NDSChannel & Trench Drains

NDS makes six channel and trench drain families, from slimmest to heaviest: Micro Channel (1-1/4", pedestrian), Slim Channel (2-3/8", shallow), Mini Channel (2-3/4" HDPE, Class B), Spee-D Channel (4", the most popular residential size), Pro Series (modular 3"/5"/8"/12", Class A–D), and Dura Slope (6", pre-sloped, up to Class D).

For a typical residential driveway, the 4-inch Spee-D Channel is the most popular choice, handling roughly 94 GPM at 1% slope. For heavier or wider driveways and light-commercial use, step up to the Pro Series (5"–12") or the pre-sloped Dura Slope, and pair with an iron grate for vehicular load.

NDS channel drains span EN 1433 Class A (pedestrian) through Class D (~575 psi, equivalent to AASHTO H-20/HS-20). Micro, Slim, and Spee-D are Class A; Mini reaches Class B; and Pro Series and Dura Slope reach Class C–D with the right profile depth, grate material, and concrete encasement.

Spee-D is a single 4-inch-wide, light-duty (Class A) channel — the most popular residential pick, sold in 2/4/10 ft sections. Pro Series is a modular system offered in 3", 5", 8", and 12" widths with shallow or deep profiles, cut in 4-inch increments, reaching higher load classes for light-commercial work.

Most NDS channels are neutral (flat) and rely on the slab grade for flow. Dura Slope is different: it has a built-in 0.7% slope so it maintains drainage fall on flat concrete without grading the trench, which is why it is favored for interior slabs, loading docks, and warehouses.

Grate options range from UV-stabilized polymer (many colors), decorative botanical/wave/tile patterns, galvanized and stainless steel, to ductile and cast iron for heavy traffic, with ADA heel-proof options. Filter every NDS channel grate by load class, material, and ADA compliance in the NDS grate catalog.