Built for areas that get water, grease and daily traffic
Floor grates are the removable top section that sits over a drain channel or floor opening, letting water pass through while catching larger solids, scraps and debris. In kitchens they help keep floor drains clear. In showers they give a neat finish around the outlet. In wash areas, sculleries and utility rooms they help manage splash water and regular cleaning without leaving an awkward hole in the floor.
We make these grates from stainless steel because it stands up well in coastal humidity and frequent washing. In Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness and the rest of the Garden Route, that matters. The material choice is one thing, but the fit is just as important. A grate that rattles, sits proud or leaves gaps becomes a nuisance quicky, especially where trolleys, shoes or buckets pass over it all day.
Common sizes and grate options
Most floor grates are made to suit the opening on site, rather than forcing a standard size into the space. We can fabricate square, rectangular or long channel-style grates for new work and for replacements. Where the opening is not perfectly square, we allow for the true size and any tile or screed line so the finished piece sits correctly.
- Typical widths: 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm and custom widths to suit the drain opening
- Typical lengths: 150 mm up to 1 200 mm, with longer sections made in joined runs if needed
- Thickness and bar spacing: selected to suit foot traffic, debris size and cleaning needs
- Finish options: brushed, polished or plain satin finish depending on the area
For kitchens and wash bays we often recommend a tighter bar spacing to catch larger waste. For shower areas, the grate can be lighter and simpler, as long as it still supports regular foot traffic and allows water to flow freely.
Where stainless floor grates work best
These grates suit homes, guest houses, restaurants, small factories, farms, marine spaces and commercial kitchens. They are also useful in laundries, fish cleaning areas, abattoir-style wash zones and staff shower rooms. Anywhere that gets regular rinse-downs and needs a neat, removable cover can usually benefit from a properly made grate.
- Kitchens and sculleries where grease and food scraps can block standard drains
- Showers and ablution blocks where a clean finish is needed underfoot
- Wash-up rooms and prep areas that need regular hosing down
- Marine fitouts where moisture, salt and cleaning chemicals are present
- Light industrial spaces where a simple removable cover makes maintenance easier
If the area sees trolleys, wheelchairs or heavy boots, we can adjust the top section so it has enough strength without becoming bulky. For tiled floors, the finish and edge detail are important so the grate sits neatly against the surrounding floor line.
What we need to measure before fabrication
The best result starts with accurate measurements. If the floor opening already exists, we measure the clear opening, the rebate, the tile thickness and the finished floor level. If the grate forms part of a new build or renovation, we work from the drawings and confirm the opening before fabrication begins. That saves time on site and helps avoid rework.
- Clear opening size, not only the tile-to-tile dimension
- Depth available for the grate seat or frame
- Whether the grate must be removable for cleaning
- Expected traffic and the type of debris or water flow
- Any nearby skirting, thresholds or falls in the screed
In many cases we can visit from Knysna to George or Mossel Bay for site measuring and installation. Where access is tight or the area is already tiled, careful measuring is even more important. A few millimetres off can make the difference between a tidy fit and a loose piece that lifts or taps underfoot.
Installation, fixings and service access
We supply and install floor grates where needed, and we also fit them into existing stainless frames or custom drain surrounds. Installation normally depends on the substrate, the drain type and whether the grate must be fixed, lifted out or hinged. In some kitchens, a loose lift-out grate is the easiest for cleaning. In other areas, a restrained fit is safer so it does not shift during use.
Power and gas are usually not required for the grate itself, but access matters if the grate sits near equipment, floor boxes or utility lines. We always check nearby services before cutting, drilling or welding on site. In busy areas with load-shedding backups, gas lines or generators, we plan the work so it does not interfere with operation or safety.
For busy properties, we can also set up multiple sections so one piece can be lifted for cleaning while the other stays in place. That is handy where the drain is long or where staff need regular access to the trap below.
Cleaning, maintenance and coastal care
Stainless floor grates are easy to maintain if they are cleaned regularly. In kitchens, grease and soap residue should be washed off before it hardens. In shower areas, hair and soap build-up should be removed so water keeps flowing. A soft brush, warm water and a mild cleaner are usually enough for day-to-day care.
- Rinse after heavy cleaning to reduce residue build-up
- Remove trapped solids before they reach the drain trap
- Check for looseness, sharp edges or movement every few months
- In coastal areas, wipe down salt spray or standing moisture where possible
- Avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch the finish and hold dirt
If a grate starts to stain, sits unevenly or has been bent by a heavy impact, we can inspect it and advise whether repair or replacement is the better route. Our maintenance checks are useful for guest houses, restaurants and marine spaces that cannot afford a blocked drain or a damaged cover.
What to confirm before you order
Before ordering, it helps to confirm the opening size, the use of the area and the type of finish you want. Some clients need a plain industrial grate, while others want a neater polished look for a bathroom or guest area. It is also worth checking whether the grate must match existing stainless items, tiles or drainage hardware so the final result looks deliberate and tidy.
We also suggest checking the following before sign-off: whether the grate must be removable by hand, whether it needs anti-lift security, whether it must carry heavy foot traffic, and whether there is enough depth for the frame and outlet below. If you are unsure, send photos and rough dimensions to projects@sisonkemanufacturing.co.za and we can help work out the right approach. It is easier to sort the details before fabrication than to force a near-fit on site.
For projects in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George or nearby towns, we can assist from measure-up through to installation. The aim is simple: a floor grate that fits, drains properly and holds up to the way the space is used.
Key facts
| Material | Stainless steel, selected to suit wet and coastal environments |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Custom made, common widths from 75 mm and lengths from 150 mm upwards |
| Use areas | Kitchens, showers, wash areas, sculleries, marine spaces and utility rooms |
| Finish | Brushed, polished or satin finish |
| Installation | Supply only or full site installation with measuring |
| Maintenance | Easy rinse-down cleaning, with repair or replacement available if damaged |
