Types of Drain Grates – A Comprehensive Review

Do you have a new pool installed, plan to landscape, or want to rework patio or balcony areas around your home? The City of Melbourne is responsible for monitoring drains and stopping stormwater runoff from impacting properties, and you can do the same for your home with quality drain grates.

This blog will be your best guide to different types of drain grates, their material uses, and if they're right for your upcoming project.

Whether you want to give your bathroom or shower a modern look, there are various ways to use them.

What Are Drain Grates?

Also called channel drains, strip drains, or trench drains, drain grates are long trays with wedge wire and tile inserts, both of which effectively remove wastewater.

Long in shape, they offer a larger surface of water removal compared to traditional point drains, handling higher volumes of water.

Drain grates allow water to be transported away from a surface and prevent pooling or damage to nearby structures. They can be produced in various materials, such as plastic, aluminium, and steel, and they can be a customised solution for your backyard. 

Grates provide a non-slip surface and allow for the drainage of liquids and debris, making them suitable for use in areas where safety is a top priority. Overall, grates allow the flow of water and protect homes and busy streets from flooding. 

Drain grates are flexible when it comes to layout and positioning. They can be installed against a wall with a single gradient fall or placed more centrally with multiple gradient falls for proper drainage.

Why Invest in Outdoor Drainage?

Drainage systems like trench drains need an outdoor drainage grate to cover the drainage channel. Without covering, the drain channel is open to debris, preventing it from working. A catch basin is useful for preventing backups in the main channel.

A drain grate also protects the people who walk or drive over it; someone could get their foot stuck in the opening and fall, causing severe injury, or a car tyre may be damaged without the support it needs to pass over.

If you have French drains, dry creeks, permeable paving, rain gardens, or other types of drainage in your yard, drain grates (such as a trench drain) with a grate cover can help water drain effectively!

Types of Drain Grates

Let’s look at the different types of drain grates and if they work for your home or business grounds.

Galvanised Steel Grate

Strong and durable galvanised steel grates are often used in industrial and commercial workplace environments. Coated with a layer of zinc through galvanisation, this boosts the resistance to corrosion and rust. 

Supporting heavy loads, galvanised steel grates are used for walkways, flooring, and drainage systems; they are resistant to fluctuating, extreme temperatures. If you own a shopping precinct or an indoor public pool, a steel grate is excellent for civil projects.

Although galvanised steel grates need occasional maintenance against rust, they are long-lasting options.

Stormwater Drain Grate

If you want a stylish replacement for your existing stormwater linear drainage, the Stormwater drain grate can handle large volumes of water. 

Ideal for alfresco areas or driveways, these grates are 100% UV stabilised, have a Lifetime Rustproof Warranty and are guaranteed to be free of discolouration for a minimum of 25 years. They are available in Matte Black, Gold or Silver.

Aluminium NXT Grate

Are you looking for a drainage grate that offers practical solutions for your pool, driveway, or entertainment area?

NXT drainage grates are made of iodised aluminium, offering a Lifetime Rustproof Warranty, no water tracking, easy removal for cleaning, and 100% UV stability. Easy to cut on-site for your desired length, the NXT waste outlet can be positioned anywhere along the bottom tray. Available in Gold, Silver, and Midnight Black!

Tile Insert

Do you need a pool drainage channel? Suiting coastal regions and salt pool, you don't need to worry about overflooding.

Offering premium durability with stainless steel, the drainage Tile Insert can be custom cut to equal lengths, is heavy duty with a drainage tray of 1.2mm thickness, and available in Silver, Gold, and Matte Black for a modern architectural look.

Where to Install Drainage Grates?

As an essential element to residential property (and commercial buildings), grates are installed in areas where water needs to be drained or where traction is critical for safety. From warehouse floors to outdoor walkways, where else could you install one?

Commercial applications

Drain grates can also be used in industry workshops and are ideal for workhouses or factories. Galvanised grates are sturdy enough for high-traffic areas or places prone to chemical spills.

Warehouse floors

Do you need a drainage gate to perform well in a warehouse? If water is used during business operations, drain grates can handle the harsh conditions (such as temperature fluctuations of heat and humidity) of warehouses.

As for plastic grates, they can't handle water and will deteriorate when exposed over time; plastic is at risk of losing its shape or breaking down completely after a few months of use. Consider a galvanised steel alternative, as you won't need to replace them.

Stormwater pits

Installing a grate on a stormwater pit means you'll be ready for your project.

Designed to suit the load-bearing requirements and all seasonal changes, a grate will stop solid materials and debris from entering stormwater systems. This improves water quality and reduces the risk of flooding and blockages in surrounding areas.

Outdoor walkways

A good choice for walkways and paths, drainage grates can handle heavy loads (such as large vehicles) and all weather conditions, from sun damage to extreme rainfall.

As galvanised steel is more corrosion-resistant than plastic, you don't need to worry about it being unreliable.

Have you been searching for reliable drain grates suppliers in Melbourne? As lauxes shower grates suppliers that give you the best for your backyard, adequate drainage is easier for your domestic drainage project with Paver Shop.

Purchasing a Drain Grate: Considerations

Is this your first time buying or replacing a drainage grate? Here are some useful pointers to simplify your decision. 

1. Is it compatible with your drain size?

Drainage width measurements are often standard, but they are not universal. Manufacturers can make drain-channel-specific grates that fit those channels only; the grate material length and weight determine the size.

For example, always make sure that the grate you buy will fit your sewage or storm drain opening properly, as this can cause future blockages and clogging. Ask your contractor to measure accurately so the drainage and drain grate are compatible.

2. Does it stay in position?

If cars or people cross over gratings that don't sit right when horizontal, this can be dangerous when moving traffic breaks, turns, or accelerates. They must stay in place.

3. How much weight can it handle?

Drain grates need to be capable of sustaining heavy loads, as most grates are used for walkways and roads.

There are load class standards; however, galvanised draining grates are the widely used standard among manufacturers as they are pretty much immune to water, dirt and debris, temperature changes, and steady pressures.

Drain Grates in Melbourne: Pick Paver Shop!

Looking to implement a drainage plan with a stainless steel grate or improved channel drains? Paver Shop supports you with residential and heavy-duty applications, offering a rain drain that does the job all year round.

Opening in 2018, Paver Shop is owned and operated by a trade professional with over 20 years of experience in the paving and landscaping industry, which includes understanding drain grates.

If you need a supply and install, contact us today to request a fast quote and a down-to-earth chat. We offer a “come to you” service and are always happy to help you to transfer your spaces.