How is a low-profile shower tray fitted?

When taking on a bathroom renovation, it’s worth making use of modern technologies and innovative solutions. These days, a shower with a linear drain is a highly sought-after option. Installing the shower tray in this case is a little different. You’ll find out exactly how to fix it in place, and what to pay particular attention to, in the rest of this article.

What are the characteristics of linear drains?

These days, the linear drain is an integral part of a shower tray system. It’s used with low-profile trays set beneath ceramic tiles. By channelling water away, it’s both highly comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The decision to invest in a shower drain should be made at the planning stage of the renovation. A well-executed design can completely transform the look of the bathroom space, making it feel much larger. It also lets you choose not only the size of the shower but its shape too, as you’re no longer constrained by the fixed dimensions and forms of standard trays available on the market.

Installing a low-profile shower tray on tiles – what to know beforehand?

When designing the bathroom, it’s worth opting for a low-profile tray or one recessed beneath the tiles. It not only looks elegant but also makes day-to-day washing more comfortable. To avoid disappointment, the first step should be to check where the water supply and waste connections are located in the room. Next, establish whether a linear drain can be installed. When planning the next stages of installation, it’s essential to account for the fall the tray will require. Once you’ve worked through the points above, you can move on to gathering the necessary materials and tools, reviewing the solutions available on the market, and finally carrying out your plan.

A bathroom with a linear floor drain – essential accessories

The basic step when installing on your own is to gather all the necessary materials and tools. Besides the obvious task of getting your chosen tray and the system components, i.e. the trap and the drain, remember the right waste and supply pipes suited to your model, elbows at various angles, connectors, brackets, isolation valves and flexible hoses. Once you’ve bought the core accessories and the extras such as tray adhesive, liquid membrane, sealing tape, polystyrene boards, a mounting ring and grout, you can review the available solutions and watch instructional videos. Before the actual installation, make sure the grout and tile adhesive you’ve bought are waterproof.

The age-old dilemma: how to install a shower tray so it does its job properly?

Regardless of the option you choose — a tray with a linear drain or one set on tiles — the initial phase of installation is much the same. First, assuming everything has been carefully measured and designed, fit the waste outlet by connecting the dedicated pipe to the trap. It’s crucial that this sits below the level of the tiles. Next, form a concrete sub-base. It can be very beneficial to lay a waterproofing mat over most of the area beneath the tray. In a greatly simplified outline, the final step is to fix the tray in the designated spot with sanitary silicone and connect the drain and trap. Things are a little different with an under-tile tray, as once it’s fitted you still need to lay the tiles and fill the joints between them with moisture-resistant epoxy grout. To avoid having to replace the trap too often, it’s worth choosing a practical, modern model that can be cleaned from above. That way, keeping it in top condition won’t be a challenge.

At present, opting to install a linear drain is an excellent solution that ensures an attractive, visually pleasing bathroom space. A fully tiled floor in the shower area not only makes the room look bigger but also gives it a contemporary style. If you’re still unsure which tray to install, get inspired by ready-made bathroom designs and choose the one that suits you.