Chequered Plates
Chequered plate is steel plate with a raised diamond or lentil pattern rolled into its surface, giving slip resistance on foot traffic areas without a separate coating or coarse finish. NLS sources chequered plate to ASTM A786, in standard base thicknesses from 3mm to 12mm, mild steel and hot-dip galvanized, sized to stair treads, platform flooring, and ramp panels.
Chequered plate, also called tread plate or diamond plate, is flat steel with a raised pattern, usually diamonds or lentils, rolled into the surface during manufacture rather than added afterward. The raised pattern breaks up an otherwise smooth steel surface enough to give slip resistance underfoot or under a vehicle tire, without needing a separate anti-slip coating that wears off or a coarse finish that's harder to clean and walk on.
NLS sources chequered plate to ASTM A786, the specification covering rolled steel floor plate with a raised pattern. Base thickness (measured excluding the raised pattern) typically runs from 3mm for light-duty flooring up to 12mm for heavier platform and vehicle-rated applications, with the pattern height adding a small amount on top of that. Material is mild steel, supplied painted or hot-dip galvanized for outdoor and corrosion-exposed use, and stainless steel where the application needs it. Panels are supplied as standard mill sheets or cut to size against a flooring or ramp layout.
On Saudi projects, chequered plate shows up as stair tread covers, platform and mezzanine flooring where a solid, non-draining surface is wanted (unlike grating), vehicle ramp surfaces, and equipment step or access panels. It's chosen over grating specifically where drainage isn't needed and a solid underfoot surface, still with slip resistance, is the better fit.
NLS quotes chequered plate against thickness, dimensions, and finish, and returns a priced quote in USD. Standard mild steel panels in common thicknesses typically source fastest, while galvanized finishes on large panel runs or stainless steel plate more often carry a mill or stockist lead time confirmed at quote stage.
Specifications
- ✓Standard referenced: ASTM A786
- ✓Pattern: raised diamond or lentil pattern rolled into the surface
- ✓Base thickness range: 3mm to 12mm (excluding pattern height)
- ✓Material: mild steel (painted or hot-dip galvanized), stainless steel on request
- ✓Format: standard mill sheets or cut to size
- ✓Typical use: stair tread covers, solid platform flooring, vehicle ramp surfaces
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between chequered plate and steel grating for flooring?+
Chequered plate is a solid steel panel with a raised anti-slip pattern, no drainage through it. Grating is an open-mesh panel that drains liquid and passes light through. The choice comes down to whether the application needs a solid surface or drainage and ventilation.
What thickness of chequered plate is used for stair treads versus vehicle ramps?+
Lighter base thicknesses, around 3mm to 6mm, suit stair tread covers and pedestrian flooring, while vehicle-rated ramps and heavier platform applications typically need thicknesses toward the 8mm to 12mm range. The exact thickness should match the load case.
Does NLS supply galvanized chequered plate for outdoor use?+
Yes. Chequered plate is available painted or hot-dip galvanized for outdoor and corrosion-exposed applications, and in stainless steel where the environment or the application requires it.