Author Archives: Michael Schroer

Decorative Grating for POLYCAST 600

Decorative POLYCAST Grates

There are multiple trench drain systems available on the market today, but not all have the application flexibility as Hubbell’s POLYCAST 600 series. These pre-sloped drain systems are ideal for a variety of projects and often use a standard slotted ductile iron grate, as it is a versatile option. Occasionally, there is a need for […]

Fiberglass Grating Options for Trench Drains

Pultruded grating

Fiberglass Grating As the price of stainless steel increases, fiberglass is filling the gap. Fiberglass is a component that has been found to be very useful in many trench drain applications. This strong, lightweight material is easily fabricated into grating for standard and custom drain applications. It’s chemical and corrosion resistance puts it in a […]

House & Patio Drainage – Stormwater Management

Poolside Drainage

Controlling stormwater drainage around your home is an important step in protecting the foundation’s integrity, as well as the the water quality of your in-ground pool, or the life and safety of your outdoor living space. It can be a hassle dealing with wet basements, pooling water on the patio, a flooding garage, or heavy […]

Narrow Drains with Wide Appeal

Narrow Drains with Wide Appeal Blog Cover Photo

Problem: You are planning an outdoor living space which includes a kitchen, spa and pool. You will need a deck drain to help control the rainwater. However, the products you’ve seen in the marketplace don’t match the aesthetic of your outdoor setting. The popular drains commonly used by contractors are narrow and plastic. Narrow deck […]

Metal Decorative Grates for NDS Products

Mini Channel Aluminum Tardis Grates and Slim Channel Bronze Slotted Grates

The grate options are expanding for the ever popular Mini Channel and Slim Channel drainage systems manufactured by National Diversified Systems (NDS). These well known and consumer friendly linear drains are manufactured in Fresno, California by NDS and warehoused in locations all over the United States. The Mini Channel is a 3-inch wide system that […]

“Cathedral” Grating for NDS Mini Channel

Chester Cathedral

Cathedral Trench Drain Systems expanded its decorative offering for NDS Mini Channel with a new pattern of bronze and aluminum grating. The design, borrowed from Chester Cathedral in Chester, England, is heel-proof, subdued and stylish. It adds a solemn aesthetic to the hardscape and hints of a yearning for the innocence of old. Bronze Age […]

Mini Channel Grating Expose’

All BA designs

Mini Channel and NDS National Diversified Sales (NDS) is a plastic trench drain and grate manufacturer. They have a broad selection of plastic trench drain systems that are used in a variety of applications. The 3 inch-wide Mini Channel is popular due to its lightweight honeycomb design, UV protected channels and a price point which […]

NDS Revamps 5 inch Pro Series

NDS Pro Series Drainage System

In 2012, NDS rolled out an improved channel for the 5 inch Pro Series. The 5 inch Pro Series is the workhorse of the Pro Series line, which ranges from 3” – 12” wide. The 5 inch Pro Series is sold in hardware stores around the country, though only in kit form. If you want to buy […]

Patio and Driveway Drainage Solutions (Part 2) – New Catch Basin Drain Grate Options

Iron Age Catch Basin Grates

Our previous blog  introduced standard grating options such as the plastic slotted grate and the painted black iron grate. The neat thing, though, is that multiple grates fit the 12″ x 12″ size profile adapters and catch basins. Three new grating options recently became available to the market, which open up the design possibilities for […]

Patio and Driveway Drainage (Part 1) – Low Profile Drain

NDS Low Profile Catch Basin with Wave Pattern Grate

Just about any place in need of a drainage point can use catch basins (or one of their many variations) to evacuate water. Homeowners can use catch basins for driveway drainage, pools, patio point drains and landscape area drains. And, the installation techniques employed will be as diverse as the application. An interesting variation of […]