Pedestrian grating spacing should balance comfortable, accessible openings with the drainage, airflow and structural needs of the application.

Why Grating Spacing Matters

Bar grating is an open surface by design, but not every opening pattern works equally well in a pedestrian setting. Pedestrian grating spacing affects how the surface feels underfoot, how easily wheels and mobility aids can cross it, and how much air or water can pass through.

The goal is to choose a configuration that works for the entire application rather than looking at opening size alone.

Start With Bearing Bar Spacing

Bearing bars run in the direction of the span and carry most of the load. Moving them closer together generally creates smaller openings and can increase load capacity, although bar size, span and other design factors also affect structural performance.

For sidewalks, plazas and other public spaces, closer pedestrian grating spacing can also provide a more comfortable surface for people using wheelchairs, walkers, canes or narrow-heeled footwear.

Borden offers pressure locked grating with centre-to-centre spacing starting as small as 13/32 inch, with a 7/32 inch clear opening.

Cross Bars Matter Too

Cross bars connect the bearing bars and help create the grid pattern. Their spacing affects the size and shape of the openings as well as the overall feel of the walking surface.

Borden sidewalk grating is available in different bearing-bar and cross-bar configurations so designers can balance pedestrian comfort with required free-air and drainage capacity.

Balance Open Area With the Application

Tighter spacing is not automatically better. A sidewalk grate located above a ventilation opening may need enough open area to maintain airflow. A drainage application needs enough space for water to pass efficiently.

That means pedestrian grating spacing should account for:

• Pedestrian traffic and mobility devices
• Required drainage or ventilation
• Clear span and expected loads
• Direction of travel
• Maintenance and debris accumulation

Check Accessibility Requirements

Where grating forms part of an accessible route, opening dimensions and orientation may be regulated. Accessibility Standards Canada specifies that openings in accessible outdoor surfaces should not allow a 13 mm sphere to pass through and that elongated openings should run perpendicular or diagonal to the direction of travel.

Project-specific building codes, accessibility requirements and municipal standards should always be confirmed before the grating configuration is finalized.

Choosing the Right Configuration

The best spacing is the one that balances pedestrian use with the structural and functional requirements below the surface. Borden has manufactured bar-on-edge grating in Beeton, Ontario, since 1955 and offers a range of configurations for pedestrian applications.

Explore our sidewalk grating options, read our complete sidewalk grating guide [LINK COMING SOON], or contact Borden to discuss pedestrian grating spacing for your project.

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