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How Are Bar Grating Stair Treads Made?

Whether you're ordering prefabricated Stair Treads or building them onsite, there are three essential components of Bar Grating Stair Treads.

Stair Tread Components

When it comes to prefabricated Bar Grating Stair Treads, McNICHOLS carries a wide range of material types and accessories that can be assembled into several different styles.

Bar Grating Stair Treads are some of the most hardworking Hole Products, offering superior slip resistance and durability in the most extreme conditions. Today, we are sharing the essential components of a Bar Grating Stair Tread.

An up-close image of Bar Grating Stair Treads in use.
McNICHOLS® Bar Grating Stair Treads in use.

1. Grating for Bar Grating Stair Treads

Grating is the primary component that bears the weight in McNICHOLS® Bar Grating Stair Treads. It should be noted that a Grating's load capacity can differ depending on its length (for Treads, this is usually determined by the width of the staircase). Therefore, it's important to consider material and construction type when assessing the strength of a Stair Tread. Proper load tables should always be consulted prior to installation.

There are several types of Bar Grating, including Welded, Heavy-Duty Welded, Swage-Locked, and Press-Locked. Page 38 of the McNICHOLS® Master Catalog includes a helpful Stair Tread selection guide based on construction type.

If you are unsure which construction type to select, our guide for choosing the right grating has some helpful tips. As always, our team of knowledgeable associates are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding your Stair Tread project at 800.237.3820.

A Bar Grating Stair Tread render with Checkered Plate Nosing.
Checkered Plate Nosing
A Bar Grating Stair Tread render with Corrugated Nosing.
Corrugated Nosing
A Bar Grating Stair Tread render with Cast Abrasive Nosing.
Cast Abrasive Nosing

2. Nosing for Bar Grating Stair Treads

For Bar Grating Stair Treads, Nosing is a strip of metal welded to the first bearing bar parallel to the length that forms the leading edge of the Tread. Stair Nosing is intended to help with slip resistance and step sightlines. McNICHOLS provides three main types of Bar Grating Nosing:

  • Checkered Plate is our most popular Nosing, featuring a distinct textured surface. This Nosing is usually supplied in Steel materials, including Carbon (Plain) Steel and Stainless Steel.
  • Corrugated Nosing is stocked in Aluminum and includes ridges or grooves on its surface.
  • Cast Abrasive Nosing is an Aluminum product that is manually fastened to the top surface of a 90-degree angle.
A drawing of Bar Grating with carrier plates and nosing, illustrating a Stair tread.
The components that make up a Bar Grating Stair Tread.

3. Carrier Plates for Bar Grating Stair Treads

Carrier Plates for Bar Grating, also called End Plates, are rectangular-shaped pieces of metal. They are designed to be welded to the open ends of Bar Grating bearing bars, perpendicular to the length (span) of the Stair Tread.
Our Carrier Plates have a pre-drilled mounting slot and bolt hole allowing the Stair Tread to be fastened to stringers or structural risers. If desired, Stair Treads may also be welded directly to structural supports.

We’re Here to Help!

Durable Grating, slip-resistant Nosing, and secure Carrier Plates to create your perfect Bar Grating Stair Treads are all available separately from our vast inventory. McNICHOLS also houses a variety of pre-assembled Bar Grating Stair Treads in stock, or we can quickly fabricate them to your exact specifications.

In addition to those made from Bar Grating, we supply Stair Tread options for Plank Grating and Fiberglass Grating too!

If you still have questions or would like personalized assistance with your Stair Tread project, we are available to support you at 855.318.8791, [email protected], or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.