Upgrading your bathroom demands a decent amount of knowledge with regard to what to look for and how to choose between the numerous fixtures that improve your bathroom's functionality and aesthetic appeal. One of the most frequent upgrades that can improve the appeal and functional value of your bathroom is the shower floor grate. If you are considering the different types of shower grates, you should have an idea of what are the differences between them, and what you should bear in mind when making a decision. That being said, here is some information that will help you make the right choice for your home's bathroom.

A centre square grate can be found under different names, including a traditional grate, a regular grate, and a point grate. This is the least expensive and most commonly used shower grate. You can find this type of shower floor grate available in different sizes and styles. It is usually designed to accommodate a high volume of water flow. When using the centre square grate, it's important to have a pitch of about 50 mm per 30 cm to the drain below the waterproofing materials. This will allow the water to get under the tiles to drain towards the shower's drain holes. Otherwise, the result will be a shower that can hold nasty water under the tiles, thus causing mould.

The linear shower grate, also known as a trench or channel drain, features a long rectangular shaped body and a grating that sits flush with the finished floor. It offers a sleek design and gives the installer the ability to pitch the shower floor in one direction. This shower grate shape is very good because it conforms to the size of the shower and it only requires one gradient to guide water out. However, you have to plan your shower's build-up first and make sure that you place the drain tightly to the wall. One thing about linear grates is that you will have to clean them regularly in order to ensure optimum flow rates. For instance, hair buildup can be a real problem. In case you miss to clean it, the flow can block and then, you will have to work on unclogging your linear shower drain.

One of the most popular looks for a linear shower grate is the tile-top linear drain. This drain type features a removable tile pan on the drain strainer. Tile is installed in the pan to match the surface of the shower floor, thus camouflaging the drain for an excellent seamless look.

A custom shower grate is manufactured to order at any length, with a design to your choice. You can prescribe where you want to position the outlet and select its size. This makes it the versatile choice for any new build or renovation.

When choosing a shower grate, you need to consider the material it is made of, and the kind of finish it has. Stainless steel is often the material of choice and there are a few good reasons for that. Stainless steel is a durable material, rust-resistant and can withstand quite a lot of weight. When making the choice, make sure the steel is polished so that it's easy to clean, and the tops grill to be easily removable in order to provide you access for cleaning. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, it is pretty easy. Normally, you first have to empty the filters, and then clean the grate with a disinfecting cleaner that will leave your shower clean and germ-free and that's all it takes to maintain your shower grate clean. When it comes to finishes, you can choose between shiny and matte(or almost matte) finishes. It up to your preference.

Another thing to bear in mind when buying a shower grate is to be watermark approved, meaning the shower grate you choose should be approved to Australian standard. In other words. you have to look for a Watermark symbol on the specification sheet. The Watermark Certification Scheme is a mandatory certification scheme for drainage and other plumbing products in order to ensure that they are fit for purpose and appropriately authorised for use in plumbing and drainage installations.

The style of the shower grate includes the pattern made by the openings. The holes in the grate are not only important for allowing the water to pass through but can also add an element of style to it. Square patterns tend to have a more modern look while wire patterns provide a more traditional look. All in all, new ideas and patterns are being introduced all the time. You just have to visualize which one will complement the style of your shower.