When renovating a bathroom there are many decisions to be made. From the layout to colour scheme, size and type of tile, style of vanity, tapware and accessory design? The list can seem to go on and on. It is little wonder that most would give little thought as to what type of shower drain they would like to use or even be aware that there are actually options from which to choose from.

Beautiful shower recess with timber tile feature wall, shower niche, linear shower grate and semi-frameless shower screen - bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Bathroom shower recess with timber tile feature wall, shower niche, linear shower grate and semi-frameless shower screen – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Linear shower drains are exactly as they sound. They are a narrow, elongated rectangular drain that offer a far superior drainage system than traditional, centred shower grates. Linear shower drains have been around for quite some time, although, were mostly used for commercial wet areas and those with mobility limitations. They have in, recent years, become more popular in residential bathrooms with contemporary, open plan designs, particularly those that use large format tiles and hobless showers for their superior drainage capability and sleek design.

So what are the advantages of using a linear shower drain in your bathroom shower?

Design

Linear drains are considered the top tier for shower grates and come in a variety designs that include two major types; grated and tile insert. Both types are aesthetically pleasing and suit any bathroom design. Tile insert linear drains are a popular option as they create a clean and seamless finish in the shower recess without interrupting the floor tiling. It should be noted that plumbing may need to be relocated to suit the ideal location of your linear shower drain in your shower. Be sure to speak with your bathroom renovator prior to purchase to allow for this extra plumbing expense.

Stunning hobless shower featuring linear shower grate, frameless shower screen with pivot door an niche with LED strip lighting - bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Stunning hobless shower featuring linear shower grate, frameless shower screen with pivot door an niche with LED strip lighting – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Tile Size

Traditional drainage in shower floors requires a 4 way grading or sloping of the tiles to effect efficient water drainage. This either means a smaller tile needs to be chosen for the shower floor or that the larger size tile needs to be cut to create the required slope to effect adequate drainage to avoid water pooling on the shower floor. Using a linear shower drain allows for the option of popular large format tiles to be used on the shower floor as they are designed to work with a single gradient fall. This means that large tiles can be used without ugly cuts for drainage. See more advice for choosing your tiles for your bathroom renovation.

Contemporary Hobless or Easy Access Showers

Linear drains offer superior drainage for the shower recess, which makes them the perfect choice for hobless (curbless) showers. Showers without hobs are extremely popular as they create a seamless, contemporary feel in the bathroom and add to the appearance of space in what is usually a smaller sized room. Not only do they look great, but are an advantage for those with mobility issues and make entering and exiting shower safer and easier. Using linear drains in these types of showers helps to ensure excellent drainage within the shower recess keeping the bathroom floor a safer space for all individuals, especially those who use walking aids and wheelchairs.

 Beautiful hobless shower with linear shower drain, niche and frameless shower screen creating the appearance of space - bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Beautiful hobless shower with linear shower drain, niche and frameless shower screen creating the appearance of space – bathroom renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Easy Cleaning

Cleaning shower drains is a job we all love to hate, but is a necessity to avoid a blockage and the unnecessary plumbing expense. Cleaning linear shower drains could not be easier. Good quality linear drains come with a removable debris basket that collects hair etc, preventing the shower drain from becoming blocked. All that is required is to remove the grate, empty the basket and wash with soapy water and simply replace. As mentioned previously, care should be taken when cleaning the large tile insert linear drains. These larger sized linear drains can be a little heavy and if dropped, may crack the tile that has be inserted. Read blog post to find out why you should be cleaning your shower drain.

Related Articles:

Create a Hygienic & Easy to Clean Bathroom

Advantages of a Custom Plith supported vanity.

Why you should stop using bleach in your bathroom.

Master Bathrooms & Kitchens is a family owned & operated company that has been renovating the Hills & Hornsby Districts for over 23 years. We offer our customers advice and expertise that only comes from years of experience and trade. Be sure to peruse our website for more renovation inspiration or call us on (02)9899 9330 to discuss your renovation and organise an in home quotation.

See our video below for just some of our beautiful bathroom renovations.