In contemporary bathroom architecture, the drain has evolved from a purely functional component into a design element that guides layout, accessibility, and long-term performance. When drainage, slope geometry, and waterproofing are designed as one system, the tiled surface achieves both visual refinement and reliable function—qualities that are critical for hotels, spas, and residences. Schluter® establishes the essential drain-to-waterproofing connection in a controlled factory setting, rather than relying on field assembly.
From Functional Necessity to Design Element
For decades, shower drains were afterthoughts—selected late in the process and hidden beneath grates. With curbless showers and large-format tiles now common, the drain has moved to the forefront of planning. Poor drainage design can compromise waterproofing, create standing water, and lead to grout failure or leaks. By contrast, the careful integration of slope, membrane, and drain enables seamless tile layouts and enhances accessibility.
Systems Thinking: Slope, Membrane, and Drain as One
Schluter Systems approaches drainage as a coordinated assembly, connecting drains directly to the KERDI bonded waterproofing system. With the factory-made interface, installers simply overlap KERDI to KERDI on site, eliminating the need for field-fabricated connections. Aligning drainage components with the membrane from the outset allows designers to coordinate tile patterns and thresholds while maintaining long-term performance—even in curbless and large-format installations where traditional four-way slopes are limiting.
Linear Drains: Single-Plane Clarity
Linear drains enable single-plane slopes that simplify tile layouts and reduce threshold buildup at curbless entries. The KERDI-LINE linear drain features a formed stainless-steel channel body and grate assembly that can be positioned at the wall or at intermediate locations. Designers can choose from two grate families:
- SOLID and SQUARE options in brushed stainless steel, chrome, or nine textured, color-coated TRENDLINE finishes.
- KERDI-LINE-STYLE grates (FLORAL, CURVE, PURE) with minimal-reveal frames in brushed stainless steel.
For projects requiring custom dimensions, KERDI-LINE-VARIO offers a cut-to-size channel that can be trimmed on site and closed with supplied end caps, available in brushed stainless steel or any of the nine TRENDLINE finishes.
Point Drains: Updated Geometry for Traditional Layouts
For traditional shower layouts, point drains remain practical. KERDI-DRAIN combines an integrated bonding flange with adjustable grate frames, available in stainless steel (CLASSIC) or anodized aluminum (CONTOUR) with coordinated finishes. The KERDI-DRAIN-STYLE series (FLORAL, CURVE, PURE) offers refined aesthetics with metallic and color-coated finishes aligned with Schluter's TRENDLINE palette, enabling coordination with trim profiles and fixtures.
Retrofit Solutions: Adapting Existing Infrastructure
Renovation often requires working within existing constraints, particularly where post-tension slabs or limited demolition depth restrict options. Schluter's adaptor systems convert existing clamping-ring drains into integrated bonding-flange assemblies without removing the original body. KERDI-DRAIN-A adaptor kits include a stainless-steel ring with an over-molded gasket that bolts to existing drains and are available in 5-1/4-inch and 7-1/2-inch sizes. KERDI-LINE-A allows designers to introduce linear aesthetics and single-plane slopes in retrofit conditions, aligning grout joints without slab reconstruction. Both adaptors deliver the same bonding-flange interface, maintaining the factory-made connection and simple KERDI-to-KERDI overlap.
Pre-Sloped Trays: Standardizing Installation
KERDI-SHOWER-LT and LTS trays are designed for linear drains, accomodating large-format tiles and barrier-free entries. For point drains, KERDI-SHOWER-T, TS, and TT trays feature four-way integrated slopes sized to standard room modules. All trays include bonded KERDI waterproofing and are ready for tile installation.
Drainage and Design Intent
Choosing visible grates, minimal-reveal frames, or concealed tile supports allows designers to decide whether the drain stands out as a deliberate detail or blends into the floor. For complete concealment, TILE covering supports are available for both KERDI-LINE and KERDI-DRAIN, allowing the drain to disappear entirely within the tiled surface. That choice affects more than aesthetics: proper slope geometry enhances accessibility, preserves grout joint integrity, and prevents water pooling that can degrade finishes over time.
By unifying slope design, waterproofing, and drainage hardware into one coherent system, contemporary drain assemblies perform as cleanly as they appear—a clarity evident in both the details and the longevity of the installation.
