Should You Install A Linear Shower Drain?
Photo: Schluter KERDI-LINE Linear Shower Drain
The Pros and Cons of Using a Linear Shower Drain in Your Remodel
A bathroom remodel is an exciting project that requires you to make many decisions throughout the process. From choosing the perfect tile to deciding on countertop materials, cabinet finishes, and more, you need to consider choices from both the perspective of aesthetics and functionality.
Sometimes, your decision will hinge on your goal for the space. For example, if you're planning on aging in place, you might choose to remove the tub in your master bath and convert it into a threshold-free shower. What type of drain you should use is probably not a decision you'd typically need to make. However, if your design includes a "wet room" or a threshold-free shower, you have one more decision!
When it comes to your shower, you have another option beside the traditional circular or square drain. Instead, you can use a linear shower drain.
A linear shower drain offers some great benefits, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
What is a Linear Shower Drain?
Photo: Schluter KERDI-LINE Linear Shower Drain
Unlike a traditional round or square drain, a linear shower drain features a slightly larger rectangular shape. It offers flexibility in its placement and can lie along the shower's edge or flush against the wall. Like any drain, the floor must slant toward the drain to ensure proper water flow out of the shower.
Where you choose to locate the drain is contingent on where the waste line is located, which may be predetermined or already installed depending on your project. Depending on your project, it may be possible to relocate the waste line depending on the site conditions.
Installing a linear drain is slightly different than a more traditional drain, offering an advantage over a center drain. In the conventional center drain installation, the floor must slope in four directions to properly drain water. With a linear shower drain, you have more flexibility in your design since the floor needs to pitch in a single direction.
The Benefits of a Linear Shower Drain
Traditional circular shower drains limit the type of tiles you can use on the shower pan because of their placement and the 4-sided pitch. As a result, you can only use small tiles in the pan, with a maximum of about 2" x 2".
Because a linear shower drain has a single direction pitch, you have no limit on tile size. This gives you many more options when creating your design. Showers with linear drains tend to slant toward a wall, which allows you to use large format tile in your design.
This means that a linear shower drain is not only a functional element in your design, it also adds aesthetic appeal. Because a linear drain will often be located near a wall, it can be much less noticeable. Linear shower drains work best in threshold-free, curbless showers. Curbless showers don't include a ledge to keep water in. A linear shower drain covers the most surface area for improved water drainage.
Types of Installs
Unlike a standard round or square drain, you have options for placement, size, and type of installation when working with a linear shower drain.
Wall-to-Wall
One way to maximize and ensure proper drainage is to install a linear drain from wall-to-wall. The challenge with this type of installation is that it requires an exact measurement to cut the grate and channel to the actual finished wall.
Against A Wall
Infinity Drain makes a Fixed Flange Series designed for flush against the wall installation. This type of install is designed to be used with a liquid or fabric type of waterproofing to tie into the wallboard.
Curb or Curbless Installation
Deciding between a barrier threshold (curb) or barrier-free (curbless) installation is critical when considering including a linear drain in your design. Your design-build professional can help you determine which installation is possible.
Threshold Installation
For a threshold installation, the best option is to install a drain that runs exactly wall-to-wall to prevent any water from leaving the shower or wet area.
Installing a shower drain without a curb, barrier, or threshold creates a seamless look with easy access to the wet area. Floor heights should be equal between the shower area (wet area), outside the area (dry area), and the next room to achieve the perfect look. Specific conditions will determine what is needed.
Photo: Schluter KERDI-LINE Linear Shower Drain
The Cost of a Linear Shower Drain
You can buy a circular shower drain at your local big box home improvement store starting at around $15 and up. If you are installing a wall-to-wall drain, it is typically a custom piece, and custom always costs more. In general, a linear shower drain unit will cost significantly more than a traditional circular or square shower drain. You should also budget a little more for labor and installation.
Installing a linear shower drain will require more coordination between your plumber, contractor, and tile person. However, if you are looking for a more modern look, are remodeling to age in place, or are creating a wet room, including a linear shower drain is an excellent choice that is more than worth the expense!
If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project and live in the West Central Alabama area, give the design experts at Toulmin Cabinetry & Design a call at (205) 366-0807. We're always happy to answer any questions you may have. Let us help you design the perfect bathroom space to meet your aesthetic and functional needs.
