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Sophisticated & Elegant Cast Iron

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

Our company has helped revive the foundry skills used by artisans of yesteryear and our spirit drives us to continually reinvent, design and manufacture bespoke products that not only function, but aesthetically lift projects to entirely new levels.

Contemporary styles are not for everyone, and so with this in mind we provide a range of sophisticated and elegant cast iron grates that help to reintroduce the charm and elegant design detail of yesteryear. The perfect addition to any classic landscaped area. They are available in various linear channel widths, as well as round and square gully covers.

Manufactured from recycled cast iron, our covers will age naturally and develop a golden bloom to a dark patina, giving these particular covers a natural rustic look suitable for any classic scheme. We can even alter or delay the ageing process using a number of special treatments, such as post-rust protection or powder coating.

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Working Alongside Award-Winning Designers & Other Notable Industry Professionals

Our Projects

We have spent numerous years building an impressive portfolio of projects and clients.

We have provided replacement heating registers at Hampton Court Palace and have worked with design teams to develop bespoke cast iron channel drains, manholes and gully covers for Blackburn Cathedral.

We have also provided custom work for Grosvenor Estates in Motcomb Street Belgravia, Berkeley Square Mayfair, the Royal Borough of Hackney, and at Armstrong House at Newcastle University.

Our bespoke manhole covers feature within the precinct outside Canterbury Cathedral.

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CAST IRON OXIDISATION

Cast iron is exceptionally durable, requiring minimal maintenance over its long lifespan, making it the most cost-effective choice for many applications. Its robust nature ensures that it can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions without significant wear and tear. However, one potential drawback is the initial “rusty” phase it undergoes when first installed. This phase, while temporary, can be unappealing to some users.

Fortunately, there are ways to bypass this process, such as applying a specialized finish that prevents the formation of rust. This allows users to enjoy the benefits of cast iron without the aesthetic concerns of early-stage oxidation.

  • Why Are My Grates Turning Orange?

    When raw cast iron comes into contact with water, it initially turns from grey to a bright orange color due to the formation of rust. This initial layer of rust is loosely attached and can wash or wear away easily, eventually revealing a more adherent oxide coating underneath. This coating protects the grate from further corrosion, resulting in a deep, chocolate brown finish over time, similar to the patina seen on manhole covers.

  • How Long Will My Grates Stay Orange?

    The duration of the orange rust phase depends on the environmental conditions. Typically, this oxidation process can last anywhere from several months to a year. Factors like exposure to weather and the amount of foot or vehicle traffic will accelerate this transformation.

  • Will My Grates Eventually Disintegrate from Rust?

    No, your grates will not rust away completely. Cast iron is known for its durability and has been used for centuries in applications requiring high corrosion resistance, such as ship anchors. Like these anchors, our cast iron grates are designed to last for many decades, even when left in their raw state.

  • How Can I Avoid Having Orange Grates?

    While we suggest allowing your grates to naturally develop their protective patina, we do offer an option to avoid the orange rust phase. Our eco-friendly "Post Rust Finish“ and subsequent "Baked-On-Oil Finish,” made using recycled vegetable oil, can be applied to the grates to better protect them. We can also powder coat the grates into different RAL colours.

  • Will Rust Stain the Area Around the Grates?

    Rust should not cause staining around the grates if they are properly installed in a pre-formed drain body or Iron Age custom frames. These drain bodies have plastic, metallic, or polymer edges, and our frames have steel edges, preventing direct contact between the iron grates and the surrounding surfaces. As long as the drainage system functions correctly, rust particles will be carried away with the water flow.

  • Is Rust an Issue for Cast Iron Grates Around Pools?

    Rust is not an issue for cast iron grates installed around pools, provided they are placed in a pre-formed drain body or custom steel frames, avoiding direct contact with the surrounding surfaces. Cast iron is particularly well-suited to handle the pH balance in chlorinated pool water, performing better than cast aluminum, which can deteriorate over time.

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Crafting Designs with Timeless Foundry Skills

Our company has breathed new life into the time-honored foundry skills of old-world craftsmen. Driven by a spirit of innovation, we continually reimagine, design, and create custom products that go beyond functionality, adding an aesthetic dimension that elevates every project to a higher level.

Find Out More Call Us:  020 8450 2244

With Over

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