Why choose Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless?
Paige Stainless’ Australian made stainless steel drainage channels deliver unmatched performance, safety, and environmental sustainability, boasting a lifespan of over 50 years and up to 70% lower long-term maintenance costs compared to precast concrete. With rigorous quality controls and high slip resistance, stainless steel ensures effective, long-lasting solutions for the harshest conditions.
A growing number of architects, developers and trades across Australia are switching from Precast Concrete to Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless for their drain channels!
Leading market trends now favour stainless steel for its robust slip resistance, high load ratings, and design flexibility. Projects in public spaces, hospitality venues, major transport hubs, and coastal developments demonstrate a clear shift—Paige Stainless systems are the go-to for durability, precision, and sustainability on iconic Australian projects.
What makes Stainless Steel drainage channels manufactured in Australia by Paige stainless better?
- Every channel is precision-fabricated in Australia for rapid, accurate installation and reliably tight fits.
- Optional high-performance slip resistance and pedestrian safety profiles (like heel guard grating) set standards in community, retail, and public developments.
- Stainless steel stands up to extreme loads and repeated heavy traffic without deforming or cracking over decades.
- Low maintenance needs and remarkable corrosion resistance, even in the most aggressive or coastal settings.
- Paige Stainless offers unbounded customisation: modules, curves, angled designs, and architectural finishes tailored to the vision.
- Tested for environmental responsibility and recyclability, Paige Stainless holds industry-respected Greentag certification, supporting green building targets.
Head-to-head comparison: key factors
| Criteria | Stainless Steel | Precast Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Weight and handling | Lightweight, easy to transport and position. | Much heavier, needs machinery for handling. |
| Installation | Fast, precise, minimal disruption. | Slower, needs larger crews, time-consuming. |
| Cutting/processing safety | Safe methods, sparks but low dust/particulates. | Cutting releases silica dust, health hazard. |
| Durability and longevity | 50+ years; endures high-load, high-use settings. | Prone to cracking, spalling; typically 10–30 yrs. |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent, ideal for coastal, chemical risks. | Prone to chemical and salt degradation. |
| Load capacity and strength | High, engineering for Class A–G (AS 3996). | Good, but damages with shock and weather. |
| Cost (initial) | Higher upfront. | Lower upfront. |
| Cost (whole-of-life) | Much lower: minimal maintenance, long service. | Ongoing repairs, replacement, maintenance. |
| Maintenance | Quick, easy cleans; rarely repairs. | Crack/edge repairs, cleaning, concrete sealing. |
| Environmental impact | Recyclable, lower energy with Greentag rating. | High embodied energy, difficult to recycle. |
| Heat and fire resistance | Unaffected by fire; excellent thermal properties. | Can spall/crack under heat. |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent, acid/alkali tolerant. | Susceptible to some chemicals/cleaners. |
| Safety (slip, conductivity) | Engineered slip resistance, heel guard, no sparks. | Non-conductive, but slippery when worn/smooth. |
| Aesthetics and versatility | Sleek, modern, customisable for any project. | Bulky, fixed shapes, limited finish options. |
Stainless Steel Drainage Channels by Paige Stainless
- What do they do? Provide rapid, reliable drainage with unmatched strength and appearance for all environments.
- How do they work? Channel water efficiently with precision-fit grates, engineered for safety and load.
- Where are they made? Manufactured entirely in Australia, targeted for local conditions and standards.
- How are they made? Laser-cut, precisely welded stainless steel to order, with options for custom modules, curves and architectural finishes.
- Environmental impact: Manufactured with significant recycled content, highly recyclable after use, Greentag certified, minimal site waste.
- Installation process: Fast placement and fixing; can be fabricated to suit pre-existing structures, curves, or tight site schedules.
- Features: Superior slip resistance, heel guard safety, custom sizing and finishes, antimicrobial options.
- Performance: Top load rating (A-G, to AS 3996), stays true under heavy vehicles, weather, salt, and chemicals.
- Lifespan: 50+ years, proven even in marine and industrial environments.
- Pricing: Premium upfront, but delivers exceptional value with negligible maintenance and replacement over its long life.
Precast Concrete Drainage Channels
- What do they do? Direct surface water, primarily in straightforward installations with limited design needs.
- How do they work? Gravity flow through cast trough, covered by separate grates (steel or cast iron).
- Where are they made? Typically mass-produced in Australian or imported facilities, standardised shapes.
- How are they made? Cast in moulds from cement, aggregate, sometimes with steel reinforcement.
- Environmental impact: High embodied energy, challenging to recycle, contributes to landfill at end-of-life.
- Installation process: Machine placement due to weight, more complex around curves or non-linear layouts.
- Features: Adequate in simple applications, but limited customisation; relies on add-on safety features.
- Performance: Reasonable for low-moderate traffic; cracks or spalls under shock, chemicals, or frost.
- Lifespan: 10–30 years in most settings, shorter in coastal or corrosive environments.
- Pricing: Lower upfront cost; increased ongoing repair, maintenance, or replacement needs.
FAQs: Stainless Steel vs Precast Concrete
- Which material is better for most applications?
Stainless steel outperforms precast concrete in durability, safety, and whole-of-life value—especially where load, slip-resistance, and maintenance savings matter. - Can Stainless Steel by Paige Stainless meet Class G load ratings under AS 3996?
Yes—Paige Stainless designs and tests to AS 3996, routinely supplying solutions up to Class G for extreme loads, including independent third-party verification. - How does slip resistance compare in wet areas?
Stainless steel grates from Paige Stainless are available with certified slip-resistant profiles and heel guard features, surpassing precast covers for pedestrian safety in wet environments. - What are the maintenance requirements over a 10–20 year lifecycle?
Stainless steel channels require routine, simple cleaning with rare checks; concrete often needs edge repair, re-levelling, and periodic replacement due to cracks or spalling. - Is Stainless Steel suitable for custom design like curves and architectural details?
Absolutely—Paige Stainless specialises in fabricating to any design specification, including complex curvatures and precise architectural alignment, ensuring seamless project integration.
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)
