Expanded Metal vs Perforated Sheet vs Steel Grating
Compare expanded metal, perforated sheet and steel bar grating: manufacturing, open area, strength, weight, appearance, cost and uses for walkways, screens, guards and facades.
Saudi Steel Work Editorial Team · · 3 min read
Short answer: Expanded metal is slit and stretched from a single sheet into diamond openings with no waste or welds, giving a strong, light mesh. Perforated sheet is punched with holes in patterns, giving precise appearance and open area. Steel bar grating is welded or pressure-locked bars designed for heavy walking and vehicle loads on platforms and trenches.
All three provide open-area steel, but they are made differently and suit different jobs.
Expanded metal
Made by: slitting a sheet and stretching it, forming diamond openings.
- No material waste, no welds
- Raised (standard) or flattened
- Strong for its weight
- Uses: guards, fencing, light walkways, plaster lath, filters, facades
Perforated sheet
Made by: punching holes in sheet (round, square, slotted, decorative).
- Precise patterns and open area
- Smooth flat surface
- Uses: screens, acoustic panels, ventilation, filtration, facades, machine guards
Steel bar grating
Made by: welding or press-locking bearing bars and cross bars.
- High load capacity
- Serrated options for slip resistance
- Uses: platforms, walkways, stair treads, trench covers, mezzanines
Comparison
| Factor | Expanded metal | Perforated sheet | Bar grating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Medium | Low–medium | High |
| Weight | Light | Medium | Heavier |
| Open area | Medium–high | Designable | High |
| Appearance | Textured | Precise, refined | Industrial |
| Cost | Low | Medium | Medium–high |
Materials and finishes
Mild steel, galvanized, stainless and aluminium. Outdoor and industrial uses usually need hot-dip galvanizing or stainless.
Specifying
- Expanded metal: strand width, thickness, opening size (SWD × LWD), raised or flat
- Perforated: hole shape, size, pitch, pattern, open area, sheet thickness
- Grating: bearing bar size and pitch, cross bar pitch, span direction, finish, load requirements
See our expanded metal, perforated sheet and mesh range and platforms and stairs.