Customizable KERDI-LINE-VARIO Drains for Your Shower
It’s All About the Line Drains
Customizable line drains are growing in popularity for several important reasons. Line drains make any shower application seamless and attractive with sleek designs, variable sizes, and they offer a plethora of options to match or coordinate with any desired type and color of tile or natural stone. Although these drains have been in existence for years, companies are using methods to continuously evolve line drains and create innovative variations. One drain, in particular, that recently hit the market is Schluter’s KERDI-LINE-VARIO. This is a new take on the KERDI-LINE drain; however, it contains some variable options, hence its unique name.
Installers like it because of its ease of installation, lightweight design, and because it comes in variable sizes, is easy to cut, and is customizable to fit any shower application. Customers like it because it hits the spot in terms of pricing, making it a cost-effective alternative to the widely popular KERDI-LINE. Here, we’ll note the known advancements of VARIO and provide some not-so-common information on this popular choice for shower installations.
Benefits
While comparing the KERDI-LINE-VARIO to others on the market, it is a no-brainer in terms of price and options. The channel and grate assembly are available in brushed stainless steel, which is a robust metal and is proven to withstand harsh elements, making it easy to clean and maintain. As with any stainless-steel product, cleaning and care are crucial to keep the finish at its best in terms of looks and function. VARIO must be cleaned routinely using a pH-neutral (pH of 7) cleaner. This involves removing the drain grate with the provided tool and cleaning out the channel body to maintain its sheen appearance and ensure it functions as designed. To learn more about care and maintenance for the KERDI-LINE-VARIO, refer to Schluter’s Shower Drains technical data sheet (TDS).
The VARIO is also available in 4-foot and 8-foot lengths to benefit a multitude of shower area sizes. The slim design is perfect for showers that lack ample space, and its sleek look is aesthetically pleasing, with multiple designs to choose from. The design options include floral, herringbone, slant, and square, which makes ease of options plentiful to match any desired tile choice. The drain grate and channel body can also easily be cut to fit a shower installation of any size from 10-inches to 8-feet. The assembly comes with end caps to cover the cut edges, which provides ease of adjustment, minimizing the chance for sharp edges. Further information on cutting VARIO is also available in the Shower Drains TDS.
Misconceptions and Solutions
Even though this drain has ample benefits, there are a few misconceptions that consumers must be aware of prior to installation. Although the drain is easily altered and fits several types of tiled shower applications, if one drain is installed in a shower that houses multiple shower heads with water coming from more than one direction, this will result in pooling on the shower floor. One VARIO drain in these types of installations is unable to quickly drain an overabundance of water; thus, if multiple shower heads are desired in a shower installation, it is best to install two VARIO drains to accommodate the increased amount of water that the shower floor is being exposed to.
Unlike other line drains, there are several options in terms of placement for VARIO, including center, off center, toward the rear of the shower area, and wall adjacent. However, it is imperative to avoid installing VARIO in the entryway of the shower to avoid water flowing over the top of the drain and entering the area outside of the shower entrance.
Consider for Your Next Shower Project!
Drains are important fixtures in shower applications, so it’s important to make the right drain choice when embarking on a shower area project. The line drain has long been, and continues to be, a popular choice for tiled showers. From its sleek design and numerous options to choose from that match any desired type of tile or natural stone, there are several benefits to including this type of drain in modern shower installations. The Schluter®-KERDI-LINE-VARIO drain is new to the market and fits the bill with a lower price point than several others that are available today. As with any product, it is vital to consult the drain manufacturer for best practices in terms of installation, maintenance, and any potential warnings to determine if this is the correct drain choice for your next project.