# Source for heavy grid or grate? And the right kind of builder? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 6, 2011, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-heavy-grid-or-grate-and-the-right-kind-of-builder/577462 "2011-04-06T22:32:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [April 6, 2011, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-heavy-grid-or-grate-and-the-right-kind-of-builder/577462/1 "2011-04-06T22:32:06Z")
I need wise Doper’s help. I need to find a source for heavy duty grid or grating to widen the mouth of my driveway. My driveway is an easement between two properties, and is narrow, and off a narrow road with deep ditches on either side. On one side of the entrance is a super-tidy place that has a decorative section of fence protecting their shrubs. Fence isn’t going anywhere. On the other side there is a ditch running along side the driveway that intersects with the road ditch. On the other side of the driveway ditch there’s another fence that also isn’t going anywhere. There’s a culvert running under the entrance to the driveway, of course. I have horses, and I pull a 25’ gooseneck trailer w/ an F-250 (extended cab, 8’ bed) that has the turning radius of a battleship. I can _just_ get it in the driveway with some jockeying, but it’s a royal PITA. Going out isn’t much better. I’m trying to find someone to get me an extra 2 or 3 ft on that ditch side. I’ve contacted 2 masons, who sort of look at me and scratch their heads. One got back to me w/ a 3k estimate and a plan for making a whole concrete extension, I haven’t heard yet from the other guy. All I really want is something like a small version of a cattle guard or the grating over sewer drains. So, am I talking to the right kind of specialty person? And where might I get a chunk of heavy grate like that? Google is not helping me much, I keep getting link to Chinese manufacturers. I live in S.E TN, Chattanooga-ish. Help? ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-heavy-grid-or-grate-and-the-right-kind-of-builder/577462/2 "2011-04-07T00:17:38Z")
The grating itself your best bet is a welding or metal fabrication shop. For contractors it’ll be tough to find one willing and qualified for that project. Locally I know a few contractors that do excavation and landscaping that could tackle that kind of project. They also handle a lot of municipal work, maybe contacting your town clerk for a list of their contractors might help you in your search. ---
**Author:** ![Khendrask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3e96dc/32.png) [@Khendrask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khendrask)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-heavy-grid-or-grate-and-the-right-kind-of-builder/577462/3 "2011-04-07T12:37:53Z")
I don’t know about local codes, and you would need a strong foundation, but for pre-made grating, you would need to look to an industrial supply. Somewhere like [McMaster Carr.](http://www.mcmaster.com/#steel-bar-grating/=brs7y9) ---
**Author:** ![Jamicat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jamicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamicat)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-heavy-grid-or-grate-and-the-right-kind-of-builder/577462/4 "2011-04-07T17:10:05Z")
I have made these out of some 4" pipe and 1.5" flatbar, working at a Welding Fab Shop. Depends on the weight of the object if they can fab in a shop or have to assemble in the field. Make sure there is an engineer to draw it up though. A rough estimate would be around $2k to make and install 4ft x 8ft both sides…I have no pics of your situation though. Good Luck. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Jamicat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jamicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamicat)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2011, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-for-heavy-grid-or-grate-and-the-right-kind-of-builder/577462/5 "2011-04-07T17:19:54Z")
Oh yea, there’s also that premade grating…but you still need a frame and someone to draw it all up, fabricate and install proper. > **[404 Not Found Error](https://www.mcnichols.com/404)** > > 'Grate' Scott! You Discovered a 'Hole' in the System... The page you requested may have been moved or no longer exists. You may find what you are looking for on the Home page or through the Customer Support page. Thank you!