Trench or channel drains in the shower open up the bathroom space. It also makes bathing easier for the aging and for baths that need to be ADA compliant. Traditional baths and showers have rims that can be difficult for individuals with walkers or wheel chairs. A shower with a trench drain across the entrance keeps water confined to the shower enclosure while making the walkway free of obstructions.

The stainless steel shower drain market is settling, but products can be pricey because of the fluctuating cost of raw material. Plastic and polymer concrete channels are more cost effective but don’t offer flanges.

You can install a more traditional drain if installing in a bed of concrete. For shower buildings with concrete floors, polymer concrete trench drains are a viable option. Although they are flange free and require a waterproofing membrane, installation is straightforward. Ultimately, the shower drain selection you make depends on the type of floor you are building into your shower.