Linear Drain or Shower Tray — Which is Better?

Linear drain or shower tray — this is a consideration for anyone planning a bathroom renovation. Each of these solutions has advantages and disadvantages. The decision should be made taking into account functionality, aesthetics, and technical aspects.

What Will You Learn from This Article?

The choice between a linear drain and a shower tray is not simple. Your bathroom should have a solution that is aesthetic, practical, and functional. From this article, you will learn:

• The advantages and disadvantages of a shower tray and a linear drain.

• Whether it is possible to install a linear drain in every bathroom.

• The types of shower trays available.

Installing a Shower Tray or Linear Drain?

Faced with the choice of appropriate bathroom fixtures, the main issue everyone pays attention to is, of course, the size of the bathroom. You may dream of a comfortable bathtub, ideal for relaxation after a long and hard day — but the size of apartments in a block often doesn't allow this. This is why the choice most often falls on shower enclosures. Until recently, they were mostly enhanced with shower trays, but for some time now, Walk-in shower enclosures, which allow for the installation of a linear drain, have become increasingly popular.

In many homes and apartments, bathroom spaces are still enriched with shower enclosures with trays. You will also find such sets in our offer. Compared to models available a few years ago, they mainly differ in modern design, availability of many shapes and sizes, capacity, and more materials to choose from.

Shower Tray — A Classic Solution for Modern Bathrooms

Installing a shower tray in the bathroom has been a popular solution for years. Thanks to technological progress, this does not require complicated work, which is why it is worth considering a shower tray in the bathroom. Contemporary models fit modern bathroom arrangements and are highly functional.

The main advantages of a shower tray are:

• Easy and quick installation — shower zones with trays can be implemented in almost any bathroom, especially where a linear drain cannot be made.

• Lower installation costs — creating a linear drain requires precise installation and complex plumbing work. This problem does not exist when you choose a shower tray.

• Lower risk of leaks — in a traditional shower tray, there is a lower potential risk of water leakage from the floor. This is significant in older buildings.

• Many shapes and materials to choose from — check what shape of shower tray to choose to enjoy the perfect solution in your bathroom. In Mexen's offer, there are available acrylic shower trays, shower trays made of mineral composite, and SMC — a plastic material.

The most commonly mentioned disadvantages of a classic shower tray are:

• Difficult cleaning — nooks and high rims necessitate very thorough cleaning. For older people, cleaning may be difficult.

• More space — due to the necessity of installing a cabin with a tray, more space needs to be allocated in the room. Dimensions are strictly defined, which limits design possibilities.

• Less modern aesthetics — although contemporary shower trays look very good, they are still bulkier than a shower without a tray. User opinions are clear: a linear drain looks more modern.

A Low Shower Tray is a Better Choice for Contemporary Bathrooms

A low shower tray is the best alternative to a linear drain. It has a height of up to 5 cm. It offers unlimited design possibilities due to being made from the best materials, such as acrylic, mineral composite, or SMC — a plastic material. Installation is quick and efficient, requiring no precise floor preparation or difficult construction work. Classical shower trays have a 2% slope, effectively draining water. Their installation is a cost-effective choice.

What Distinguishes a Sub-Tile Shower Tray?

Another alternative to a linear drain is a sub-tile shower tray. It is an intermediate solution for installation under ceramic cladding. Thanks to the appropriate slope, it effectively drains water from the shower. It is a floor-level shower tray with a linear drain, factory-connected to the slope plate. Its unique structure means you don't have to decide whether a tray or tiles in the shower. You get two solutions in one. The installation process is less complicated, allowing for a good, effective solution to be created in a short time.

Installing a Linear Drain is an Investment in Modernity and Minimalism

A floor drain is an increasingly popular solution and a key element of modern bathroom equipment. The system allows for the creation of a uniform surface throughout the space and a threshold-free entry into the shower enclosure. The absence of a tray involves numerous advantages, but also disadvantages.

Advantages of a linear drain are:

• Modern appearance — a shower cabin without a tray looks spacious and is more elegant.

• Threshold-free entry — perfectly suited to the needs of the elderly, children, and people with limited mobility.

• Easy maintenance — in a tray, you need to clean the entire surface thoroughly, remembering the nooks. A linear drain primarily requires regular maintenance of the drain.

• High design freedom — the popularity of linear drains is due to the possibility of using various types of tiles, mosaic, natural stone in the shower. The project is more interesting and aligns with your preferences.

• Attractive design and installation method — linear drains are available in different finishes. They differ among other things by color. Floor installation is as popular as wall installation.

Disadvantages of a linear drain are:

• More expensive investment — it costs less to create the drain of a shower cabin with a tray than a modern linear drain.

• Required floor and ceiling thickness — with thin ceilings in older buildings, it may not be possible to have a floor drain in the bathroom. It requires appropriate depth and raises the floor level.

• Risk of flooding — difficulties in installing a linear drain can lead to water leaking onto the floor, potentially flooding the bathroom.

Is a Linear Drain Possible in Every Bathroom?

Linear drains are a solution that works excellently in modern bathrooms when the aim is comfort and convenience. Just a few years ago, such drains were extremely rare — deep acrylic shower trays reigned in Polish bathrooms. Currently, low shower trays are in fashion.

The possibility of having a linear drain in your bathroom depends on the thickness of the ceiling. Already at the construction stage, it is worth designing the floor with a thickness of 10-15 cm. Find out how to install a linear drain effectively. You also need to choose a good specialist who will ensure the precise execution of all works. The most important is the proper profiling of the floor, to achieve the appropriate slope. Otherwise, such an arrangement risks flooding the bathroom. You must also remember that a linear drain is a more expensive solution than a tray. However, if you decide on a bathroom with a linear drain, do not skimp on elements that are part of the shower zone. Learn how to create a shower without a tray.

What to Choose: Linear Drain or Shower Tray?

A bathroom with a linear drain shower or a low shower tray — there are both positive and negative opinions about both solutions. To make a final decision, answer the following questions:

1. Who will be using the bathroom — elderly people and those with limited mobility should opt for a cabin with a linear drain. For families with children, a deep shower tray will work well, as you can offer the child a bath. Parents with older children can comfortably allow for a shower with a linear drain.

2. What are your aesthetic preferences — if you care about an extraordinary, modern design of the bathroom — opt for a Walk-in shower with a linear drain. It offers much more possibilities for designing a truly unique bathroom.

3. How do you heat the bathroom — if you decide on underfloor heating, you may need to choose a low shower tray or a wall-lined linear drain.

There are many variables affecting the choice of the right solution — it is worth considering the purchase carefully, especially when arranging a new bathroom, but also during its major renovation.