Diamond Plate Stair Treads

Diamond plate stair treads are typically (but not always) weight bearing stair treads, made of metal, and have a non slip surface comprised of diamond shaped dimples at right angles to each other.

They are used in industry such as aerospace, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, pulp and paper mills, water treatment, utilities, and much more.

Common metals used include steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel and aluminum. In addition to stair tread, it's common to see diamond plate used in a variety of places including for running boards, mud flaps, and scuff plates for both recreational vehicles, fire engines, and more.

There are models made for both open riser and closed riser stairs. The riser is the section between the horizontal weight bearing stair treads. If there is no riser, it is called an "open riser." 1/16/ 1/8, 3/16. and 1/4 inch thicknesses are common.

Different finishes are available, including quick dry enamel, hot dipped galvanized finish, and paint over a hot-dipped galvanized undercoat for steel and and polished (sometimes "highly polished") and dull mill for aluminum diamond plate stair treads.

In addition to diamond plate, other options for metal treads include:

Steel Flattened Expanded Metal Tread, commonly used in areas with frequent use or exposure to slippery environments, and often retrofitted onto existing treads or stringers (welded or bolted in place). This may be 1/8 inch thick and resembles flattened thick wire mesh.

Steel Grating Stair Tread, similarly commonly used in areas with frequent use or exposure to slippery environments, but not ideal for retrofitting due it it's greater thickness, often 1 to 1 1/2 inches.

Steel Perforated Stair Tread, available in various thicknesses such as 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 inch and suitable for new construction or retro fitting. This resembles a flat sheet of metal with numerous holes drilled.

You can see examples of all of these as well as specs, at SlipNOT, a manufacturer of slip resistant metal flooring products for industry.

Examples of steel diamond plate stair treads can be found at fsIndustries and aluminum diamond plate stair treads at MetalsDepot among others. Ebay certainly is another option for materials such as these and deals can often be found but consider shipping costs which may be considerable.