Expanded Steel Grating

Length 8'x4' and more
Diameter See pages 45 à 47
Colors Non painted / galvanised
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FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Expanded Steel

Expanded steel is a steel sheet that has been slit and stretched to form a regular diamond pattern. This process creates a strong and lightweight material without welding or significant material loss.

Thanks to its open structure, expanded steel provides excellent mechanical strength while allowing the circulation of air, light, and liquids. It is commonly used in industrial, architectural, and safety applications.

Our expanded steel sheets are generally available in standard panels of 8′ x 4′ (2.44 m x 1.22 m) and larger.

Several models are available depending on:

  • the diamond size
  • the thickness of the metal
  • the required rigidity
  • the type of application

To view the exact models and their technical specifications, we invite you to consult pages 45 to 47 of our catalogue or contact our team.

Our expanded metals are notably offered with a small diamond design.

This type of pattern is particularly appreciated for:

  • Protective grilles
  • Industrial walkways
  • Ventilation panels
  • Architectural elements
  • Structures requiring good rigidity

The size of the diamonds directly influences the strength, weight, and transparency of the material.

Two main categories of expanded steel are commonly used:

Standard expanded steel

Lighter, it is often used for decorative applications, grilles, protective panels, or ventilation panels.

Structural expanded steel

Thicker and more robust, it is designed to support heavier loads. It is frequently used in industrial flooring, walkways, platforms, or certain mechanical structures.

Like many of our construction and fabrication steel products, our expanded steel sheets are available in two main finishes:

Unpainted steel

Ideal for projects that require further processing, painting, or additional treatment.

Galvanized steel

Coated with a protective layer of zinc, it provides excellent corrosion resistance and is perfectly suited for outdoor applications or humid environments.

Unlike wire mesh, which is made from welded or woven wires, expanded steel is produced from a single sheet of steel that is slit and stretched.

This manufacturing method creates a more rigid and durable material, without welded points that could weaken the structure.

Expanded steel is therefore often preferred for industrial applications requiring greater strength and durability.

Expanded steel is used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications:

  • Industrial walkways and platforms
  • Safety grilles
  • Ventilation panels
  • Fences and mechanical protection
  • Stairs and technical flooring
  • Architectural and decorative elements

Its strength and open structure make it a highly versatile material.

Selecting the right expanded steel depends on several technical parameters that influence its strength, rigidity, and appearance.

Here are the main elements to consider:

Model

Each model corresponds to a specific configuration of diamonds and thickness. The model directly influences the panel’s strength, weight, and potential use in industrial, architectural, or safety applications.

Weight (lb / 100 sq. ft.)

The weight per 100 square feet helps evaluate the mass of the material. Heavier expanded steel generally provides better mechanical resistance and is more suitable for structural applications such as walkways or platforms.

Total thickness

The thickness of the expanded metal influences its rigidity and its ability to support loads. Thicker models are preferred for industrial applications requiring greater strength.

Diamond dimensions

The size of the openings (SWD and LWD) determines the level of airflow, light passage, and drainage, but also the safety of the material. Smaller diamonds offer better protection, while larger openings improve ventilation and reduce panel weight.

Number of diamonds per square foot

This parameter indicates the density of the pattern. A higher number of diamonds per square foot generally means a tighter and more rigid structure.

If you are unsure which expanded steel model is best suited for your project, our team can help you select the most appropriate product based on the intended use, load requirements, and installation environment.

Yes. Depending on the model selected and current inventory availability, expanded steel can be cut to meet the specific needs of your project.

Our team can also help you determine the most suitable expanded metal for your application.

Yes. Acier Groupe David offers fast and reliable delivery for expanded steel sheets.

We can deliver directly to your job site, workshop, or any location of your choice throughout Estrie and Montérégie. Thanks to our fleet of trucks adapted for transporting metal materials, we ensure safe and timely deliveries.

Depending on your location and product availability, some orders may even be delivered as soon as the next day.

The price of expanded steel can vary depending on several factors:

  • The selected model
  • The thickness of the metal
  • The diamond size
  • The finish (raw steel or galvanized)
  • The quantity ordered

To obtain an accurate price for your project, we recommend requesting a personalized quote from our team.