Steel bar grating, a staple in industrial construction and architectural designs, varies widely in terms of its make-up and applicability. When discussing Steel bar grating, "19-W-4" is a specification that often comes to the forefront. You could say that 19-W-4 is as much the industry's standard as what 2x4 lumber is in the housing industry.

For those familiar with grating, this spec represents reliability and durability. For those new to it, P&R Metals offers a concise breakdown.

If you are interested in learning about other specifications beyond 19-W-4, view our article about the other different bar grating spacings.

At its core, 19-W-4 refers to a specific type of steel bar grating characterized by:

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2. Bearing Bar Spacing: The "19" represents the spacing in sixteenths of an inch between the centers of bearing bars, translating to 1-3/16". This spacing is chosen for its balance between structural integrity and open space. Other non 19-W-4 bearing spar spacings will also follow the 1/16" notation. For example, 38-W-4 has bearing bars at 38/16” or 2-3/8" if simplifiying to 1/8".

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4. Construction Type: The "W" indicates a welded construction method. Cross bars are resistance welded to the bearing bars at contact points, resulting in a strong bond ideal for demanding applications.

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6. Cross Bar Spacing: The number "4" denotes the center-to-center spacing of the cross bars in one inch increments, so for 19W4 materials, it would be 4” center to center.  By contrast, 19W2 would have cross rods at 2” centers. This consistent spacing ensures stability and uniform weight distribution across the grating.