Total cost of ownership favors FRP over steel in corrosive environments — lower maintenance and replacement outweigh the initial material premium over a 20-year life.
- Best for: cost comparison in procurement decisions
- Choose FRP when: lifecycle cost, not first cost, is the decision metric
- Key spec: TCO model over 20 yr; FRP no painting/rust vs steel maintenance
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
While FRP grating may have higher initial material cost than steel, the 20-year lifecycle cost is significantly lower due to zero maintenance and corrosion resistance.
Initial Cost Comparison (per m²)
- Steel Grating (galvanized): $35-50/m²
- FRP Grating (polyester): $45-65/m²
- FRP Grating (vinyl ester): $65-90/m²
Installation Cost
FRP is 75% lighter than steel, reducing installation labor by 50%. No heavy equipment needed. FRP can be cut on-site with standard tools.
Maintenance Cost (20 years)
- Steel: Repainting every 3-5 years = $15-25/m² each time. Total: $60-100/m² over 20 years
- FRP: Zero painting, zero corrosion maintenance. Total: $0
20-Year Lifecycle Cost
- Steel: $35-50 (material) + $60-100 (maintenance) + replacement = $120-180/m²
- FRP: $45-65 (material) + $0 (maintenance) + no replacement = $45-65/m²
FRP saves 40-60% over 20 years compared to steel!
Frequently Asked Questions
FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) grating is a molded or pultruded fiberglass composite grid used for corrosion-resistant walkways, platforms and floorings. It combines glass fiber reinforcement with thermoset resin (polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy) for superior strength-to-weight ratio, zero rust and 20+ year service life.



















