Why choose Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless?
Australian made Paige Stainless steel drainage channels deliver superior performance, unbeatable durability, unmatched safety, and dramatically reduced whole-of-life costs thanks to exceptional corrosion resistance and minimal maintenance. Over 95% recyclability and a design life exceeding 40 years set stainless steel apart for lifecycle value and sustainability.
A growing number of architects, developers and trades across Australia are switching from Fibreglass (FRP) to Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless for their drain channels!
Driven by the demand for greater slip resistance, higher strength, and architectural flexibility, Paige Stainless is now the drainage channel of choice in civic precincts, hotels, major transport hubs, and coastal/marine projects. Recent flagship builds, from airports to high-rise amenities, demonstrate Paige Stainless’ precision installation and enduring visual appeal over traditional FRP options.
What makes Stainless Steel drainage channels manufactured in Australia by Paige stainless better?
- Engineered and fabricated in Australia for fast, accurate installs and seamless fit into both linear and curved layouts.
- Slip-resistant finishes and safety-oriented heel guard grating exceed regulatory standards for pedestrian zones.
- Designed to bear heavy loads in demanding conditions without warping, cracking, or delaminating.
- Requires only periodic cleaning, with no long-term deterioration or special upkeep needed compared to FRP.
- Unlimited design potential: curved, angled, modular, or bespoke grating for prestige architectural visions.
- Proud Greentag certification for best-practice environmental impact and closed-loop recyclability.
Head-to-head comparison: key factors
| Criteria | Stainless Steel | Fibreglass (FRP) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight and handling | Heavier, but offers superior strength and rigidity. | Lightweight, easy to move but less robust. |
| Installation | Precise, direct install; custom shapes available. | Quick, but limited to set profiles; less robust fit. |
| Cutting/processing safety | Requires PPE; sparks when cutting. | Safer to cut, but creates dust and resin exposure. |
| Durability and longevity | 40+ years lifespan; minimal degradation. | 10-20 years; prone to UV, chemical & impact damage. |
| Corrosion resistance | Outstanding, even in marine/coastal sites. | Good in some chemical settings; can degrade outside. |
| Load capacity and strength | Superior – optimal for heavy traffic and vehicle loads. | Moderate; may deform or fracture under high load. |
| Cost (initial) | Higher upfront investment. | Lower up-front, but shorter service life. |
| Cost (whole-of-life) | Low – minimal repair and replacement. | Higher over time due to repairs or replacements. |
| Maintenance | Easy; occasional washdown. | May require patching/resurfacing over time. |
| Environmental impact | High recyclability, local manufacture, Greentag certified. | Energy-intensive resin manufacturing and landfill at end-of-life. |
| Heat and fire resistance | Excellent fire resistance; non-combustible. | Prone to melting/burning in event of fire. |
| Chemical resistance | Good to excellent for most common chemicals. | High; but may suffer from some solvents/UV. |
| Safety (slip, conductivity) | Slip resistant, non-sparking, engineered heel guards. | May be slip resistant but less reliable; static build-up possible. |
| Aesthetics and versatility | Architectural finishes; any curve, custom look. | Limited designs, colour fades with exposure. |
Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless
- What they do: Direct surface water with precision in all commercial, civic, hospitality and transport environments.
- How they work: Modular grates/channels for linear or curved layouts, engineered to site-specific loads/traffic.
- Where they are made: Proudly fabricated in Australia using traceable, high-quality stainless steel.
- How they are made: Advanced automated fabrication; custom profiles, welding, brush/satin finishes; 100% recyclability.
- Environmental impact: Greentag certified, high recycled content, local supply chain.
- Installation process: Simple drop-in or built-in channels; fast fit due to manufacturing precision.
- Features: Architecturally flexible, slip-resistant, heel guard options, custom branding possible.
- Performance: Exceeds AS 3996 load ratings (up to Class D/E) and rated for high-traffic/wet areas.
- Lifespan: In-service life 40+ years with minimal upkeep.
- Pricing: Represent higher initial cost, but unbeatable total lifecycle value.
Fibreglass (FRP)
- What they do: Directs water flow in commercial/industrial settings. Sometimes chosen for budget-driven or lightweight needs.
- How they work: Lightweight molded channels and grates; rigid but prone to damage/UV aging over time.
- Where they are made: Frequently imported; less control over manufacturing quality.
- How they are made: Resin, glass fibre and catalyst molded into sections; limited custom profiles, not recyclable.
- Environmental impact: Emissions-intensive resin process; not widely recycled, often ends up in landfill.
- Installation process: Lightweight, quick to position, but must be supported structurally; susceptible to damage.
- Features: Non-metallic, some chemical resistance. Limited aesthetic options and profile shapes.
- Performance: Adequate for light to medium loads; suffers in heavy-traffic and prolonged exposure.
- Lifespan: 10–20 years typical, but shorter in UV/coastal/traffic-prone locations.
- Pricing: Lower input cost, but higher total cost when factoring replacements and repairs.
FAQs: Stainless Steel vs Fibreglass (FRP)
- Which material is better for most applications? Stainless steel offers unmatched performance, design flexibility, and durability for almost any environment, dramatically outlasting FRP in both public and commercial uses.
- Can Stainless Steel by Paige stainless meet Class D/E load ratings under AS 3996? Yes, Paige Stainless provides certified systems to Class D/E. All products undergo rigorous in-house/third-party load testing to AS 3996 requirements.
- How does slip resistance compare in wet areas? Stainless grates are slip tested to AS 4586 and feature heel-guard, safe pedestrian profiles. FRP can be slip resistant initially but loses its profile as fibres wear and resin deteriorates.
- What are the maintenance requirements over a 10–20 year lifecycle? Stainless needs only occasional cleaning; FRP often needs patch repairs or full replacement after sustained exposure or loading.
- Is Stainless Steel suitable for custom design like curves and architectural details? Yes, Paige Stainless excels at custom curves, angles and modules to tight tolerances, allowing for unique architectural continuity.
Ready to specify Stainless Steel?
For technical guidance, project pricing or custom fabrication support, like curved drainage channels and systems, contact the Paige Stainless team to discuss compliant, Australian-made drainage solutions that outperform and outlast.
- Technical data and certifications available on request (AS 3996 load classes, slip resistance to AS 4586, accessibility to AS 1428.2, and sustainability credentials)
