National Diversified Systems (NDS), a plastic trench drain manufacturer based in California, has a dazzling display of trench drain systems that appeal to homeowners and contractors alike. This 3 inch wide channel system comes in 6 foot long, easy to install sections. This product is popular because of its simple construction and inexpensive price. However, a large portion of its allure also comes from the variety of grating styles it has available.

The most common grate for the Mini Channel is the standard 3 foot long gray plastic grate (shown on the right). NDS also offers a plastic grate in 5 other colors (white, green, black, red, and sand). For those with a more discriminating taste, NDS offers two simple brass options (shown on the left). The one foot long brass grates are slotted and come in a satin or polished finish. Besides being simple, shiny, and elegant, they contain chamfered holes for optional screw placement which help to keep them fastened to the channel.

Decorative, cast iron products have recently become available for Mini Channel customers.  The cast iron grating product lines offer a beautiful side to what may otherwise be only functional. Currently, three styles of cast iron grates work with NDS’ Mini Channel: the Interlaken, Carbochon and the Minione. These products are not ordinary slotted grates. The Interlaken is an intricate geometrical pattern while the Minione has a flowing design.  Meanwhile, the Carbochon has a bold presence that only accentuates its open area.

There are a few basic differences between the three Mini Channel grates. Style aside, the grate’s channel fit is the next most noteworthy difference. A comparison of the three grates illustrates this difference.

The Minione is a thinner grate than the Interlaken. It does not rest in the channel with the same depth that Interlaken and Carbochon do. One gets the feeling that the Minione sits on top of the drain, rather than in it.

This could mean that the Minione grate is more susceptible to become dislodged than the other. The Minione grate is designed with two dimples that are the locations for optional screw holes (they do not come pre-drilled). If used with screws, the Minnione becomes as reliable as any other grate in its class. Another small difference between the grates is the length. The Interlaken (11″ long) is about an inch shorter than the Minione (12″ long), and the Carbochon (14” long) outdoes both grates by inches.

Cast iron is the standard material used to make these decorative grates. Cast brass, bronze and aluminum products can be manufactured for an additional cost. We should note that cast iron grates are uncoated and will form a rust coating. In some cases, the rusted look can be endearing.

If your situation doesn’t support this view, though, consider painting with an epoxy or powder coating.  I had two samples of the Mini Channel grating painted because I was curious to see exactly how the process would affect the grates’ performance and appearance over time.

The results, if I may say, are charming.  The powder coating process smoothed out the natural texture of the cast iron grates, giving them a softer, less metallic look.  You can really feel the difference between the painted and baked on oil finishes; the process encased these grates in paint rather than changing their outer layers.  One particularly interesting fact to note:  the grates shown to the left have been painted neutral colors – black and dark brown, but with a purchase over 60 LF a wide variety of colors can be chosen from.  Wowzer!

Let me just demonstrate the difference between the two available finishes in another way.  Look at the Interlaken grates shown below:  in terms of color, they are very similar.  But, if you look closer you can see the different shine, the thickly coated surface of the grate on the right.  It’s been powder coated.  The grate on the left, though, has a baked on oil finish.   I’ll leave you to decide which one you like better.

Cost is all in a person’s perspective, especially when talking about trench drain products. A simple plastic grate that comes in six basic colors is available for a very low price per foot. NDS’ brass grate, a beautiful, no-hassle solution for those still worried about rust or decor, is the most expensive. The cast iron grates, which add style and variety, come for the more moderate price that falls somewhere in between and have beautiful finish options. They are the true extra mile, the art to efficiency, and are the balance if a cost-efficient and stylish grate is desired.