29/01/2026
Wedge Wire vs Tile Insert: Choosing the Right Linear Shower Drain
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.
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....
