Ironagegrates Sun Catch Basin Grates

SUN CATCH BASIN GRATES 

This classic motif, adapted as a catch basin grate, is one of Iron Age’s original patterns. The beautifully sculpted surface showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of our cast metal designs.

OPTIONAL FINISHES

- Powder Coat
- Baked On Oil Finish

RECYCLED CONTENT 

80%

OPTIONAL MATERIAL UPGRADES

- Cast Bronze
- Cast Aluminum

CAST IRON 

Cast iron is the most commonly specified material for our grates due to its exceptional durability, long service life, and cost efficiency. When left raw, it weathers naturally and develops a stable, protective patina over time.

GREY IRON (ASTM CLASS 25, 30, 35B) 

Grey iron is the most widely used iron alloy worldwide and is the material used for the majority of our larger tree grates and catch basin grates. It offers excellent compressive strength and density at the most economical price point, making it ideal for robust, thick-section castings.

HOW TO SPECIFY CAST IRON 

- Rather than specifying an iron alloy directly, we recommend specifying the required load rating for the application. Load Class requirements determine the appropriate material selection. 
- Cast iron has been used for centuries in applications requiring exceptional durability and resistance to wear. When properly specified and installed, iron grates will perform reliably for decades.

TECHNICAL DATA

CAST BRONZE

Bronze is a strong, durable material that casts beautifully and performs exceptionally well in corrosive environments such as coastal areas, fountains, and water features. Because bronze alloys are high in copper content, they weather naturally over time, developing rich surface character.

SILICON BRONZE (ALLOY C87500) 

Gold in color when raw, silicon bronze ages much like copper, gradually deepening in tone with exposure. It is the most commonly used bronze alloy in our castings and offers an excellent balance of strength, durability, and visual warmth.

HOW BRONZE WEATHERS OVER TIME 

Bronze alloys respond to both environment and use :

- In low-traffic areas, bronze may develop verdigris, especially in humid or coastal conditions
- In areas with regular foot traffic, the surface becomes naturally burnished, creating contrast between recessed and raised area

- The specific alloy influences the tone of the highlights, with silicon bronze reading warmer and nickel bronze appearing cooler
- Bronze does not rust, making it a preferred material where long-term corrosion resistance and visual richness are key design considerations.

CAST ALUMINUM 

Cast aluminum is a strong, lightweight alternative to iron and bronze, often specified when reduced weight, corrosion resistance, or a stainless-steel-like appearance is desired. Raw aluminum is silver in color and weathers naturally to a soft pewter finish.

CAST ALUMINUM — 535 ALLOY (“ALMAG”) 

535 aluminum offers excellent corrosion resistance and is particularly well suited for use around pools, fountains, salt water, and marine environments. It is often selected for applications where long-term exposure to moisture or chemicals is expected.

WHY SPECIFY ALUMINUM

- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Easier handling for large grates or removable site furnishings
- Compatible with surface treatments such as anodizing for added protection

Because aluminum alloys vary significantly in performance, selecting the proper alloy for the environment and load conditions is critical.

BAKED-ON-OIL 

Our Baked-On-Oil Finish is a full-immersion treatment for iron castings using recycled vegetable oil. Its primary purpose is aesthetic—creating the appearance of naturally aged iron while providing a smooth transition to the final patina.

SURFACE PREPARATION 

Castings are arranged in single layers and repeatedly sprayed with water, then allowed to dry. This process is repeated until a uniform surface oxidation develops, creating the ideal base for the oil application.

BAKING 

The oiled castings are baked at a minimum of 430°F until the oil polymerizes and becomes dry to the touch. This step locks in the finish and produces a surface that closely resembles naturally aged iron.

WHY SPECIFY A BAKED-ON-OIL FINISH

- Creates the look of naturally aged iron at installation
- Provides a smoother visual transition as the finish wears into its final patina

- Dry to the touch with slip resistance equal to or greater than painted or powder-coated finishes
- Contains no VOCs or harmful chemicals
- Uses recycled cooking oil, with excess oil captured and reused as part of the process

WHY SPECIFY POWDER COAT

- Provides a durable, uniform finish with long-term color stability
- Ideal for vertical applications where wear is minimal
- Helps prevent bleed from steel or iron onto surrounding materials
- Wide range of standard and custom color options available

VERTICAL PLANE APPLICATIONS – RECOMMENDED 

(Fences, panels, bollards, plaques, and other non-walkable elements) 

Powder coating is well suited for steel or cast iron products installed in the vertical plane, where wear from traffic is minimal. In these applications, powder coat helps prevent bleed onto adjacent materials and provides long-lasting color stability.

Aluminum and bronze products can often be left raw in vertical applications, as these alloys do not typically bleed onto surrounding surfaces.

GROUND PLANE APPLICATIONS – NOT RECOMMENDED 

(Tree grates, trench grates, covers, plaques, and other walkable surfaces)

For steel or cast iron products installed in the ground plane, raw metal is generally recommended. Foot traffic will eventually wear through painted or powder-coated surfaces, allowing corrosion to develop unevenly in high-traffic areas (see above tree grate image).

Powder coating may also reduce slip resistance on walkable surfaces. If the primary goal is to avoid the temporary orange oxidation phase of cast iron, a Baked-On-Oil Finish is typically a better alternative.

IRON AGE DESIGNS STANDARD POWDER COAT COLORS