Straight answers on FRP, GFRC, and GFRG — what they are, how they compare, and how to specify them. For project-specific guidance, our spec team can help.
FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) is a lightweight fiberglass composite for exterior and interior trim, cornices, and columns. GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) is a cement-based composite for exterior cladding and facade panels with a precast appearance. GFRG (Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum) is an interior gypsum composite for ornamental elements like coffers, domes, and capitals. All three are far lighter than the traditional materials they replace.
FRP is the lightest at about 1.75–2.25 lb/ft², followed by GFRG at 1.5–2 lb/ft² and GFRC at 7–9 lb/ft². All three are dramatically lighter than precast concrete (80–120 lb/ft²), natural stone (150+ lb/ft²), or traditional plaster (6–8 lb/ft²).
Yes. Wilson Composites fabricates FRP, GFRC, and GFRG components to exact architect drawings, including custom cornices, capitals, panels, and three-dimensional profiles for both new construction and historic restoration.
Yes. Wilson Composites provides full CSI three-part specifications, product data sheets, installation details, and comparison matrices for each system, available for download, and is listed in RIB SpecLink for architects specifying directly in the platform.
GFRC is a composite of Portland cement, sand, aggregate, and alkali-resistant glass fiber, cast to a nominal 5/8" (16 mm) shell. It delivers the mass, finish, and surface detail of precast concrete for architectural cladding and facade panels at a fraction of the weight.
GFRC weighs about 7–9 lb/ft² versus 80–120 lb/ft² for precast concrete — roughly a tenth of the weight — which reduces foundation load, structural framing, crane time, and installation cost. GFRC is specified under CSI Section 03 49 00.
Yes. GFRC captures fine texture, reveals, and profile detail and can be finished with integral color, sandblasting, or applied textures to match the intended precast or stone aesthetic.
GFRC is non-combustible with a 0/0 flame-spread/smoke-developed rating, making it suitable as a Class A (Class 1) exterior cladding material.
FRP is a molded composite of fiberglass reinforcement and resin, finished with a gelcoat or paint-ready surface. It is used for architectural cornices, column covers, decorative trim, and custom profiles, offering the look of cast stone or millwork at a fraction of the weight.
Architectural FRP weighs about 1.75–2.25 lb/ft² at a nominal 3/16" wall thickness — much lighter than stone, precast, or GFRC — which reduces structural support and installation cost. FRP is specified under CSI Section 06 82 00.
Yes. FRP can be molded to replicate original stone and millwork profiles precisely, making it well suited to restoring cornices, capitals, and ornamental facade elements on historic buildings. Wilson Composites restored the 1886 Marshall County Courthouse in FRP after tornado damage.
Architectural FRP carries a Class A flame-spread rating per ASTM E84 and offers high flexural strength (approximately 32,100 psi).
GFRG is a lightweight interior composite of gypsum and glass fiber, molded to a nominal 3/16" (5 mm) section and delivered paint-ready. It is used for ornamental interior elements such as ceiling coffers, domes, medallions, and column capitals.
Yes. GFRG weighs about 1.5–2 lb/ft² versus 6–8 lb/ft² for traditional plaster, with minimal structural impact and no need for lath and substrate build-up. GFRG is specified under CSI Section 09 20 00.
GFRG is used for ceiling coffers, domes, medallions, column capitals, cornices, ornamental trim, and curved or radiused interior statement elements, with a 0 flame / 0 smoke rating.
FRP is specified under CSI Section 06 82 00, GFRC under 03 49 00, and GFRG under 09 20 00. Full three-part specifications for each are available from Wilson Composites.
Yes. Wilson Composites FRP, GFRC, and GFRG systems are available in RIB SpecLink, the specification platform used by architects and engineers.
Wilson Composites is based at 880 South Pleasantburg Drive, STE 3G, Greenville, SC 29607, and supports commercial, institutional, hospitality, and restoration projects across the United States.
Contact Wilson Composites early in design. The team provides material comparison, specification support, and early design-phase coordination so project-specific requirements are clarified before bid. Call (864) 646-3000 or email info@wilsoncomposites.com.