There are a few important things to think about when choosing a drain system for a bathroom shower. These are important for construction or renovation jobs. You can select the ideal drain if you consider these factors while making your decision. If you drain water properly and seal your bathroom. You will be able to shower in a barrier-free bathroom for a long time. You can buy a lot of different shapes and sizes of drains. It’s very easy to choose the right version. Today, we are going to talk about two simple and popular types of shower drains.
The most popular types are the square center drain and the linear drain. The main difference between these types is that one is round, and the other is linear. But these drains have some big differences and some minor ones. The most common type of drain is round and fits in the center of the bathroom floor. It includes a metal or plastic strainer over the drain. This helps in keeping debris from falling into the drain. But, the rectangular-shaped drain is called an off center linear shower drain. The shower floor is the ideal location for this, either at one end or all the way around.
It features a long, thin slit or chain of holes instead of a single round hole. This makes it easier for water to drain. The standard placement for a linear drain in a shower is at the floor’s lowest point. Also, these can eliminate the need for a higher shower barrier, creating a smooth effect. It has a narrow grate that stands flat on the shower floor. It also enables water to enter the drain from any angle. “What is the difference between linear drains and center square drains?” is an interesting question, so let’s examine it more. We look at the differences between linear drain vs center drain in this article. Let’s start!!
What is a Linear Drain?
Linear shower drain systems are great for people who want to give their shower a more modern look. The linear drain offers a touch of elegance with its design and low profile. It may enhance the appearance of any shower. Some consumers found linear drains more pleasant in the shower. What makes this possible? Because the center drain is located in the middle of the shower. So, stepping on it may cause foot pain. Also, center drains might cause balance issues for people with mobility issues. It causes people to fall and get hurt. But, the (ADA) says that linear shower drains are compatible. Moreover, linear drains are very useful in addition to looking great.
You can put the drain flush against the wall or the edge of the shower. This helps put tiles on the floor. Why? The floor only slopes in one way, not four, as with a typical drain in the middle. You also have the option to build the shower without a curb when you use a linear drain. It’s trending and fancy to have a shower without a curb. Also, a curb less shower makes it easier for people who have trouble moving around to take showers. It is simpler to enter and leave the shower with a linear drain. You can be more creative and flexible with your shower design when you use an off center linear shower drain.
What Is a Center Square Shower Drain?
The term “center shower drain” may refer to a traditional style of shower drain. These options are good for people who want a more traditional look. Square shower drains look good with showers that have a more traditional look. They are available in a range of sizes, forms, and textures. There is a square ring around a lot of round shower drains. This makes it easier to put down tiles and gives the floor a smoother look. It is common practice to put the center drain in the exact center of the shower. But some are put close to the wall of the shower fixture, which makes showering less annoying.
The installation process is possibly the biggest benefit of a center shower drain. You may increase the waterproofing of a shower pan with a square drain by gently applying it. Why? There is more space around a round shower drain than a linear shower drain. This makes it easier for the asphalt and felt to stick together. This makes a setting that lasts longer and is better at waterproofing. Most of the time, center drains are cheaper than linear drains. Center drains are an excellent choice if you have a limited budget.
What the Difference Is Between a Center Square Drain and a Linear Drain
If you need to choose between a linear and a square drain, here are some things you should keep in mind.
1 – Beauty and style
The beauty and design of a square or linear drain depends on personal preference. If you want a spa-like, high-end, and luxurious look. You should use an off center linear shower drain. If you really want to stand out, a linear drain is the way to go. If you want a more classic look and feel, a center square drain is your best option. But if you choose a center linear drain, you also don’t have to sacrifice style. A lot of square drains have beautiful covers that go with any style or need. Square Drain now comes with a wider range of stylish covers and finishes. They go well with any popular design trend. They work well with industrial, trendy, mid-century, and classic styles.
2 – Price
The price of your job will probably determine whether you choose a linear or square drain. The size of the shower affects how much the whole setup costs. When compared to linear drain systems, center square drains are generally much cheaper. There are also lower labor costs for installation. Because they need less material and work, center drains are easy to change and set up. But the pros of a linear drain may beat the pros of a center drain in terms of cost.
This is especially important if you want to make a wet room or remodel or build to stay in place. Also, linear drain provides you with a curb less entry. You should use an invisible linear shower drain. They come in a lot of different styles. Steel is the material used to make an invisible vertical shower drain. Their designs can complement any style. They have many cover colors and styles, such as matte black and stainless steel. They contain levelling feet and are completely assembled. It lets you change the height quickly and easily, which makes fitting easy.
3 – Tile options
You can use any kind of tile you want because there is only one slope going down to the linear drain. It also cuts down on grout lines. It gets rid of the shower pan’s four-way slope. The linear drain lets tilers use big format tile and solid surface materials. It provides a seamless bathroom-to-shower flow. You can also use different tiles if you use a square shower drain. This is because most tiles are square, making it easy to place them. This means the tiler won’t have to cut the tile into a circle.
4 – Maintenance
It was already said that linear drains can fit bigger format tiles, so there will be fewer grout gaps. You may get more space on the shower floor by installing linear drains. This encourages full drainage of water in areas without curbs. This makes it less likely that water will gather under the shower door and leak into the bathroom. There are fully sloped holes on long linear shower drains that help water drain away quickly. It lowers the chance of slipping and stops mold, mildew, and bacteria from growing. It’s easier for mold to grow in square drains because they have more grout lines. So it needs a little more maintenance and cleaning.
5 – Application
Your application will play a major role in which drain type you choose—linear drain vs center drain. A linear drain is the best choice if you are updating to make a wet room or a shower without a curb. Linear drains are the best way to make showers that meet ADA standards. Also, they work well in damp areas that are open to all. There is no barrier at all, and it has just one slope. This makes the floor easier to use with a wheelchair, freestanding bench, or other devices.
Safety measures can be a lifesaver when it comes to helping you age in place. You can consider these factors when designing a modern bathroom. A single-sloped shower with non-slip surfaces and curbs will make things safer. If anyone in your family has trouble moving around, they may have special needs. A linear drain will also make their shower better, even if they are still recovering from surgery. If you desire a classic, affordable drain solution, a center drain is more appealing.
Reasons Why Linear Drains Are Better than Square Center Drains
A linear shower drain is better than a standard center drain in several ways:
It increased drainage capacity.
A center drain can only handle a certain amount of water flow. But a linear or vertical shower drain can handle a lot more. Its bigger surface area is the reason for this. This works great in bathrooms with bigger rain showerheads. It works well with several showerheads that generate a lot of water as well. The larger and longer lengths of linear drains set them apart from center drains. This reduces water overflow and flooding by handling higher water flow. This can be very helpful in big or fancy showers. These are useful if your shower has a lot of water-flowing parts, like various showerheads.
Good appearance
Square shower drains are noticeable and may not fit the latest designs. The look of linear shower drains is modern and clean. This can make any bathroom look more elegant. They also give the shower floor a smooth appearance. This can also make the bathroom look better generally.
It makes maintenance easy.
Most of the time, linear shower drains are easier to clean than standard center drains. Linear drains are easier to clean because of their flat surface. It’s also less likely to get dirty because it’s installed along the wall. Linear drain access and cleaning are easier than with standard center drains. You might have to take out the strainer when using a standard center drain. You may also need to use the tools to clear the drain of any buildup of debris.
It gives you more options for placement.
You can put linear shower drains in a lot of different places because they are installed along the wall. You have more options when planning the layout of your shower because of this. This can be very helpful in bathrooms that don’t have a lot of room.
It improves accessibility.
Linear shower drains are great for people who have trouble moving around. Because they don’t have a high edge that you have to step over to get into the shower. This makes it safer to get in and out of the shower.
Conclusion
Shower drains come in many types. But there are two main types: linear drain vs center drain. The center drain is the most typical and common type of drain in a shower. They are usually found in the center of the shower area. Also, the floor slopes in all ways to the drain. This drain receives all water from the shower floor’s slight slope. Linear drains are long and narrow. These linear shower drains have become more popular in recent years due to their style. Most of the time, they installed along one wall. This drain’s shape and placement slope the shower floor carefully toward it. There are many lengths of linear drains available, with the longest being 72″.
You should know that both types of drains remove water equally well. Most of the time, a center drain will be cheaper than a linear drain. But the elegant design of linear drains makes them superior to center drains. They also give homes other useful benefits. It’s safer, easier to get to, and gives you more options for planning and installation. If you care more about functionality than visual appeal. We recommend square center drains. They are not expensive. Square center drains can range in price from as little as $10 to as much as $100. We hope this article on the “difference linear drain vs center drain” was helpful to you.
