Plastic Grates FAQs

⤋ What are PlasTEAK Grates?

PlasTEAK Grates are the ideal choice for decks, docks, walkways, in the home and around pools and spas. PlasTEAK Grates have a unique polymer panel that allows water, debris, and sunlight to pass through your walking surface; keeping your walking surface clean. Sunlight and water penetration in concert helps to keep vegetation alive, helping to minimize the effect of your walking surface on the environment. Now there’s a new way to increase the usable space in your home with the PlasTEAK Grate system. Ventilated panels keep air flowing while allowing you to walk freely throughout your attic and increase storage space.

⤋ What colors do PlasTEAK Grates come in?

PlasTEAK Grates are currently offered in three colors: Off-White, Gray, or Tan. Color is consistent through the entire material.

⤋ Are PlasTEAK Grates made of recycled materials?

PlasTEAK Grates are made from virgin plastic, reinforced with fibreglass, and contain no recycled materials. The use of premium virgin plastic allows PlasTEAK to offer increased load bearing and flexural stiffness properties. This allows the PlasTEAK Grates to be used on 16” centers, like most existing structures, without the need for further support. PlasTEAK Grates are recyclable (subject to local regulations).

⤋ What sizes do PlasTEAK Grates come in?

PlasTEAK is currently offered in three sizes; Three Foot Panels (12″ x 36″), Four Foot Panels (12″ x 48″) and Five Foot Panels (12″ x 60″).

The three-foot panels are meant to cover approximately 36 inches in length and 12 inches in width with a product thickness of approximately 1.25 inches.

The four-foot panels are meant to cover approximately 48 inches in length and 12 inches in width with a product thickness of approximately 1.25 inches.

The five-foot panels are meant to cover approximately 60 inches in length and 12 inches in width with a product thickness of approximately 1.25 inches.

⤋ Will the color of PlasTEAK Grates change?

PlasTEAK Grates should not change color significantly (more than 15% from new) over the first 7 years of exposure.

⤋ Do PlasTEAK Grates come with a warranty?

Yes, PlasTEAK Grates have a limited warranty. The limited warranty offers coverage against material defects in workmanship and materials, and against rot, decay and termite damage. The total life expectancy for PlasTEAK Grates is currently undetermined. Accelerated age testing is ongoing and to date we know of no environmental factors that harm or cause significant deterioration to PlasTEAK Grates.

⤋ How do I dispose of PlasTEAK Grates? Can it be taken to a landfill?

PlasTEAK Grates contain no toxic preservatives and are recyclable. Please consult your local authorities on whether you need to recycle PlasTEAK Grates as construction waste or dispose of with regular waste.

⤋ What types of fasteners are recommended for PlasTEAK Grates?

We recommend high quality screws such as #10 or #12 pan head stainless steel screws, to take advantage of PlasTEAK’s longevity. Pre-drilling is not required as the holes are molded in with a countersink for your convenience, also the holes are on corners and every 16 inches on center. Screws should be clear through the panel and fastened into the material of your structural frame. Remember not to tighten the screw down to allow for expansion or contraction.

⤋ Are PlasTEAK Grates structural?

No. While PlasTEAK Grates are tough and durable, it does not have the same stiffness as wood. Therefore, it is not intended for use as a load-bearing structural member.

⤋ What joist spans should I use for my dock, deck or walkway when using PlasTEAK Grates?

For PlasTEAK Grates, the joist spacing should be 18″ on center for 3ft grates, 16″ on center for 4ft grates, and 15″ on center for 5ft grates, which is the same span generally recommended for wood. Special applications/loading conditions will require engineering analysis and/or reduced spans, please consult and adhere to your local building code.

⤋ Do PlasTEAK Grates require gapping between panels?

Yes, in both directions. While PlasTEAK Grates will not shrink or swell due to changes in moisture, changes in temperature will cause slight expansion/contraction. Therefore, gapping is required both side-to-side and at the panel ends to allow for thermal expansion/contraction. Rules of Thumb: PlasTEAK Grates should be allowed to grow a minimum of 1/16″ in total length (1/32” each end) and 1/32” in total width (1/64” per side) for every 30°F difference between installation temperature and the hottest temperature expected.

⤋ Can PlasTEAK Grates be painted or stained?

It is not recommended to paint or stain PlasTEAK Grates. Stain will not penetrate well and paint will not adhere well to the panel.

⤋ Do PlasTEAK Grates provide good traction?

PlasTEAK’s entire walking surface has a knurled finish for slip resistance and has been tested to provide a 0.78 static coefficient of friction.

⤋ Can PlasTEAK Grates be used in full ground contact? Is treating required?

PlasTEAK Grates are ideal for ground contact applications such as walkways and in-ground pool surrounds. PlasTEAK is resistant to rot and insects, and absolutely no treating is required.