There are many linear drain suppliers now in North America and many more abroad. Here in North America you can go about installing a linear drain in one of two ways.
Firstly you can order a linear drain that is actually a "Primary Shower Drain". In this category you have drains from Quick Drain USA, Kerdi-Line, Nobel Company, ACO, Easy Drain and CeraLine. With these drains the home's plumbing system is connected directly to the drain and no other piece is needed.
Drains from My Shower Grate Shop, Luxe, ACO and CeraLine you need to use another drain or a "Clamping Drain" and you set the linear drain over top.
You might have noticed that ACO and CeraLine are mentioned in both categories and this is because they have both to chose from.
Either way can produce a successful installation - It is more about the shower design and over all drains performance that you should consider. The skill set of your local labour pool and materials available to you as well can affect which drain you purchase - understand the complete installation process of each before making your product selection.
This is key for a successful installation
If you would like to browse through the drains here is a link list to the companies websites.
The drains by
ACO,
Quick Drain USA,
Nobel Company,
My Shower Grate Shop and
Luxe - Platinum Stainless Steel are by far my favourites and offer up all that is needed in both design and installation ease. When selecting between this short list you will find it easy to get all the right products and find an installer able to help you. This is very important if you do not live in a major city with access to all the different setting materials and waterproofing products.
More and more I'm shipping the complete shower package - including the membrane and little pieces to save my clients and their crew from special orders and setting up new accounts.
The linear drain from
Infinity is of a poor design and I would not recommend this drain to anyone. The drain is designed with a flat bottom and this makes no sense to me what so ever. One look at the cross section and I knew I would never install one. No one I know has installed one and I have only seen pictures online. The finished grills look great but the mechanics of the drain itself needs re thinking.
The linear drain from
CeraLine requires a special installer I'm told and is undergoing design changes I think right now - perhaps the newer version will be more installer friendly. The textured waterproofing flange lends itself to risks I think and uneven coverage - the adjustable grill top is a very clever design but I wonder how much hair these would trap.
The linear drain from Schluter (
Kerdi-Line) needs re-thinking and the waterproofing process looks a little unsafe. I will watch this product closely and do more extensive testing on it before I recommend it to my clients. I believe a better installation of Schluter's drain can be achieved with Kerdi Fix and modified thin-sets but this does not follow the instructions set out by Schluter. The build out of 4 plys of Kerdi will make setting tiles tricky as well and here again a slight change in the shower's construction can improve on this.
Shopping for the linear drain is a fun stage. Many people are drawn to a certain look or grill style. Many more love the tile top linear drains. Take some time and look at all the different options and then lets select the best drain for your install, in your town with your tile setting crew and plumber.
Best,
John Whipple
Linear Shower Drain Specialist
(604) 506 6792
sales@no-curb.com
More Information &
Here is a peak at my kitchen's stove niche detail. I installed a linear drain by ACO below my pot-filler and incorporated it all into a recessed niche. This is a simple design with a lot of function and safety. I was told two days back that potfillers here in North Vancouver will no longer be allowed unless drainage is incorporated. I wonder what the plumbing inspectors will think of this option?
...
Key Word Searches; John Whipple Linear Drain. Kerdi Line Drain For Sale in Vancouver. Photos of a flush shower with no curb. These drains can also be used for pools and Nana Wall Entry Systems.
