Linear drain without envelope cuts - is that possible?

Installing a walk-in shower requires a linear drain that will efficiently collect water, preventing it from escaping beyond the designated area. Do you like this kind of solution in the bathroom, but you’re not keen on the water fall shaped like the so-called “envelope”? Not all is lost! An envelope fall in the shower isn’t your only option. What are your choices? We’re happy to advise – have a look below!

Envelope fall in a shower: what is it?

An envelope fall in a shower is one way of installing a linear drain. The tiles in the shower are laid so that their joints imitate the shape of an envelope converging around the drain. This allows the water to run off into it by itself, without straying beyond the area. Such an envelope fall requires cutting several tiles into smaller pieces, which in turn creates areas that need to be grouted. Not a fan of this solution because its look doesn’t appeal to you? You don’t have to give up on a walk-in shower – just opt for a different way of fitting the drain.

Single fall in the floor tiles: linear drain without an envelope

Linear drain without an envelope fall can be installed by creating a single direction of fall in the tiles under the shower. With this approach, you avoid the need to create an envelope and thus numerous tile cuts around the drain. You can do this in two ways: by using a linear drain 10–15 cm shorter than the shower enclosure, or by using a wall linear drain across the full width of the shower.

Both of these installation methods involve laying the tiles in the shower so that they create a fall in one direction – towards the drain. As a result, the entire shower area drops uniformly, which translates into a cleaner overall look. This solution also reduces the number of grout joints, which could quickly get dirty and spoil the design. And if you also choose a linear drain model that lets you inlay the floor tile into it, it will become almost invisible.

Linear drain without an envelope fall – how to install it? Tips

To enjoy a good-looking yet functional shower build, you first need to ensure the drain is installed correctly. A properly fitted unit will provide the right water outflow, maintaining functionality and making the shower a pleasure to use. What should you keep in mind?

Drain length versus shower width

Choosing the right linear drain model is the key step without which a walk-in shower installation won’t succeed. As for the choice, there are two options – you can go for a drain approx. 20 cm shorter than the entire shower area, filling the remaining centimetres with cut floor-tile infills, or choose a model that spans the full width of the shower. Here you must ensure the drain fits perfectly into the shower recess. Base the choice on your aesthetic preferences – both will perform equally well.

What fall under the shower? Prepare for installation

The floor fall towards the linear drain in the shower is crucial to ensure correct water drainage and avoid pooling. The most commonly recommended slope is about 2–2.5% – naturally towards the drain.

To achieve this, prepare the substrate accordingly. If needed, chisel the substrate slightly and level it so that the tiles laid on it later both look good and drain the water properly.

Ensure watertightness – test the drain before you finish

After preparing the substrate, install the drain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure all connections are watertight – be sure to test them by pouring water into the drain. If everything is ready, lay the tiles. Finally, fit the linear drain grate and you’re done!

A walk-in shower combines ease of use with striking aesthetics. Don’t worry about the difficulty of fitting a linear drain within it. Choose simpler single-fall solutions and don’t stress about creating an envelope fall in this kind of installation!

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