Bathroom Upgrade: A Little Bit of Info on Shower Grates
As new bathroom styles and trends emerge on the market, it’s normal if you feel like your days of bathroom upgrades are far from over. After all, browsing through design mags and décor blogs would only get you so far as the idea that your personal oasis could do with some much-needed transformations.
And yet, your wallet could be saying otherwise. Moreover, such changes require a certain amount of knowledge too, to be able to pull off an aesthetically pleasing, and practical result. As you’re left dreaming of a major project, I’m here to talk to you about a significant adjustment you can make with a somewhat overlooked detail: the versatile and functional shower grate.
It’s one of those small bathroom changes that make a big difference. After all, the shower is an integral part of the room, more so if you don’t have room for a bathtub, and it becomes your main focal point. So, why not treat it with an element that can enhance your showering experience? Besides, this is also the kind of solution you can use to your advantage to increase the value of your relaxing sanctuary.
Once you get on the quest for the ideal one, be prepared for the variety of options you’re going to find at the homeware stores. To make the shopping process easier for you, the following are some tips to have in mind.
Contents
The Different Types of Shower Grates
You can be certain versatility is something that won’t be missing in terms of types of shower grates, and as you take your pick, remember to consider clogging, and maintenance, in addition to the popularity and functionality.
Linear
Famous for its narrow profile with trench-like design, it also goes by the name trench drain. Unlike older designs with small exit ports, this specific elongated shape gives these drains the efficiency in eliminating water from the shower basin quickly, which cuts down the risk of clogging.
Functionality aside, the floor grates offer plenty in terms of aesthetics too. Due to their specific long shape, you have the flexibility to add them beside a wall, thus saving as much of your precious floor tiles as possible, which isn’t the case with the traditional centrally positioned models.
Furthermore, thanks to this shape, you can finally use big tiles, to match them with those of the rest of the bathroom. Don’t be surprised if you get a more open layout as a result – perfect for an open concept shower without a screen in a totally windowless bathroom. They also work great with curbless showers, however, you may have to pay more for them upfront than you would with the alternative.
Point
The so-called standard, and clamping ring shower grate, is a smaller counterpart than the previous one I’ve discussed. Most commonly used, it’s also known as the centre square grate, and it won’t cost you as much as the linear. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, you can choose whichever is best for you in terms of water flow elimination, and install it in the middle of the shower basin, or in a corner for a subtle outcome.
Other Alternatives
If you feel like you could do with something more unique, you have the chance to pick the tileable grates of the two options. What this means is you can “hide” them by incorporating the same floor tile on them instead of choosing to showcase a metal or plastic top for a seamless look.
Now, lastly, if you care about increasing the outflow, and you can’t make up your mind between the two designs, you might end up considering the addition of both the linear and point shower grates.
Another neat solution is to get your own custom-made grate. What could be more unique than this? You’d get to choose your own shape, length, material, outlet, as well as position in the shower. Find the stores that offer this option, and you can get your ideal shower piece.
The Different Features of Shower Grates
Types and size aren’t the only elements that end up as priorities in your final decision, since you’d have to give materials and finish some thought as well.
Material
When it comes to a money well-spent design, it’s got to be one that’s rust and stain-resistant, that makes your life easier too in terms of cleanliness and maintenance. The most obvious choice that covers all this is, of course, stainless steel which also happens to be one of the trendiest.
As for the finishes, you have everything your heart desires – from matte to shiny shower grate. Pick something that coordinates with the rest of your tapware, like fancy faucets, and accessories for a five-star hotel-like result.
Australian Standards
If you want something of quality, it’s important to check for the watermark approval which would indicate the design is created based on the Australian standards. This would give you the peace of mind regarding its lifetime, warranty, and function.
