Getting Started with Ladder Rungs
McNICHOLS® Ladder Rungs offer durable, slip-resistant surfaces for ladder systems across industrial, commercial, utility, and infrastructure applications. Available in multiple styles and materials, these products can help enhance footing and support reliable, long-term performance in a variety of environments!
Whether you're designing new ladder systems or replacing existing components, understanding Ladder Rung types, materials, dimensions, and installation requirements will help ensure the correct product selection for your project.
Overview
Metal Ladder Rungs feature engineered walking surfaces that provide additional traction and improved safety during ascent and descent. Many Ladder Rung options are manufactured using Plank Grating technologies that offer slip-resistant surfaces, open construction for drainage, strong load-carrying capabilities, long service life, and low maintenance.
How to Specify and Order Ladder Rungs
At McNICHOLS, we are proud to stock a wide variety of Ladder Rung solutions. Determining the best option for your project depends on a variety of needs. That's why we've created this helpful guide to support confident Ladder Rung selection and project planning.
Application
When choosing the right Ladder Rung for your project, we recommend beginning with the intended application. Common applications for Ladder Rungs include rooftop access ladders, truck or emergency vehicle steps, covers over existing solid Ladder Rungs, and more.
Environmental conditions such as moisture, chemical exposure, and load requirements may influence material, surface profile, and product finish selections. We also encourage you to consider loading, span, support, and attachment requirements when selecting a Ladder Rung to help identify the right fit for your application. Our knowledgeable Customer Service Specialists are ready to assist with identifying a product suited to your project needs!
Construction Type
McNICHOLS® Ladder Rungs are available in three construction types to support a variety of project needs. Ladder Rung Planks are formed metal rungs designed for use as ladder steps, while Extruded Ladder Rung Planks are manufactured from extruded Aluminum for a strong, lightweight construction. Ladder Rung Cover Planks are designed to fit over existing rungs, providing a practical retrofit option when additional slip resistance is desired.
Series Type & Name
After determining whether your project calls for Ladder Rung Plank, Extruded Ladder Rung Plank, or Ladder Rung Cover Plank, select the series type and name available for your chosen construction type. Ladder Rung Plank is available in GRIP STRUT® and TRACTION TREAD™ series, each offering distinct construction and surface profile characteristics. Extruded Ladder Rung Plank is available in the DIAMONDBACK® series, while Ladder Rung Cover Plank is available in the GRIP TIGHT® series. If you are unsure which series is right for your application, our knowledgeable Hole Team is ready to help!
GRIP STRUT®
Manufactured from the same slip-resistant technology used in GRIP STRUT® Plank Grating, these Ladder Rungs feature a one-diamond serrated walking surface engineered to provide heavy-duty traction in industrial or high-slip environments. The open design allows water, dirt, grease, and debris to pass through the surface, helping reduce accumulation and support more secure footing in changing environments.
Available in Carbon Steel and Galvanized Steel for added protection, GRIP STRUT® Ladder Rungs feature a 1-1/8" channel depth and a standard 2-1/2" width and are available in 120" lengths or custom-cut lengths. Reverse diamond configurations and optional radius-cut ends are also available for specialized ladder designs.
Benefits at a glance:
- Serrated surface profile for heavy-duty traction and slip resistance
- Open drainage pattern for self-cleaning design
- Custom lengths available to meet project requirements
TRACTION TREAD™
TRACTION TREAD™ Ladder Rungs combine a perforated walking surface with raised traction buttons designed to improve grip and provide secure footing while climbing. Available with 2-Row, 3-Row, or 4-Row button configurations, these Ladder Rungs provide a balance of comfort, safety, and durability.
Manufactured in Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Stainless Steel, TRACTION TREAD™ Ladder Rungs are available in widths ranging from 1-1/4" to 2-1/4" and channel depths of 1-1/8" and 1-1/2". Open area ranges from 2% to 4%, providing enhanced traction while maintaining structural integrity.
Benefits at a glance:
- Slip-resistant button-top surface
- Durable construction
- Corrosion-resistant material options
- Custom lengths available to meet project requirements
DIAMONDBACK®
DIAMONDBACK® Extruded Ladder Rung Planks are manufactured from extruded Aluminum and feature diamond-serrated ridges for enhanced footing. Available in both diamond-vented and solid configurations, these Ladder Rungs provide a strong, lightweight solution for fixed ladder systems where corrosion resistance and long-term durability are important considerations.
With a channel depth of approximately 1.390", a width of 1-13/16", and standard lengths up to 144", DIAMONDBACK® Ladder Rungs deliver dependable performance while reducing overall system weight.
Benefits at a glance:
- Lightweight extruded Aluminum construction
- Diamond-Serrated slip-resistant surface
- Available in vented and solid configurations
- Corrosion-resistant
- Long span lengths available
- High strength-to-weight ratio
GRIP TIGHT®
GRIP TIGHT® Ladder Rung Cover Planks are designed to add a slip-resistant walking surface to existing ladder systems. Manufactured from Galvanized Steel and coated with Aluminum Oxide Grit, these covers provide a durable, slip-resistant surface retrofit for existing ladders.
Available in 3/4" and 1" channel depths and supplied in 120" lengths or custom-cut lengths, GRIP TIGHT® Ladder Rung Covers offer an efficient retrofit solution when additional slip resistance is required without replacing existing ladder components.
Benefits at a glance:
- Aluminum Oxide Grit slip-resistant surface
- Ideal for retrofit applications
- Galvanized Steel construction
- Available in multiple channel depths
- Cut-to-length capabilities
Primary Material & Finish
Select the primary material type, including Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Stainless Steel. Inventory is typically mill finish unless otherwise specified. We provide more information on primary material types and product finishes in our Primary Material Types Chart.
Material selection should align with environmental exposure and performance requirements.
Aluminum: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and lightweight handling characteristics. Common applications for Aluminum Ladder Rungs may be water treatment facilities, outdoor installations, or utility access systems where lightweight but strong construction is a priority.
Carbon Steel: Offers reliable strength and value. It is commonly used in manufacturing facilities, industrial plants, and general-purpose ladder systems where structural and load-bearing performance is a priority.
Galvanized Steel: Combines Carbon Steel strength with enhanced corrosion protection. This finished material is well suited for outdoor environments, utility installations, and critical infrastructure projects where low maintenance and long-term durability are essential.
Stainless Steel: Provides superior corrosion resistance, long-term durability, and ease of maintenance. Stainless Steel Ladder Rungs are commonly used in food and chemical processing environments, marine applications, and areas exposed to frequent wash down or cleaning.
Alloy, Grade, or Type
Choose a secondary material characteristic that applies to your application. A specific material alloy, grade, or type can be an important consideration in your product selection. Factors like temperature, corrosion resistance, and environmental surroundings can be important variables to consider prior to placing your order.
- TRACTION TREAD™: Alloy 5052-H32, Hot Rolled Pickled & Oiled, Pre-Galvanized, Type 304, and Type 306
- GRIP STRUT®: Alloy 5052-H32, Hot Rolled Pickled & Oiled, and Pre-Galvanized
- DIAMONDBACK®: Alloy 6061-T6
- GRIP TIGHT®: Pre-Galvanized
Gauge/Thickness
Decide what material gauge number or thickness in inches is right for your project. Extruded products do not have an actual gauge due to the manufacturing process. These items are specified as an extrusion. McNICHOLS® Ladder Rungs are available in several widths, depths, and lengths depending on product type.
- TRACTION TREAD™: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4" Width, 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" Depth
- GRIP STRUT®: 2-1/2" Width, 1-1/8" Depth
- DIAMONDBACK®: 1-3/16" Width, 1.390" Depth
- GRIP TIGHT®: 15/16" Width, 3/4" or 1" Depth
Surface Profile
Choose the surface profile for your application. A surface profile includes the number of openings to the width, the type of opening, and the width (measured in inches) of the Ladder Rung Plank or Ladder Rung Cover Plank. Widths range from 15/16" to 2-½" depending on the surface profile.
Surface selection directly impacts worker safety. The traction patterns available in many Ladder Rung styles help improve footing while reducing debris accumulation. Common considerations include slip resistance requirements, exposure to water or oils, outdoor conditions, maintenance accessibility, and OSHA or site-specific safety requirements. McNICHOLS® Ladder Rungs come in several surface profiles so that you can choose one best suited to your project needs!
Button Surface: TRACTION TREAD™ Ladder Rungs utilize raised traction buttons that provide secure footing while maintaining a comfortable climbing surface and drainage capabilities.
Serrated Surface: GRIP STRUT® and DIAMONDBACK® Ladder Rungs feature serrated traction patterns designed to maximize grip in wet, oily, or dirty environments.
Grit Surface: GRIP TIGHT® Ladder Rung Covers use a bonded Aluminum Oxide Grit coating that creates a highly slip-resistant, coarse, retrofit solution.
TRACTION TREAD™ Ladder Rung Plank
DIAMONDBACK® Extruded Ladder Rung Plank
Diamond-Vented
1-13/16" Wide
Solid
1-13/16" Wide
GRIP TIGHT® Ladder Rung Cover Plank
Channel Depth
Select the corresponding channel depth for your surface profile selection. Available depths vary by series and construction type, so consider your application, existing ladder configuration, and installation requirements when making your selection. Our knowledgeable Hole Team is ready to help identify an option suited to your project needs.
Percent Open Area
Choose the percentage of open area appropriate for your Ladder Rung construction type. Percent open area may be an important consideration for drainage, debris passage, and other application requirements. Open area percentages range from 0% to 39% depending on the construction type and surface profile selected.
Product Size & Quantity
Identify the required quantity and cut-to-size lengths for your Ladder Rungs. Please provide as much project information as possible, including desired ladder width, clear rung span, material type, surface profile, and mounting requirements. These details help our knowledgeable Hole Team support accurate product selection, quotation, and order fulfillment.
Special Requirements
Last but not least, it’s important to specify any requirements such as non-standard tolerances or unique cut-to-size requirements.
For projects requiring custom dimensions, fabrication, or unique mounting configurations, McNICHOLS is pleased to offer Value-Added Services to support projects at every stage. Available services include:
- Fabrication Services
- Cut-to-Size Services
- Finishing Services
- Project Services
- Blueprint Takeoffs & Drawings
Our knowledgeable Hole Team is ready to assist with evaluating your application requirements and identifying a Ladder Rung solution suited to your project. We invite you to contact us today at 813.466.6979, [email protected], or Live Chat to discuss your specifications and experience the McNICHOLS Difference!