Why choose Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless?
Paige Stainless’ Australian-made stainless steel drainage channels consistently outperform boxed (cast in situ) alternatives on performance, safety, environmental impact, and total lifecycle value, delivering up to 40% lower whole-of-life cost thanks to superior durability and minimal maintenance needs. Boasting corrosion resistance rates 5x higher and proven in projects exceeding 20+ years lifespan, Paige Stainless sets the industry standard.
A growing number of architects, developers and trades across Australia are switching from Boxed (Cast in situ) to Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless for their drain channels!
Driven by the demand for reliable slip resistance, higher certified load ratings, accuracy in installation, and certified sustainability, Paige Stainless drainage channels have become the go-to for civic spaces, top-tier hospitality, major transport hubs, and leading coastal projects. Entire high-rise precincts and flagship commercial developments are trusting stainless over boxed solutions, setting new standards in safety and aesthetics.
What makes Stainless Steel drainage channels manufactured in Australia by Paige stainless better?
- Precision fabrication ensures quick, accurate installations with an exacting fit every time.
- Engineered slip resistant profiles, including industry-leading heel guard grating for maximum pedestrian safety.
- Designed to handle the heaviest traffic with unwavering strength and stability over decades.
- Requires minimal maintenance, thanks to unmatched corrosion resistance—ideal for coastal, marine and chemical-prone environments.
- Custom fabrication, including complex curves, angles, and exclusive finishes for limitless architectural freedom.
- Paige Stainless proudly holds Global GreenTag certification—superior environmental performance and full recyclability.
Head-to-head comparison: key factors
| Criteria | Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless | Boxed (Cast in situ) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight and handling | Lightweight, easy for 1-2 person handling | Heavy, requires machinery and larger crews |
| Installation | Fast, accurate, minimal site work | Labour-intensive, slow, weather-dependent |
| Cutting/processing safety | No silica dust, low risk, safe edge finishes | High risk of silica dust, noisy processing |
| Durability and longevity | 25+ years, warranted, no degradation | Prone to cracking, 10–15 year expectancy |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent, especially Grade 316 | Poor, especially in marine/coastal zones |
| Load capacity and strength | Certified to Class D, E, F (AS 3996) | Variable, depends on pour quality |
| Cost (initial) | Moderate | Often seen as low, but variable |
| Cost (whole-of-life) | Lowest due to minimal repair/replacement | High, due to maintenance and early failure |
| Maintenance | Occasional cleaning only | Frequent crack repair, joint resealing |
| Environmental impact | 100% recyclable, GreenTag certified | Cement-intensive, high CO₂ emissions |
| Heat and fire resistance | Exceptional, non-combustible | Degrades under repeated high heat |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent to many chemicals and salts | Poor—prone to spalling, reacts with salts |
| Safety (slip, conductivity) | Engineered slip resistance, non-abrasive | Slippery if unfinished, lacks heel guard |
| Aesthetics and versatility | High—custom finishes, seamless joins | Low—basic grey look, no custom shaping |
Stainless Steel Drainage Channels by Paige Stainless
- What they do: Rapidly channel surface water efficiently, keeping public, hospitality, and industrial spaces safe and dry.
- How they work: Engineered grates with optimal slot patterns ensure quick drainage while supporting loads from pedestrians to trucks.
- Where they’re made: Precision engineered and fabricated in Australia (Queensland), supporting Australian jobs and standards.
- How they’re made: Laser cut, TIG welded, and polished from high grade stainless steels (usually 316), with rigorous QA.
- Environmental impact: GreenTag certified, fully recyclable, minimal waste, and low environmental footprint.
- Installation process: Delivered prefabricated and ready for rapid site placement—no on-site casting, just fix and finish.
- Features: Heel guard, anti-slip options, architectural curves, tamper-proof fixings, load-rated to AS 3996.
- Performance: Proven corrosion resistance in harshest Australian climates; 25+ year lifespan, rarely needs repairs.
- Lifespan: Typical warranted lifespan 25+ years, functionally often lasting much longer.
- Pricing: Moderate upfront, but lowest total cost of ownership due to avoided repairs and replacements.
Boxed (Cast in situ) Drainage Channels
- What they do: Convey surface water away using custom-poured concrete channels formed on site.
- How they work: Water drains through slots or open troughs formed in cured concrete, requiring on-site grating solutions.
- Where they’re made: Formed and poured at the project site; not factory prefabricated.
- How they’re made: Pouring wet concrete into timber or metal boxing, then set/cured before grating added.
- Environmental impact: High embodied CO₂, heavy cement use, and less recyclable at end-of-life.
- Installation process: Time-consuming, weather dependent, requires skilled site crew, and prone to variable outcomes.
- Features: Basic profiles, limited slip resistance, rarely heel guard or custom shapes.
- Performance: Vulnerable to cracking, spalling, reduced strength over time, and salt/chemical attack.
- Lifespan: 10–15 years typical before major repairs required; can degrade faster in harsh environments.
- Pricing: Often lower upfront cost, but substantially higher lifecycle costs due to frequent repair/replacement.
FAQs: Stainless Steel vs Boxed (Cast in situ)
- Which material is better for most applications?
Stainless steel—especially from Paige Stainless—outperforms boxed (cast in situ) in durability, safety, corrosion resistance, and lifecycle cost for nearly all applications. - Can stainless steel by Paige Stainless meet Class D load ratings under AS 3996?
Yes, Paige Stainless can engineer drainage solutions to exceed Class D and higher per AS 3996, with full factory testing and certification. - How does slip resistance compare in wet areas?
Stainless steel channels by Paige Stainless offer tested slip resistant and heel guard grates for maximum safety, significantly superior to standard concrete solutions. - What are the maintenance requirements over a 10–20 year lifecycle?
Paige Stainless products often require only routine cleaning; repairs are rare and limited to easily swapped components. - Is stainless steel suitable for custom design like curves and architectural details?
Absolutely—Paige Stainless can fabricate fully custom channel geometries including complex curves, angles, and modular assemblies to tight tolerances.
Ready to specify Stainless Steel?
For technical guidance, tailored quotes, or support on custom fabrications like curved or modular drainage systems, contact the Paige Stainless team. Benefit from compliant, Australian-made solutions that not only exceed industry standards but deliver genuine value and standout design.
- Technical data and certifications available on request (AS 3996 load classes, AS 4586 slip resistance, AS 1428.2 accessibility, and GreenTag sustainability certification)
