Linear Shower Drains VS Shower Trays

An Introduction To Linear Shower Drains & Shower Trays

So, you’ve bought a shower enclosure, now you need to decide if you want a shower tray or a linear floor drain.

Wait, there’s more than option?

What even is a linear shower drain?

In this article we will dive into everything you need to know about shower trays and linear floor drains, as well as how to choose which one is right for you.

Let’s dive in!

 

Linear Shower Drains Explained

What is a linear shower drain?

Essentially, a linear shower drain is a thin gap in your floor in the shape of a straight line. This gap is what the waste water from the shower falls into so it can be drained away and into the sewers. To ensure this works, the flooring or a small panel is angled towards the linear drain.

 

Shower Trays Explained

On the other hand, a shower head is essentially a podium with a typically circular drain. The body of the shower tray is angled to push all the water towards the drain, which is typically in the corner or centre of the shower tray.

 

Advantages Of Linear Shower Drains

Now that we understand what linear channel drains are and what shower trays are, let’s take a look at what makes them so great; starting with linear drains.

Linear Shower Drains Feature A Seamless Aesthetic

Their inherently seamless design is perfect for any modern or minimalist bathroom. They can easily blend into any floor and their singular line gap looks stark yet subtle in any environment.

Linear Shower Drains Are Easy To Clean

Thanks to their minimalist design, linear shower drains are extremely easy to clean.

This is in part due to the fact that they feature fully concealable drainage options, so you have less you have to frequently clean.

Linear Shower Drains Feature Optimised Draining

Our linear channel drains have fast flow siphon waste systems which mean they are less likely to clog and drain faster than traditional drains.

Linear Shower Drains Are Accessible

Because linear shower drains are completely flush, meaning they are the same level as the floor, they are more accessible than any shower tray with a lip.

This makes them ideal for walk in showers, the most accessible form of a shower. In that sense, they are linear wet room drains.

Pair your linear floor drain with a walk in shower screen for the optimum, accessible, shower experience.

Linear Floor Drains Can Increase Home Value

A great aspect of linear shower drains is that they are extremely modern and practical, which means they can help raise the value of your home. If you are looking to sell or rent for as much as possible, then the installation of a walk in shower and linear channel drain is the perfect way to start.

 

Advantages Of Shower Trays

Comparatively, shower trays have a similar laundry list of benefits to their name.

Shower Trays Have A Classic Aesthetic

Shower trays have been used in conjunction with shower enclosures for almost as long as the concept of showering has existed. Because of this, they are an iconic bathroom fixture that helps to tie together any classic bathroom look.

Shower Trays Are Easy To Clean

Because shower trays are non-porous, they are fully water resistant and hygienic. This also makes them extremely easy to clean, which is ideal for the base of a shower that will be exposed to waste water during the cleaning process.

Shower Trays Are Affordable

Because shower trays are so common, they are also very affordable. No matter your price range, you will be able to find a shower tray that suits you.

Shower Trays Boast A Variety Of Shapes, Sizes & Materials

There is a great variety of shower trays on offer, from stone resin shower trays to acrylic shower trays and from rectangular shower trays to quadrant shower trays.

This endless variety is perfect for customisability, especially if you want a uniquely shaped shower enclosure like a pentagonal shower enclosure, because then you will need a shower tray to match.

 

Disadvantages Of Linear Floor Drains

Linear Shower Drains Don’t Fit Every Enclosure

Linear drains are typically designed to fit together with walk in shower screens. If you installed a pentagonal shower enclosure over a linear drain, the two wouldn’t necessarily fit.

This could look odd, and on top of that could cause water issues, as most enclosures are designed to connect to a shower tray, whereas a linear floor drain doesn’t offer any way of attaching itself to an enclosure, potentially leaving a gap between the glass and the floor at the bottom.

Linear Shower Drains Hard To Install

Linear floor drains are hard to install, in fact it is advised that an amateur doesn’t attempt to install one without help. This could be an issue if you aren’t in a position to hire a professional. It is important to keep this in mind before committing to a purchase.

 

Disadvantages Of Shower Trays

Shower Trays Can Be Fragile

Shower trays can be cracked or shattered if you were to drop something considerably heavy on it.

This would render the shower tray completely unusable.

We recommend stone resin shower trays as a solution to this problem, as they are extremely tough and resilient.

 

Summary Tables

Linear Shower Drains

Linear Shower Drain Pros	Linear Shower Drain Cons
Linear Shower Drains Feature A Seamless Aesthetic	Linear Shower Drains Don’t Fit Every Enclosure
Linear Shower Drains Are Easy To Clean	Linear Shower Drains Hard To Install
Linear Shower Drains Feature Optimised Draining
Linear Shower Drains Are Accessible
Linear Shower  Drains Can Increase Home Value

 

Shower Trays

Shower Tray Pros	Shower Tray Cons
Shower Trays Have A Classic Aesthetic	Shower Trays Can Be Fragile
Shower Trays Are Easy To Clean
Shower Trays Are Affordable
Shower Trays Boast A Variety Of Shapes, Sizes & Materials

 

 

Final Thoughts On Linear Shower Drains & Shower Trays

Linear shower drains and shower trays are both fantastic options for your bathroom, so which should you pick?

The answer is actually really simple.

If you are installing a walk in shower, then install a linear drain.

If you are installing a closed shower enclosure, then you should install an appropriately shaped shower tray.

For comprehensive breakdowns on everything you need to know about shower enclosures, how to install shower trays, and more, then check out the rest of our informative articles on our blog.