When specifying or renovating a bathroom, one of the key design decisions is the type of shower drain you choose. Linear drains not only provide efficient water removal, but their aesthetic can significantly impact the overall finish of your wet area. In this comparison blog, we look at two premium options from Strip Drains, the wedge wire stainless steel strip drain and the tile insert stainless steel strip drain, to help you decide which suits your project best.
Product Overview
1. 97mm x 25mm Wedge Wire Stainless Steel Strip Drain
This model features a wedge wire grate¹ design that combines efficient drainage performance with a subtle linear profile. The sub tray has a slight “V” to improve water flow, and the wedge wire is electro-polished for corrosion resistance. It’s custom-made just south of Sydney in Australia and available in continuous lengths up to 3000 mm.
2. 100mm Tile Insert Stainless Steel Strip Drain
This option is a tile insert style drain, manufactured from folded 316L stainless steel. It features fully TIG-welded construction, linished and polished edges, and is also custom-made to your specifications in Australia. Multiple tile insert trays can be specified for easier cleaning on longer drains.
Design & Finish
Wedge Wire Strip Drain
- The wedge wire grate provides a minimalist, architectural look that subtly integrates with bathroom surfaces.
- Electro-polished finish enhances durability and corrosion resistance while keeping maintenance low.
- Ideal for designs where the drain grate is deliberately visible as part of the aesthetic or for public and slip hazard safety applications.
Tile Insert Strip Drain
- Designed to conceal the drain line by inserting floor tiles into the grate.
- The result is a near-invisible drainage line that blends seamlessly with the rest of the floor finish.
- Great choice for high-end bathrooms where continuity of tile is a priority.
Design Takeaway: If you want a unified floor finish with minimal visual interruption, a tile insert drain is often the best choice. If you prefer a subtle, industrial-inspired detail that remains visible, the wedge wire grate delivers that architectural nuance.
Performance & Functionality
Drainage Performance
Both products are custom-fabricated, allowing precise placement and length based on your shower layout. They handle drainage efficiently, but the slight “V” in the wedge wire sub tray may aid faster water channeling in high-flow applications.
Maintenance
- Wedge Wire: The open grate design is generally easy to clean, and the electro-polished wires resist buildup.
- Tile Insert: With removable tile insert trays, cleaning can be straightforward, but lifting tile trays for access may be slightly more involved than with a wedge wire grate.
Installation & Customisation
Both drains are custom manufactured to measurement, meaning you specify exact length and outlet positions before they’re fabricated. This is particularly useful in bespoke shower layouts or when working with non-standard dimensions. They’re manufactured in Australia and can be shipped nationwide.
- Wedge Wire Drain: Available in continuous lengths up to 3000 mm, making it suitable for larger showers or commercial applications.
- Tile Insert Drain: Offers the flexibility of multiple insert trays for easier cleaning when orders exceed certain lengths.
Aesthetic Comparison
| Feature | Wedge Wire Strip Drain | Tile Insert Strip Drain |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Profile | Visible linear grate | Concealed by floor tiles |
| Style Suitability | Modern, industrial, architectural | Luxury, seamless, designer finish |
| Ease of Match with Tiles | Moderate | Very high |
| Visual Continuity | Breaks floor plane | Preserves continuous floor surface |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose the wedge wire drain if you want a visible linear drainage element with a sleek yet subtle appearance and excellent flow performance.
- Choose the tile insert drain if your priority is a seamless floor aesthetic where the drainage line appears nearly invisible and integrates with your tile selection.
Final Thoughts
Both drains are high-quality, custom-made options fabricated locally to suit your spatial and design requirements. The choice ultimately comes down to aesthetic preference and the level of visual integration you want in your shower design.
If you’re working on a modern ensuite or wet room and aren’t sure which style best suits your design goals, consider how visible you want the shower drain to be and how it should interact with your tile layout. A wedge wire grate can add architectural detail, while a tile insert drain prioritises minimalist continuity.
Author: Greg Wallis, Manager, Strip Drains and Alumac Industries. Greg is a skilled business management and product design professional with years of hands-on experience. Greg has designed myriad innovative metal building products that blend quality, craftsmanship and architectural products for the building and construction industry.