What will work in a small bathroom: a linear drain or a shower tray?
Expert's answer: The modern equivalent of a shower tray is a linear outflow. It is usually covered with an openwork panel. The whole creates an interesting visual effect. A shower tray is a traditional solution, but in many forms. We can choose from deep, shallow, low or high threshold. There are many possibilities, which makes it even more difficult to choose.
Both solutions have a lot of advantages, but what is a plus for one may turn out to be a minus for the other.
Linear outflow - facts
Architects and manufacturers around the world compete in ideas for modern, minimalist solutions for every part of the house. The bathroom is such a demanding room that we are often limited by space.
In small bathrooms, a shower is best. If we want to modernize the bathing area, it is good to consider a linear drain. It is a drain strip usually mounted in the floor, or on the wall just above the floor. The drain channel has a built-in siphon that is accessible for cleaning from above. The decorative grate is designed to mask the opening, and additionally has a decorative function. There are also models with a special tray into which tiles are glued. They blend in with the floor and are almost invisible.
The standard length of a linear drain available on the market is: 60/70/80/90/100 cm, but usually manufacturers also adjust sizes to specific orders. The gutters and other elements of the installation are made of stainless steel, which ensures resistance to corrosion. The use of a bathroom strip allows you to design a shower cabin completely to your own requirements, it can have any shape and size. Which is perfect for small bathrooms. In addition, there are cabins that, thanks to special hinges, are folded to the wall after the bath, thus creating additional usable space.
A great visual solution is to make a linear drain next to the bathtub and enclose the whole with a glass door. Thanks to this, we will create a beautiful bathing zone. To emphasize the individuality of such an arrangement, it is good to choose tiles at the drain, in a different texture and color than the walls.
Linear drain (photo by L. Jampolska)Proper installation of a linear drain
The basis for the operation of the entire system is the proper slope of the floor towards the drain. In a renovated bathroom, this means the need to remove at least part of the old screed and pour it anew, with an appropriate slope. Alternatively, you can slightly raise the floor level throughout the bathroom by making a new thin screed over the old floor. It is also necessary to remember that the tiles in which the linear drain will be placed are properly sealed, because water that may get under them will permanently damage the floor. It is not recommended to install a shower channel in the floor, if the bathroom has underfloor heating installed, then it is best to use a side alternative.
Therefore, the decision regarding the linear drain should be made as early as possible, actually at the bathroom design stage. It is extremely important to properly prepare the waterproofing of walls and floors. Several factors influence the selection of the appropriate assembly kit - maximum capacity, bathroom characteristics and type of installation. In this case, it is worth investing in a more expensive set, thanks to which we will be sure that it will not need to be replaced after a few years of use.
It is worth remembering that the height of the gutter is of great importance, the lower the model, the easier it is to place it in the floor. The more so that sewage pipes must be laid with a slope of 1.5-3% towards the sewage riser. When grooves have to be forged in a fairly thin ceiling for the drain and pipes, meeting these conditions can be very difficult.
It is important that the grate is set at the correct height, as the drainage grate must be 1 mm below the level of the floor tiles.
The floor screed, on the other hand, must be shaped with a slope of 2-3% towards the drain line to allow for a natural water fall. Particularly noteworthy is the waterproofing under the tiles - liquid foil will be suitable for its implementation. Several layers of the preparation should be applied (at intervals). The supplement can be special edge tapes. In order to maintain proper insulation, it is important to correctly install the flange with the drainage cassette.
In the case of drainage, it is worth investing in high-quality tiles with very low water absorption (all gres tiles meet this condition). The abrasion class is also important, the optimal one is III or IV. They must be matte and non-slip. The whole is complemented by an epoxy grout, which is definitely more durable and tight than cement grout.
GuideDo you value our advice? You can get the latest every Thursday! Kit for mounting a linear drain. (photo by Tycner)Small bathroom and shower tray
A shower tray is an alternative to a bathtub, it will be perfect in small spaces. Over the years, the form of shower trays has changed and now there are many models available on the market. From deep mini-baths to flush-mounted shower trays. However, we are limited by the form, standard shower trays take the shape of a square, quarter circle (semi-circular), pentagonal (pentagonal), rectangle and hexagon. In addition, the shower tray visually reduces the room, and with an already small bathroom it is unacceptable.
But it has its advantages. The deep paddling pool can be used as a bathtub for a child or a dog. However, according to design standards, the thinner the shower tray, the better. You can also find models equipped with an additional antibacterial coating. Manufacturers of shower trays also have their own way of dealing with the lack of sewage risers in bathrooms, namely models with a drain and an integrated pump for draining bath water directly from the inside of the shower tray.
Undoubtedly, if we already have a shower in a traditional version, and we only want to make a small "lift" of the bathroom, it will be good to just replace it with another one. Ripping and additional laying of tiles can cause considerable costs.
According to the latest trends, thin shower trays are currently the most fashionable. (photo: Aquaform)Bathroom made to measure
So what will be better and less unreliable? Not only the visual effect is important, especially since bathroom renovation is not cheap. So it's worth rethinking your choice. The cost of the paddling pool itself varies between PLN 280 and even PLN 1,800. On the other hand, a linear drain is definitely cheaper, and oscillates around PLN 180-900.
The question of convenience for the elderly remains. Linear outflows have a definite advantage here. In addition, they allow for greater freedom and optically enlarge the room. As a result, they are becoming more and more popular. You can use them to create a huge bathing area, as well as a small and discreet shower.
The "wow" effect will ensure the selection of an effective cabin to the outflow. For example, models such as self-evaporating are available, which, after entering the cabin and closing it, automatically cover it with a layer of thick fog. The options with a coating that prevents the adhesion of scale and even the formation of stains will also be great.
The interesting form of the shower enclosure will diversify the interior of every bathroom. (photo by New Trendy)It is also worth paying attention to hygiene. Namely, according to research and tests carried out by manufacturers, a linear drain cannot do without an antibacterial coating. Grout accumulates a lot of bacteria, so it is worth protecting yourself in advance. However, in the case of a shower tray that is sealed with silicone, it is worth using fungicides, and the best option will be a model made of enamelled steel. When choosing between a shower tray and a linear drain, you must first of all adapt it to your own needs in order to enjoy a pleasant evening shower as long as possible.
Klaudia Tomaszewskaphoto. opening: Tycner
