Homemade Q: where to get a great grate

[subwayhello]

I just finished up making a bbq out of many many rocks, it looks almost like a twin sofa with a counter top in the middle. I have 2 'pits' on both sides for the fuel to be burnt and each has a back and two sides. I currently need to find something to use as a grate for both of these. As each measures at 30 inches long by 20 inches wide I know I won't exactly be able to find a used rock grate from an old grill that would fit. I've searched around and found some sites where other people mention going to a home store and purchasing stainless steel to use as a grate, but no details are ever given. I want to know what my best options are as far as getting something that would fit, the cheaper the better. Please include details, like the type of metal that would work and any links that show pictures, the more details the better as the info online is scarce and I don't want to purchase something that could end up being a health risk. Thanks in advance!

 

[EdWort]

I would go with expanded steel for a grate. Pictures of your setup will help folks chime in. Here's a 30"x16" to start with.

BOLTMASTER EXPANDED STEEL 13 ga. 11794 HILLMAN (STEELWORKS)

 

[subwayhello]

(water on top is rainwater)

also if anybody has any idea of what the slab of rock in the middle is or how I could best polish it up I would be grateful (I picked it up from somewhere, and have no idea what type of rock it is but know that it would look great polished up). All stones were dry stacked with rock fill for the inside.

 

[subwayhello]

I would go with expanded steel for a grate. Pictures of your setup will help folks chime in. Here's a 30"x16" to start with.

BOLTMASTER EXPANDED STEEL 13 ga. 11794 HILLMAN (STEELWORKS)

Thanks called the somewhat local metal supply and found that they could cut a 9 gauge plain expanded steel grate to my dimensions for 24.50 each, stainless steel would be about 50 dollars more for some reason). Luckily, there are a couple more metal supply places the same distance from me so I'll see if I can shop around. Thanks again

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3/4 " #9 expanded steel
.3 inch thick
3ft X 2 ft
2 pieces