From inviting patios to sophisticated outdoor lounges and shaded walkways, commercial shade structures have the potential to offer more than just sun protection. With careful planning and deliberate material selection, a commercial shade structure project can elevate aesthetics, enhance property value, and even create new revenue streams for businesses and property owners. 

Here, we will explore the ways these shade structures can transform outdoor spaces and contribute to the overall value of commercial properties. We will also examine real-life examples of how fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) materials have helped create impactful commercial shade structure installations.

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) grating paired with pedestals has become a popular choice for architects, engineers, and DIYers when it comes to transforming spaces. FRP gratings’ lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant properties make them ideal for a wide range of applications, and the pedestals allow for reduced preparation time, are adaptable, and allow for drainage. This article will highlight four state-of-the-art projects where FRP grating used with pedestals has played a pivotal role. From grand hotels with stunning water fountains to industrial facilities requiring reliable flooring solutions, these projects demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of FRP materials in enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of various spaces. Discover the innovative applications and success stories that showcase the power of FRP in transforming environments. 

A beautiful dock that will stay beautiful…yeah right… It’s a tale as old as time, and some part of us actually believes it within the first couple years of installation. Even if you invest your time and money into regular dock maintenance, your dock will eventually become a weathered mess.

Skandi Africa was named the “Ship of the Year 2015” at the Nor-Shipping exhibition in Osla, Norway this past June – a title earned through careful design and selection of materials. It is a state-of-the-art vessel specially designed for subsea operation duties to support the oil and gas industry (Teigland, 2015). It was planned with a “high focus on sea-keeping capabilities, excellent station keeping performance and low fuel consumption” (DOF Vessel Skandi Africa Named "Ship of The Year 2015" in Norway, 2015).

The Importance of Plant Safety

Although the number of workers’ compensation claims has decreased over the past fifteen years, the total cost of medical payments to workers has significantly increased (Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services). In fact, the total price of workplace injuries and illnesses cost the nation around $250 billion each year (FSM). In order to keep workers safe and protect the company from lawsuits, it is imperative to create a safe workplace.

In addition to staggering costs, a safe workplace typically increases productivity and boosts employee morale (FSM). Preventative care is the best solution for both the company and the employees.

Did you know corrosion is the third largest cost for Americans, only to be preceded by real estate and healthcare?  Why should this even be? Many applications could utilize corrosion resistant materials, saving the economy money and, more importantly, lives.

Reconstructing a bridge in a coastal area comes with its own unique set of hurdles. With all of the rain, sun and salty air, corrosion is a significant problem. Kauai is the garden island with more annual rainfall than any other Hawaiian Island, further intensifying the risk of corrosion. When renovation began on a bridge in Kauai, the materials chosen needed special attention.