Your shower drain might seem commonplace, but it doesn’t have to be. Your drain can add to the style of your bathroom instead of taking away from it. These days, there are many options for whatever project you are doing, whether it is a full remodel or just a little update. With all the options out there, it is important to choose what is right for your project. Whether you put style, function, or price first, there are plenty of choices for you. Below are the three major categories of shower drains and what they have to offer.
Linear Drains
Linear drains are a clean, stylish choice for the shower, and as the name implies, they are shaped like a line. These drains are appropriate for showers with no curb and provide a contemporary and sleek look to your bathroom. One of the primary advantages of a linear drain is that it a smaller slope than a traditional drain. This means installation does not require carving into your beams or creating a bowl into which the water will flow. Another advantage is that since it is narrow it can easily fit along the edge of your shower without drawing too much attention away from your tiles. Quite a few options are available in style and function. A popular choice is the tile-top linear model, which hides the drain seamlessly below your tiles. Like any other drain, these need to be cleaned regularly to keep water flowing through at the best rate.
Traditional Drain/Point Drain
There are plenty of stylish options available in the more traditional center drains, or point drains. If your bathroom is already set up for one, and you are just doing some cosmetic work, you may want to stick with the point drain. Some building codes also require a certain size or amount of drains, in which case traditional models can be the way to go. It is better to err on the side of caution and get a bigger drain than a smaller one if you are concerned about the rate of water flow. Some customized and fancy options exist for these drains as well, including an infinity drain that camouflages the drain under tile, much like the linear tile top.
Pre-Made Base
Another option for your project is to choose a premade shower base which will come ready for installation. The benefit here is mainly a quicker turn-around for your product. It can be a cheaper option in some states as well, and if your shower is a fairly standard shape and size, it is an easier choice. However, if you have an oddly shaped bathroom or are looking for the sleekest option out there, this might not be for you.
