Most of us are familiar with round or square floor drains, but not a linear one. However, most newly renovated Dubai homes feature this drain, and apparently, it is the talk of the town now. You might be thinking, ” Hey, I just visited my friend’s new apartment building last week, but didn’t notice any such thing”. That’s because these drains are sleek and go unnoticed at first glance.
Linear floor drains are long, narrow, rectangular drainage channels that are usually installed along one edge of the shower floor or against a wall, hidden from view. These drains are also known as channel drains or trench drains. Regardless of what you call it, its purpose remains the same: to give your bathroom a clean, modern look while efficiently handling water drainage.
If you still don’t see what the fuss is about, let us guide you through determining whether linear floor drains would work for you and, if so, where to purchase them.
How do linear floor drains differ from other types of drains?
| Feature | Linear Floor Drains | Traditional Floor Drains |
| Shape | Long, rectangular, and narrow | Round or square |
| Placement | Along the wall or floor edge | Centre or a corner of the shower |
| Appearance | Sleek, minimal, and modern | Standard or outdated |
| Accessibility | Easier for elderly and disabled users | Standard step-in required |
| Cost | Comparatively higher | Comparatively lower |
| Tile size compatibility | Works well with larger tiles | Works better with smaller tiles |
| Floor slope needed | One direction only | All four directions (mostly) |
In comparison, linear floor drains can hold more water at once. This feature alone makes them perfect for the high-pressure rainfall showers that are so popular in Dubai nowadays.
Is there a reason behind the switch?
Dubai homes have always followed a polished design, with traditional floor drains placed in the center and looking out of place. These bathrooms feature marble surfaces, large-format tiles, rain showers, and frameless glass partitions. So, when the linear floor drains were introduced, they became a perfect addition to these high-end-looking bathrooms. Let us get into more details.
- No cutting problems with larger tiles: With traditional floor drains, tile cutters work at awkward angles to create a slope from all four sides toward the middle. But with the linear floor drain, you need the slope in a single direction, leaving the large tiles whole and uncut.
- No need for built-in steps: Traditional floor drains require you to build separate curbs or steps for older or disabled family members, since the shower floor and bathroom floor are not usually on the same level. However, with linear drains, both will be on the same level, eliminating the need for additional steps.
- Makes the shower look spacious: A drain placed in the centre of the shower draws your attention to the middle, while an aesthetically placed linear drain along the edges or along the wall draws your eyes across the room, making the space seem bigger than it actually is.
- Improved drainage: We have already stated that the linear floor drain holds more water than traditional ones because it spans a larger area. This helps the water drain faster if your bathroom features a rainfall shower or a multi-jet shower system.
- Modern-looking bathroom space: The linear floor drain’s slim profile gives it a modern look. If you get one in matte black or a stainless finish, it will add a design detail that makes the entire space look more put-together.
- Easy to clean: Unlike traditional floor drains, linear floor drains feature removable grates and a hair strainer. You will just have to lift the drain cover, remove the debris, and put it back in place. Meaning, you can stop digging into deep, dark holes to clear clogs.
Linear Floor Drain: What Are Your Material Options?
From a material viewpoint, the most common option available for you is stainless steel. Stainless steel is well-suited to the Dubai climate, especially the humid atmosphere in your bathroom. Now, about the finishes: you can either go for,
- Brushed stainless steel
- Matte black
- Polished chrome
- Gunmetal or
- Dark bronze
Based on your taste. But in case you are looking for a more popular option, go with matte black if your tapware, grout, or tiles are black.
Why Taps & More is the perfect place for you to purchase a linear floor drain
When you buy a floor drain, you are not buying the least important piece of your bathroom, but one of the most important. Before anything else, you need to check the material quality. At Taps & More, we offer a collection of linear floor drains made from the highest-quality stainless steel, designed to last a lifetime. You will also get,
- Designer grates: A designer grate works as a perfect statement piece. You can go for polished chrome, matte black, or brushed gold finishes if you are looking for luxury.
- Tileable drains: Although linear floor drains are almost invisible, you can make them unrecognizable to the naked eye by putting a piece of your actual floor tile inside the floor drain grate.
- Variety in size: Taps & More offers linear floor drains in different sizes. So, don’t worry about finding one that fits your bathroom, no matter its size.
Checklist for Picking the Right Floor Drain
You need two checklists: one before purchasing the drain and one before installing it in your bathroom.
The pre-purchase list
- Measure your bathroom wall where the drain will be installed
- Confirm the tile size and whether the direction of the slope goes with the bathroom layout
- Check the screed depth since some drains require more space under the floor
- Choose 304 or 316-grade stainless steel to prevent corrosion
- Confirm whether you need a vertical or horizontal outlet
- Be sure of whether you want a hidden (tile-in-look) or visible (stainless steel grade) style
- Check that the outlet size of the drain matches your plumbing setup
- Decide on a finish that matches the rest of the fixtures in your bathroom
- Make sure the drain has a hair catcher and is easy to remove for cleaning
The pre-installation list
- Finish waterproofing works before installing the floor drain
- Plan the floor slope properly, in a way that it runs toward the drain
- Ensure that the floor drain sits on the lowest point on the shower floor
- Make sure to keep the tile adhesive away from the drain outlet
- Confirm pipe compatibility with the help of a professional plumber
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is a linear drain better than a regular/traditional drain?
In reality, a linear floor drain may not always be the better choice compared to a traditional one, and it depends entirely on your bathroom layout. If your bathroom features large tiles, a wet-room style, or a barrier-free shower, the linear floor drain will be a better fit. However, for bathrooms with smaller tiles, a traditional floor drain works just fine.
2. Are linear floor drains easier to clean compared to regular floor drains?
They absolutely are. Most linear floor drains come with a removable grate and a hair catcher that slides out easily, making them easy to clean. A quick rinse under a strong-flowing tap is usually enough to clean them.
3. How long does a linear floor drain last?
This depends entirely on the quality of the material used and how well you maintain it. Taps & More’s linear floor drain collection is made to last for years with regular cleaning. When you purchase, look for drains with a valid warranty from reputable brands.
