McNichols for Every Need: Choosing Between Stair Treads, Wire Mesh, and Other Options
No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
Honestly, when people ask me what the best McNichols product is, I can't give a single answer. It depends on what you're trying to do. Are you building a catwalk for heavy foot traffic? Looking for security mesh for a warehouse? Or maybe you're just trying to figure out how to clean your shower head with vinegar. (I'll get to that last one, I promise.) There's no universal 'best' product. This is a classic 'it depends' scenario, so let's break it down by situation.
Scenario A: High-Traffic Industrial Walkways and Mezzanines
If you're dealing with forklifts, heavy foot traffic, or a mezzanine in a factory, your main concern is durability and slip resistance. This is where McNichols stair treads and plank grating come into play.
What to Look For
McNichols stair treads are a great choice for steps, but for a full walkway platform, you might consider open-grate steel or aluminum plank grating. The key is the load rating. For industrial use, you need something that can handle the specified load (e.g., 100 psf for a mezzanine).
A Cost-Conscious Alternative
Don't overlook the catalog's standard options. In my experience, custom orders can be 20-40% more expensive. For example, I once specified a custom-length panel and later found a standard 10-foot length that worked perfectly. (Ugh, that was a lesson in patience.) The extra $300 I spent on cutting and customization was a rookie mistake. The standard product often does the job just fine, and it's a fraction of the cost.
Scenario B: Security, Shelving, and Material Handling
For security doors, window guards, or warehouse shelving, McNichols wire mesh is the obvious choice. But even within wire mesh, there are layers of decision.
Mesh Type Matters
Mesh top (or welded wire mesh) is excellent for enclosures where you need to see through the barrier. It's fairly easy to cut and install, too. I've used it for several security cages. However, if you need to store small parts or prevent items from rolling through, you might need a smaller mesh size or a perforated metal sheet.
The Vendor Trap (That I've Fallen Into)
When I first started ordering wire mesh, I assumed all suppliers were similar. Not true. I once ordered a 4x8 sheet of 1/2-inch mesh from a new vendor. It looked okay, but the mesh spacing was inconsistent—some openings were 1/2 inch, others were 5/8 inch. The parts I was storing started to fall through. The inventory for that project was a mess (unfortunately). I had to replace the whole panel. So now, I always check the tolerances on the McNichols invoice or catalog to ensure the 'standard' spec meets my needs.
Scenario C: Architectural Features and Aesthetic Applications
Sometimes you need McNichols wire mesh or perforated panels for a lobby feature, partition, or sunshade. Here, looks matter, and you might be dealing with a designer. In this scenario, you might be less concerned about cost and more about aesthetics and finish.
Fiberglass Grating: An Unusual Choice
This might sound counterintuitive, but fiberglass grating is sometimes the best choice for an outdoor balcony or a marine setting where you need corrosion resistance and an attractive, non-slip surface. I know it sounds weird—you think of metal for looks—but the smooth finish and color options of fiberglass grating can be a design solution, especially in a wet environment. Most people don't consider it, but it's a solid, practical option.
A Quick Detour: The Shower Head Vinegar Clean
You might have been asking, 'How does cleaning my shower head with vinegar relate to McNichols?' It doesn't, directly. But it's a perfect metaphor for choosing the right product. The best way to clean a shower head is a simple soak in white vinegar (costs about $3 for a gallon). It's the obvious, cheap, effective solution. But if you have a mineral-heavy environment, you might need a descaling solution. In the same way, for your industrial application, the 'simple' product—like a standard McNichols tread or mesh—is often the right answer. Don't overcomplicate it with custom specs until you're sure the standard won't work.
Which Scenario Are You In?
So, how do you figure out which scenario you're in? Start by asking three questions:
- What's the load requirement? (If it's high, go to Scenario A. If it's low-moderate, go to B or C.)
- What's the primary function? Safety/Security? (A or B). Aesthetics? (C). Material handling? (B).
- What's the environment? Wet, corrosive, or indoor/outdoor? (Fiberglass might be your friend).
I'm not saying this will be easy. It's not. But by thinking through these scenarios—industrial walkway, security/storage, or architectural feature—you can narrow down your search and avoid the 'It didn't work' pitfalls I've had to deal with. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that meets your specific load, function, and budget. Don't just look at the price tag; look at the total cost of the decision.
