Linear drains have long been known for improving functionality in institutional and industrial settings but in recent years, they have been making waves in the residential market place and have become a popular choice for modern, clean bathroom design. While a linear bathroom drain offers a fresh, modern look to a shower, there are a number of other great reasons why you should consider a linear shower drain!

Improved Accessibility
A linear drain is the perfect choice for a barrier free, accessible shower. A center point drain requires the floor to slope towards the drain from all 4 directions. With a linear drain, the floor only needs to slope in one direction. This provides a gentler slope and safer use for young children, the elderly and anyone with balance or mobility issues.

linear bathroom drain

Photo Source: QuARTz by ACO

Maximize Small Space
A linear drain offers a number of possibilities for small space design. The barrier free nature of the linear drain means you can install a shower without a raised shower base and take advantage of small space ideas like the shower shown above with glass doors that swing inward when not in use to free up valuable floor space. A linear bathroom drain from QuARTz by ACO installed at the back of the shower, against the wall, makes this possible.

Works Well with Large Format Tiles
Large format tiles have become a popular choice for bathrooms and with a growing selection of slip-resistant large format tile options, this will continue to be the case. While it is possible to install a center point drain with large format tiles, the linear bathroom drain provides an easier install and a more cohesive look.

linear bathroom drain

Photo Source: QuARTz by ACO

Reducing Pooling
Water pooling during a shower is one of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents in a shower and it can also lead to increased issues with mold and mildew! A linear bathroom drain offers a larger collection surface for water which results in less water pooling and a cleaner, healthier shower.

Design Flexibility
Unlike a center point drain which generally needs to be installed towards the center of the shower to be effective, a linear shower drain can be installed in the center or along any side of the shower space provided the slope is planned accordingly. This opens up a wide range of design options as well! Take a look at some of these great ideas for bathroom designs that really take advantage of the flexibility of a linear drain!

TIP: As with any project, it is important to use quality materials and hire someone with experience. A properly installed, high quality linear drain will provide superior function and be easy to maintain. Using low quality materials or an inexperienced installer may have the opposite result!

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