Linear shower drains: are they worth it?

A linear drain is a long, narrow channel instead of a small round grate in the middle of the floor. It changes how the whole shower floor is built, which is why it matters so much for curbless and large-tile showers.

Linear vs center drain

A center drain needs the floor to slope toward one point from every side, so the tile is cut into four sloped triangles. That works well with small mosaic tile. A linear drain lets the floor slope in one direction, like a gentle ramp, so you can use large-format tile with far fewer cuts.

Why curbless showers use them

With a single slope toward a drain at the back wall or the entry, the shower floor can meet the bathroom floor with no curb. That is easier for aging in place and makes a small bathroom feel bigger. See our curbless shower cost guide and wet room guide.

Where to put it

• Back wall: the most common spot. The drain disappears under the niche wall and the floor slopes away from the door.
• At the entry: catches water before it reaches the bathroom floor in a curbless shower.
• Under a bench or along a side wall in larger showers.

Choosing the length

Linear drains come in lengths from about 24 to 60 inches. Wall-to-wall drains look cleanest and slope most simply. A shorter drain is fine in the middle of a wall, but the floor then needs a little more shaping at the ends.

Grate styles

Choose a slotted or patterned stainless grate, a finish that matches your trim, or a tile-in grate that holds a strip of your floor tile so the drain almost disappears.

Cost and install

A linear drain costs more than a center drain and needs careful waterproofing and a properly sloped base, so it should be planned before demolition. The flow rate of the drain has to keep up with the shower heads you choose; see our shower valve guide.

Common questions

Are linear shower drains better than center drains?

They are better for curbless showers and large-format tile because the floor slopes one way. Center drains work well and cost less with small mosaic tile.

Where should a linear drain go?

Most often along the back wall. In a curbless shower it can also go at the entry to keep water in the shower.

Do linear drains clog more?

No, but the hair catcher under the grate should be cleaned every few weeks.