Custom plastic gratings
Standard sizes rarely fit perfectly. For platforms, walkways, or structures with non-standard dimensions or obstacles, you need gratings that fit precisely. Custom GFRP gratings are the ideal solution. In this blog, we explain what custom plastic gratings involve, how you can cut a grating to size yourself, and when it is smarter to outsource the work.
What is customisation for plastic gratings?
FlexxCon keeps FRP gratings in stock in standard commercial sizes. Customisation means that we adapt these standard panels to your specific situation. In practice, this involves three types of processing:
- Cutting to size: reducing the grating to the exact dimensions of the platform, walkway, or deck.
- Creating cut-outs (openings): straight, angled, or round cut-outs around pipes, beams, columns, or other obstacles.
- Finishing the cut edges: the sawn edges are treated with a coating to protect and seal the exposed glass fibres.
Customisation is mainly used in applications where standard sizes are simply not sufficient:
- Grating floors on platforms in the (process) industry
- Walkways in the food and process industry
- Platforms and jetties at water authorities or offshore locations
- Walkways and jetties in marinas
- Trenches with pipe penetrations
Custom FRP Solutions by FlexxCon
Do you have complex custom requirements, multiple panels at once, or a project with a tight schedule? Then it pays to outsource the custom work. FlexxCon delivers gratings cut to size, including cut-outs and finishing, ready for immediate installation.
The benefits at a glance:
- No dust nuisance on-site, all processing takes place in our workshop
- Less waste and residual material on the construction site
- Faster installation because panels fit perfectly right away
- Clean finishing with coated cut edges to prevent fibre exposure
- Optimised layout plan, so you don’t purchase more material than necessary
Would you prefer to supply your own cutting schedule, or have FlexxCon create a layout plan for you? Both are possible. Based on your drawings or measurements, we determine together the most efficient layout.
Request your custom quote here
Cutting Plastic Gratings to Size Yourself
A major advantage of GFRP compared to steel is that you can process it yourself on-site. No acetylene torch, no shower of sparks, and no welding permit required. Standard woodworking tools will take you a long way. In practice, this is often done during installation, for example to adjust panels for a perfect fit or to create last-minute cut-outs.
However, there are a few things you should know to achieve a clean result and work safely.
When cutting plastic gratings, use a circular saw or jigsaw with a blade suitable for composite materials or hardwood. Secure the panel firmly and make a smooth, continuous cut without forcing or twisting. A practical tip: cut the gratings in such a way that closed mesh edges remain around the perimeter. This results in a much neater appearance and prevents sharp, half-open meshes at the edges.
Safety when working with FRP
When sawing, drilling, or grinding FRP, fine glass fibre dust is released. This can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Therefore, using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential:
- Dust mask (at least FFP2)
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Protective work clothing
Preferably work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and capture dust at the source as much as possible. For more recommendations, read our document “Processing GFRP gratings”.
