The short answer:

If you’re comparing GRP vs steel costs for your next project, you might assume that GRP is the more expensive option. But that’s not usually the case. The upfront cost of many Ezi Klamp GRP products is broadly comparable to steel – however, when you take into account the facts that GRP doesn’t need to be earthed, is corrosion resistant, and requires very little maintenance, its whole-life cost is significantly lower. That makes our GRP handrails, GRP fencing, GRP grating, and GRP access platforms a practical and cost-effective choice for busy environments like rail, utilities, water, and infrastructure.

If you’re specifying access platforms, fencing, grating, or handrail systems for your site, cost will always be a key consideration. One of the most common questions we get asked is whether GRP really carries a higher price tag than steel, or if there’s more to the comparison than first meets the eye.

Steel is widely used and often seen as the default material for industrial access and safety systems. But when you factor in installation, earthing, corrosion protection, repainting, and long-term maintenance, the costs soon add up.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the common myths surrounding GRP vs steel costs, so you can specify the best solution for your site.

Myth 1: GRP is always more expensive than steel

Upfront cost is probably one of the first things you’ll look at when choosing between GRP and steel. GRP can sound like a specialist material, so many people assume it comes with a specialist price tag. But when you compare the price of the total system, the upfront cost is often broadly similar to steel.

For example, a steel platform, walkway, or fencing system may incur additional costs for painting, galvanising, earthing, corrosion protection, and future maintenance. These costs aren’t always obvious when you first look at the quotation, but they can make a significant dent in your budget later down the line.

On the other hand, GRP gives you many of these long-term benefits from the start. It’s completely resistant to corrosion, non-conductive, lightweight, and requires minimal maintenance, making it cheaper to own and maintain over its lifespan.

In summary: don’t immediately dismiss GRP as the more expensive option. In many cases, the upfront cost is similar to steel, and it can cost less to own over time.

Myth 2: steel gives better value because it is stronger

Strength matters when you’re specifying access platforms, walkways, steps, grating, or fencing for your site. But value isn’t just about strength – it’s about whether the system will continue to perform safely in the intended environment.

Steel systems can be exceptionally strong, but if they’re being installed in a corrosive or demanding setting, then you may need to invest in ongoing protection. If the coatings become damaged or impacted by corrosion, then you could end up paying for expensive repair work or replacements.

GRP offers a different kind of value. It’s still extremely strong but is up to 75% lighter than steel, making it much easier to transport, handle, and install. Its corrosion-resistant and non-conductive properties make it ideal for harsh environments like water treatment works, rail sites, substations, utility sites, and chemical facilities, with minimal maintenance required.

In summary: steel may be strong, but GRP offers better value if you’re placing the system in a high-impact environment that’s exposed to harsh weather conditions and/or chemicals.

Myth 3: earthing is only a minor cost

Earthing may seem like a small detail when comparing GRP vs steel costs. But if you’re working in an electrical, rail, utility, or water treatment facility, then earthing can incur additional costs at several stages of the project.

If you specify steel in an environment where earthing is required, you may need to allow extra budget for design work, additional components, installation labour, testing, inspection, and future maintenance checks. You may also need to coordinate the earthing requirements with your other contractors, which can make installation more complex and expensive.

GRP is non-conductive and suitable for use around substations, high-voltage equipment, trackside areas, or utility assets where electrical safety is critical. Its lack of conductivity means it doesn’t need to be earthed in the same way as steel, helping to reduce both your short-term and long-term costs.

In summary: GRP can help you avoid additional design, installation, and maintenance costs by removing the need for earthing in electrically sensitive environments.

Myth 4: whole-life cost is only important on large projects

Whole-life cost matters on every project, whether you’re installing a single access platform or a full boundary fencing system. Keeping your long-term costs down makes it easier to manage your budget over the lifespan of your asset and avoid any expensive surprises – regardless of how big or small your project is.

Steel systems incur several long-term costs that can continue well beyond installation. These may include:

Regular inspection and maintenance
Repainting or recoating
Corrosion repairs
Labour costs for maintenance and repair work
Operational downtime for repairs
Potential replacement of components

GRP, however, has minimal ongoing costs. It doesn’t require repainting or recoating, so you avoid the expense of materials and labour. It will not rust or degrade in the same way as steel, which reduces the need for inspections and costly repair work. And because it’s non-conductive, you don’t need to pay to maintain earthing systems over time.

In summary: GRP offers a much lower whole-life cost than steel, which is an important consideration for all types of schemes.

How Ezi Klamp’s GRP products help reduce your long-term costs

So, is GRP cheaper than steel? When you factor in installation, maintenance, and long-term performance, it’s clear to see that GRP always comes out on top.

Our GRP products are designed to give you long-term value from day one. Our GRP access platforms, grating, handrails, and fencing systems are totally resistant to corrosion, non-conductive, lightweight, and low maintenance, helping to reduce your ongoing costs and giving you better cost efficiency than steel products. This makes our systems ideal for demanding environments like rail, utilities, water treatment, and infrastructure where budgets need to be carefully controlled.

FAQs

Is GRP cheaper than steel?

The upfront cost of GRP is often similar to steel, depending on the system and specification. But you’re more likely to really see those cost benefits over time, because GRP requires very little ongoing maintenance or repair work.

What does GRP whole-life cost mean?

GRP whole-life cost is the total cost of the system over its entire service life. This includes the upfront purchase price, installation, maintenance, repairs, downtime, and future replacement costs.

Does GRP need to be earthed?

GRP is non-conductive, which means it does not conduct electricity in the same way as steel. This removes the need for earthing, in turn eliminating the associated design, installation, inspection, and maintenance costs.

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GRP myths: is GRP more expensive than steel?