How to Choose Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Plank in 2025 – The Ultimate Buyer Guide
How to Choose Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Plank? 2025 Complete Guide
In 2025, more than 70% of Middle East, Africa and South America scaffolding projects require hot dip galvanized steel planks (also called steel boards/catwalk). A good plank can save 30% rental cost and reduce 90% falling accidents.
Here are the 9 key points professional buyers care about most.
1. Width – Which Size Is Really Suitable for Your Project?
WidthWeight/mTypical Use SceneRecommendation210mm/225mm8–9 kgLight duty, interior decorationNot recommended for export240mm9.5–11 kgMost popular in Middle EastBest seller250mm10–11.5 kgEurope & Australia standardEN12811 must choose320mm12–14 kgHeavy duty, UAE/Qatar tower projectsHigh load, high profit420mm/500mm16–20 kgShipyard & heavy steel structureSpecial order
2025 Trend: 240mm + 320mm together account for 85% of export orders.
2. Thickness & Load Capacity – Don’t Just Look at Price
ThicknessUniform Load (Class)Common Standard1.0mmClass 3 (300kg/㎡)Only for decoration1.2mmClass 4–5 (400–600kg/㎡)Most popular1.5–1.8mmClass 6 (≥600kg/㎡)UAE/Dubai government projects require
Tip: Ask supplier to provide SGS or TUV load test report with stamp, not just Excel table.
3. Zinc Coating Thickness – The Core of Anti-Rust Life
Zinc ThicknessExpected Life (Coastal Area)Price Difference40–50 μm2–3 yearsCheapest60–70 μm5–8 yearsMost cost-effective≥80 μm10–15 yearsHigh-end projects
2025 Real Case: A Qatar client returned 40μm planks after only 14 months full rust. Now 90% of tenders require ≥60μm.
4. Hook Type – Must Match Your Scaffold System
Ringlock & Cuplock → 43mm height hook (most common)
Kwikstage → 50mm or 55mm hook
Frame scaffold → with or without side box
Send your scaffold photo to factory, 3 minutes can confirm.
5. Pre-Galvanized vs Hot Dip Galvanized – Never Mix Them Up
ItemPre-galvanized (Electro)Hot Dip GalvanizedZinc thickness10–20 μm60–100 μmCut edge protectionNo zinc → rust in 6 monthsFull zinc coveragePrice differenceCheaper 15–20%Worth every pennyLife span1–2 years8–15 years
99% serious buyers only accept hot dip galvanized in 2025.
6. EN12811-1 vs BS4592 vs AS1577 – Which Certificate Do You Really Need?
Europe/Australia → Must have EN12811-1
UK → BS4592
Australia/New Zealand → AS1577
Middle East → Usually accept Chinese GB + SGS report
Mavix provides all three certificates + original mill test certificate (MTC).
7. Surface: With or Without Anti-Skid Holes?
With holes → Better anti-slip in rainy season
Without holes → Slightly cheaper, faster delivery
UAE & Saudi Arabia 2025 new rule: All planks must have anti-skid holes or pattern.
8. Packaging & Loading – Save 30% Sea Freight
Method40HQ Loading Quantity (240×1.2mm×4000mm)Loose loading≈ 1800 pcsSteel pallet + band≈ 2200–2400 pcs (recommended)Wooden boxOnly 1500 pcs (too expensive)
9. How to Find a Reliable China Factory in 2025?
Red flags to avoid:
Only send price list, no factory photos
Zinc coating <50μm but claim “hot dip”
No load test report
Ask 50% deposit (normal is 30%)
Green flags:
Accept video factory audit
Free sample (only freight collect)
Provide original SGS/TUV report with QR code
7–15 days delivery for stock sizes
Conclusion – 2025 Best Choice Recommendation
Project TypeRecommended SpecMiddle East high-rise240/320mm × 1.5mm × 4000mm, ≥70μm zincEurope/Australia250mm × 1.5mm × 3000mm, EN12811Shipyard/heavy industry420/500mm × 1.8mm × 4000mm
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