AODSON manufactures custom heel-proof stainless steel trench drain grates for pedestrian routes, entrances, courtyards, pool surrounds and commercial drainage channels. Closely spaced bars reduce the opening width compared with conventional industrial grating, creating a more comfortable walking surface for areas where narrow shoe heels, small wheels or pedestrian traffic must be considered.
Every grate is reviewed against the supporting channel, clear span, drainage requirement and specified load. Slot width and orientation can be adjusted to the project, but compliance with a particular accessibility or load standard is confirmed only when that standard is supplied with the enquiry.
Product Configuration
- Custom overall width, length and section arrangement
- Narrow longitudinal or transverse slot patterns
- Removable modular sections for channel maintenance
- Optional perimeter frames and fixing provisions
- Plain or slip-resistant bar profiles according to the drawing
304 and 316 Stainless Steel Options
304 stainless steel is used in many general commercial environments. Grade 316 is often considered for coastal locations, pool surrounds and other chloride-exposed areas. The final material should be selected from the actual environment, cleaning regime and project specification.
Drainage and Safety Review
Open area, slot width, bar depth and support spacing affect both hydraulic performance and structural behavior. A smaller slot can improve pedestrian comfort but also changes open area, so the grate and channel should be reviewed as a complete system. For bicycle, wheelchair, public-access or specific heel-proof requirements, provide the applicable standard and maximum permitted opening.
Manufacturing Process
Production can include laser cutting, bar preparation, fixture welding, frame fabrication, straightening, pickling or passivation and surface finishing. Welding fixtures help control bar spacing and panel distortion. Long channels are normally divided into numbered sections for easier packing, installation and future maintenance.
Quality Control
Inspection can cover material grade, overall dimensions, slot width, bar spacing, frame fit, panel flatness, weld condition and trial fit against a supplied channel drawing. Load testing or other project-specific validation can be arranged when the acceptance criteria are defined before production.
Typical Applications
- Commercial entrances and pedestrian walkways
- Hotels, shopping centres and public buildings
- Courtyards, plazas and landscape drainage
- Pool surrounds and coastal developments
- Food-service, wash-down and light industrial areas
Information Required for Quotation
Send the channel drawing, clear span, grate width and length, slot requirement, stainless steel grade, traffic type, load standard, surface finish, quantity and delivery country. State whether a matching frame or complete channel is required.
Read our stainless steel linear drainage guide or explore our architectural hardware manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a trench grate heel-proof?
It uses smaller openings than conventional grating to reduce the risk of narrow heels entering the slots. The maximum opening must still be matched to the relevant project standard.
Can the grate fit an existing drain channel?
Yes. Provide the channel rebate, clear span, support detail and required section length so the fit can be reviewed.
Is 316 stainless steel required?
Not for every project. It is commonly considered where chloride, coastal or pool exposure increases corrosion risk.
How do I request a custom grate?
Send the channel drawing and traffic requirement for a manufacturing review and quotation.
