ᐅ Advantages and Disadvantages of Tiled Shower Drains

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning the shower area for my new bathroom, which includes choosing the right shower drain. My shower measures 140 x 120cm (55 x 47 inches), is flush with the floor, and is walk-in without a threshold. I wanted to install a shower drain (marked in yellow in the illustration) that is 120cm (47 inches) wide—matching the shower width. However, the plumbing company told me that this isn’t possible with a tileable shower drain. Although the visible surface is indeed 120cm (47 inches) wide, the total installation width is actually 125cm (49 inches), which is 5cm (2 inches) wider. Because of this, the drain cannot be installed without risking leaks.

I originally preferred a tileable shower drain for aesthetic reasons. On the other hand, non-tileable drains can apparently be easily shortened and precisely adjusted to 120cm (47 inches) width without installation issues. What do you think? Are there particular advantages or disadvantages between tileable and non-tileable drains? Also, if I opt for a smaller tileable shower drain (for example, 70cm (28 inches), as it is more affordable) instead of a 120cm (47 inches) non-tileable drain, are there any drawbacks? Or is it generally better to choose the largest possible shower drain?

I appreciate any advice 🙂

Have both options shown to you, and also any others.
I would choose the one that is easiest to clean first, and the appearance second.

bolle89 schrieb:

On the other hand, non-tileable shower channels can apparently be easily cut down and precisely adjusted to the 120cm (47 inches) width.

Yes and no. They are always a bit wider than the 120cm (47 inches). This can’t be avoided because the sides also need to be sealed. However, depending on the slope in the shower, you can "hide" this. I wasn’t able to and needed a shower width about 4cm (1.5 inches) larger than the width of the shower channel. Your plumber can advise you if this will work for your case. Based on your sketch, I would guess "no," though.

bolle89 schrieb:

Are there any particular advantages or disadvantages between the different shower channels?

No. Possibly, the tileable ones don’t look quite as good visually because very small tile pieces have to be cut, which may be noticeable. This really requires a professional to do properly.

bolle89 schrieb:

I also wonder if choosing a smaller tileable shower channel (e.g., 70cm (28 inches), since it’s cheaper) has any disadvantages compared to a 120cm (47 inches) non-tileable shower channel. Or is it always better to choose the largest possible shower channel?

As long as the drainage capacity is sufficient, it doesn’t matter. Even a neat point drain in the middle is fine.

bolle89 schrieb:

Non-tileable shower channels, on the other hand, can apparently be easily cut to size and adjusted precisely to the 120cm (47 inches) width without installation issues.

In stainless steel (look), probably not less attractive than tiled.

I also think it could look good. In that case, I will have the stainless steel rail installed across the entire width, meaning 120cm (47 inches).

bolle89 schrieb:

Then I will really have the stainless steel rail installed across the entire width, meaning 120cm (47 inches).

Personally, I would have it done as a framed design, since this visually unifies the entire shower floor and prevents it from appearing shortened. The rail is also set back a bit at the rear. Or do you have a different plan for it?