catalog prints deflection tables instead, confirmed in your quote and submittal drawings before design use; see [fiberglass grating load tables](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/fiberglass-grating-load-tables/). #### What load should a fiberglass grating walkway be designed for? US guide specifications range from 60 psf (2.9 kPa) uniform at a maximum 1/4" (6.4 mm) deflection to 100 psf (4.8 kPa) uniform or a 300 lb (1.3 kN) concentrated load at 3/8" (9.5 mm) or L/120. The project engineer sets the criteria; see the [fiberglass grating guide specification](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/fiberglass-grating-specifications/). #### Can you drive on fiberglass grating? Only on heavy-duty grating rated for it: US suppliers rate high-load molded and deep pultruded products for vehicle traffic up to AASHTO H-20 loading. Strongrate’s catalog gives allowable spans for its HI high-load pultruded grating under truck, car and forklift wheel loads; any wheel-load use needs that table confirmed in your quote and your engineer’s review. See [trench covers and drain grates](https://www.strongrate.us/applications/trench-covers-and-drain-grates/). ### Fire, accessibility and codes #### What fire rating does fiberglass grating need? US guide specifications call for an ASTM E84 flame spread index of 25 or less, which the industry calls Class 1 or Class A. The six Strongrate models on DNV Type Approval TAF0000191 Rev. 1 list indexes of 5 to 20. Those results apply to the six listed models only; Strongrate’s catalog rates all its resin systems Class 1. See [ASTM E84 Class 1 fire rating](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/astm-e84-class-1-fire-rating/). #### Does standard square-mesh fiberglass grating meet the ADA? Not on an accessible route: 2010 ADA Standards §302.3 requires openings that stop a 1/2" (13 mm) sphere, and standard 1-1/2" square-mesh openings are far larger. That is why mini-mesh grating exists. The smallest openings in Strongrate’s catalog, 1/2" × 1/2" (13 × 13 mm), sit right at that limit, so confirm measured openings with your quote before using it on an accessible route. See [mini-mesh ADA grating](https://www.strongrate.us/molded-fiberglass-grating/mini-mesh-ada/). #### What does OSHA require of grating floors and stairs? OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22(b) requires each walking-working surface to support its maximum intended load, and 1910.25 requires stairs to carry at least five times the normal live load and never less than a 1,000 lb (4.4 kN) concentrated load. See [fiberglass stair treads](https://www.strongrate.us/fiberglass-stair-treads/). ### Installation #### How many hold-down clips does a grating panel need? US guide specifications call for clips no more than 4 ft (1.22 m) apart with at least four per piece, and one supplier asks for at least eight per 4 ft × 12 ft (1220 × 3660 mm) panel. Strongrate’s catalog lists six clip types, mainly stainless steel. See [fiberglass grating clips](https://www.strongrate.us/accessories/fiberglass-grating-clips/). #### What is the minimum support bearing for grating panels? One US maker’s fastener guidance calls for at least 1-1/2" (38 mm) of grating bearing on each support; check each span against the load table before fixing the panels. See [how to install fiberglass grating](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/how-to-install-fiberglass-grating/). ### Prices and buying #### What do US buyers pay for fiberglass grating per square foot? Published vendor price guides put molded grating at about $12–$18 per sq ft and pultruded at about $20–$28 (2025 or undated guides, read Oct 15, 2026); they are guide ranges, not seller quotes. Strongrate quotes per project in USD with the Incoterm stated; see [fiberglass grating price per square foot](https://www.strongrate.us/pricing/fiberglass-grating-price/). #### Why does fiberglass grating cost more than steel grating up front? One maker’s Sep 2026 cost comparison says hot-dip galvanized steel grating is often quoted 20–40% lower than an equivalent FRP panel. The case for fiberglass rests on lower weight, corrosion resistance and no repainting; see [fiberglass vs steel grating](https://www.strongrate.us/compare/fiberglass-vs-steel-grating/). #### Can I buy fiberglass grating directly from a factory in China? Yes, for container and project quantities: Strongrate grating is quoted factory-direct from Nantong and enters the US under HTS 3925.90. Each quote states its Incoterm; see [how buying direct works](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/). #### Who sells fiberglass grating from US stock? US stocking distributors and importers; much US-stocked FRP grating is itself imported. Small and urgent orders are referred to a US importer that stocks grating; see [where to buy fiberglass grating in the US](https://www.strongrate.us/fiberglass-grating-suppliers/). #### Can I get a sample before ordering a container? Yes: request one on the [samples page](https://www.strongrate.us/samples/) and check surface, color and finish before you order. ### Import and shipping #### What is the total US tariff on FRP grating from China? About 42.8% ad valorem as of Oct 2026 under HTS 3925.90.00.00: 5.3% general duty, 25% under Section 301 (List 3) and 12.5% under the Section 301 forced-labor action. Confirm current rates with your licensed customs broker; see [landed cost, duty and freight](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/landed-cost-duty-and-freight/). #### What does a 40 ft container cost to ship from China? Freightos spot rates for the week of Oct 7, 2026 were $8,319 per 40 ft container from China to the US West Coast and $9,606 to the East Coast, before US port fees, drayage and customs fees. Rates change weekly; see [landed cost, duty and freight](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/landed-cost-duty-and-freight/). ### About Strongrate #### Did Strongrate trade under another name before? Yes. Directories and trade databases list its former name, Nantong Strong World Fibre Reinforced Plastic Products Co., Ltd. (also written Nantong Strongworld FRP Products Co., Ltd.), so older records may use it; see [about Strongrate](https://www.strongrate.us/about/). #### Which certificates does Strongrate hold? DNV Type Approval TAF0000191 Rev. 1, a fire-technical approval of six grating models valid until Feb 10, 2027. Its models and ASTM E84 results are on [certifications and test reports](https://www.strongrate.us/about/certifications-and-test-reports/). ## Related pages - [Fiberglass grating technical resources](https://www.strongrate.us/resources/): Index of fiberglass grating technical resources (load tables, sizes and weights, specifications, fire ratings, how-to guides, comparisons) and the standards they cite. - [Fiberglass grating](https://www.strongrate.us/fiberglass-grating/): What fiberglass (FRP) grating is, how molded and pultruded types differ, standard panel sizes and price ranges, and the grating options Strongrate makes. - [Buying fiberglass grating direct from the factory](https://www.strongrate.us/buy-direct/): How factory-direct buying works for fiberglass grating from Nantong, China: when it fits, FOB, CIF and DDP, container orders, payment, inspection and documents, and how small or urgent orders are routed to US stock. - [Fiberglass vs steel grating](https://www.strongrate.us/compare/fiberglass-vs-steel-grating/): How fiberglass and steel grating compare on weight, corrosion, conductivity, temperature, upfront and 20-year cost and import rules, including when steel is the better choice. **Request a quote:** https://www.strongrate.us/request-quote/ · Order a sample: https://www.strongrate.us/samples/ — Send your product, quantity, ZIP code and need-by date. Quotes within 1 business day (US Central time) confirm routing and next steps. ## Sources - [DNV Type Approval Certificate TAF0000191 Rev. 1](https://www.shipserv.com/Shipserv/pages/profiles/261792/certifications/20241010142426209-DNV-GL-Certificate-GRATINGS-Strongrate.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [strongrate.com product listings (page titles)](https://www.strongrate.com/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - Strongrate product catalog “Your Best FRP Solution” (image PDF, Sep 2023), supplied by the site owner (accessed Oct 17, 2026) - [Waimaoniu case study of Strongrate (former company name)](https://www.waimaoniu.com/case/823.html) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Direct Metals, product applications](https://www.directmetals.com/resources/product-applications/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Fibergrate FAQ](https://www.fibergrate.com/resource-center/faq/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Fibergrate, Molded FRP Grating Details and Options](https://www.fibergrate.com/media/181504/molded-frp-grating-details-and-options.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Fibergrate molded grating guide specification (Section 06610)](https://www.fibergrate.com/media/180193/fibergrate-frp-molded-grating-specs.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Strongwell Section 06 74 13, FRP Molded Grating and Stair Treads specification](https://www.strongwell.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/StrongwellSpecs-Molded-Grating-and-Treads.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Strongwell Section 06 74 13 molded and pultruded grating specifications](https://www.strongwell.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/StrongwellSpecs-FRP-Pultruded-Grating-and-Treads.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Strongwell, Durability Study: Will Your 30 Year Old Grating Still Perform?](https://www.strongwell.com/durability-study-will-your-30-year-old-grating-still-perform/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [American Grating Resin Selection Guide](https://www.americangrating.com/ResinSelectionGuide.aspx) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [McNichols load table LT-M-MSS150](https://assets.mcnichols.com/content/dam/mcnichols/resources/PDF/LT-M-MSS150.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Fibergrate industrial pultruded load tables](https://www.fibergrate.com/media/181609/industrial-pultruded-load-tables.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Bedford I 15-60 load notes](https://bedfordreinforced.com/product/i-15-60/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Grating Pacific, high load capacity grating](https://gratingpacific.com/product/high-load-capacity-grating/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [U.S. Access Board, Guide to the ADA Standards, Chapter 3](https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-3-floor-and-ground-surfaces/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22, Walking-working surfaces](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.22) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [OSHA 29 CFR 1910.25, Stairways](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.25) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Direct Metals attachments and clips page](https://www.directmetals.com/products/fiberglass-grating/fiberglass-attachments-clips/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Bedford PROGrid and PROGrate Grating Catalog 2025](https://bedfordreinforced.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2118-2025-Bedford-Grating-Catalog-Whole_LR.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [FRP vendor price guides (GTO FRP 2025 guide; Income Pultrusion guide, undated)](https://incomepultrusion.com/frp-grating-price-guide/) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Fibergrate blog, FRP vs Steel Grating: The TCO Comparison (Sep 23, 2026)](https://blog.fibergrate.com/blog/frp-vs-steel-grating-the-tco-comparison) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - US import records and US seller websites, reviewed Oct 2026 (companies not named) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [CBP ruling NY L81379 (HTS 3925.90.00.00)](https://www.customsmobile.com/rulings/docview?doc_id=NY+L81379) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Wove tariff lookup, HTS 3925.90.00.00](https://tariffs.wove.com/us/tariff/3925.90.00.00) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Federal Register 2026-15181, Section 301 actions (Jul 28, 2026)](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/28/2026-15181/notice-of-actions-in-section-301-investigations-of-acts-policies-and-practices-of-various-economies) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Freightos Baltic Index, week 40 report (Oct 7, 2026)](https://sourcing.center/news/2026-10-07-freightos-fbx-week40-china-us-west-coast-8319-stable) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) - [Federal Register 2023-17724 and EPA BABA FAQs for manufacturers (Jun 2025)](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-06/baba-faqs-for-manufacturers.pdf) (accessed Oct 15, 2026) --- Fiberglass (FRP) grating made by NANTONG STRONGRATE CO.,LTD in Nantong, China. Products ship from China. Made in Nantong, China · Ships from China · HTS 3925.90.