The best linear shower drain for most tiled showers is the Schluter KERDI-LINE with a center outlet, because its stainless channel has a bonding flange made for sheet membranes and it handles more than one shower head. If you want a fixed-length kit that arrives with the membrane already on the flange, pick the Infinity Drain FCSGR 65. For one standard head and a cut-to-fit run, the KERDI-LINE-VARIO is the lighter choice. If your shower uses an old-style PVC or CPE pan liner, buy a drain built for a clamping drain body, like the Infinity Drain S-TIF 65.
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Most linear drain callbacks are not about the drain itself. They are a waterproofing mismatch, a channel set too high or low, or an outlet that landed on a joist. Choose the drain by your waterproofing method first and the grate look last. If you are still deciding between a tile-ready pan and a mortar bed, read our guide to shower pans and liners first.
Quick comparison
| Check | Schluter KERDI-LINE | Schluter KERDI-LINE-VARIO | Infinity Drain FCSGR 65 | Infinity Drain S-TIF 65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Bonding flange with KERDI collar | Polypropylene flange with KERDI collar | Factory-applied KERDI membrane | PVC/vinyl, CPE-style liners, lead, copper, hot mop (clamping drain) |
| Lengths | 20 to 72 in, 4 in steps | 48 or 96 in stock, cut on site | 24, 32, 36, 42, 48, 60 in | 36, 48, 60, 72, 96 in; sizable on site |
| Outlet | 2 in no-hub, center or off-set | 2 in NPT with PVC and ABS couplings, place anywhere | Center, no-hub coupling (not included) | Needs a 2 in clamp-down drain (not included) |
| Flow note | For more than one head or body sprays | One standard 2.5 gpm head | 9 gpm | 9 gpm per outlet |
| Grate | 7 designs incl. tile-in | Square, Floral, Herringbone, Slant | Perforated 304L stainless | Tile insert, 304 stainless |
| Exact purchase | Check the Schluter KL1V 60 E 100 on Amazon → | Check the Schluter KLVR2FLK on Amazon → | Check the Infinity Drain FCSGR 6536 SS on Amazon → | Check the Infinity Drain S-TIF 6548 SS on Amazon → |
Specs come from Schluter’s KERDI-LINE page (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Drains/Shower-Drains/Schluter-KERDI-LINE/p/KERDI_LINE), the Schluter shower drains data sheet (maker page: assets.schluter.com/asset/570120892212/document_tdhq5r8gkh31v1rijrr7j0ho0t/shower-drains-data-sheet.pdf), the KERDI-LINE-VARIO page (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Drains/Shower-Drains/Schluter%C2%AE-KERDI-LINE-VARIO/p/KLVR2FLK), and Infinity Drain’s FCSGR 65 (infinitydrain.com) and S-TIF 65 (infinitydrain.com) pages.
BEST OVERALL · 316 L STAINLESS CHANNEL · 2 IN NO-HUB
Schluter KERDI-LINE: the safe pick for a bonded membrane shower
Choose it when you are building with the maker-approved KERDI membrane assembly over a KERDI-SHOWER tray or a mortar bed, and you want a channel that can go against the wall or out in the floor. Schluter sells the channel body and the grate as separate items. The channel comes from 20 to 72 in, in 4 in steps, with a center outlet or an off-set outlet that sits 8 in from the channel edge. The off-set version is how you dodge a joist without moving the drain line.
Per the data sheet (maker page: assets.schluter.com/asset/570120892212/document_tdhq5r8gkh31v1rijrr7j0ho0t/shower-drains-data-sheet.pdf), the channel body, frame and grates are 316 L stainless, and Schluter recommends KERDI-LINE over VARIO when the shower has multiple heads, body sprays or a hand wand. The outlet is a standard 2 in no-hub that joins with a mechanical coupling. Item numbers use centimeters: KL1V 60 E 100 is the center-outlet channel at 100 cm (about 39-3/8 in), and KL1VO is the off-set body. The page lists CSA and ICC-ES PMG-1204 listings.
Against the wall, Schluter’s install FAQ (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/faq/shower-system-kerdiline-drain-install-wall-distance) puts the outlet about 2-1/8 in on center from the face of the wall board, so mark that before you cut the subfloor. Pair the channel with a grate assembly of the same length, such as the SQUARE grate KL1B 19 EB 100.
Skip it if your shower uses a traditional PVC or CPE pan liner with a clamping ring. This drain is made to bond to a sheet membrane, not clamp a liner.
BEST CUT-TO-LENGTH · ONE 2.5 GPM HEAD · 3/8 IN HIGH CHANNEL
Schluter KERDI-LINE-VARIO: cut it to fit, for a single head
Choose it when the shower is an odd width and you want the drain to run wall to wall without a custom order. Per the VARIO page (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Drains/Shower-Drains/Schluter%C2%AE-KERDI-LINE-VARIO/p/KLVR2FLK), the channel and grate come in 48 in and 96 in stock and you cut them on site, down to a 10 in minimum. The outlet can go anywhere along the trimmed channel.
The flange kit (KL VR 2 FLK) has a polypropylene drain body with a KERDI collar, a 2 in NPT outlet, and PVC and ABS couplings, so you can glue it to either pipe. The grate and channel kit is sold separately.
The channel is low: 1-11/16 in wide and 3/8 in high, and Schluter lists 3/8 in as the minimum tile thickness. It is listed to UPC (IAPMO) and ICC-ES PMG-1204.
Skip it if the shower has more than one standard head, body sprays or a rain head. Schluter designs VARIO for a single 2.5 gpm head. It is also not interchangeable with KERDI-LINE parts.
BEST FIXED-LENGTH KIT · FACTORY KERDI FLANGE · 9 GPM
Infinity Drain FCSGR 6536: membrane already on the flange
Choose it when you know the length and want one box with the channel, grate and hair kit. The FCSGR 65 (infinitydrain.com) has a factory-applied Schluter KERDI membrane on a fixed flange, so you overlap your KERDI sheet onto it. Lengths are 24, 32, 36, 42, 48 and 60 in. The number after “65” is the length, so FCSGR 6536 is the 36 in model.
The grate is 16-gauge perforated 304L stainless, the finished width is 2-1/2 in, the outlet is center, and Infinity rates it at 9 gpm. You connect it to the waste line with a no-hub rubber coupling, which is not included.
Infinity’s fixed flange instructions (infinitydrain.com) say to set the grate 1/16 in below the finished tile with the adjustable feet, and to keep the channel level while the bed slopes to it on one plane.
Skip it if the run is not one of the stock lengths or the outlet has to sit off center. Custom sizes exist, but that is a special order.
BEST FOR PAN LINERS · TILE INSERT · SIZABLE ON SITE
Infinity Drain S-TIF 6548: for a clamping-drain pan liner
Choose it when the shower is built the old way, with a PVC or vinyl liner, lead or copper pan, hot mop, rubber liner or fiberglass. The S-TIF 65 (infinitydrain.com) sits on a 2 in clamp-down floor drain, so the liner gets clamped the way your inspector expects. You can change its length and locate the outlet on site.
It has a 304 stainless tile-in top grate on a PVC channel, a 1 in height, a 2-15/16 in overall width, takes flooring up to 3/4 in, and is rated 9 gpm per outlet. Lengths are 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96 in.
Skip it if you are using a bonded sheet or liquid membrane, or if you do not want to buy the clamping drain separately. The kit does not include the outlet drain.
Match the drain to your waterproofing first
This is the one choice you cannot fix after tile. Infinity Drain’s linear drain guide (infinitydrain.com) splits it cleanly:
- Traditional pan membranes (PVC or vinyl liners, lead, copper, hot mop, fiberglass): use a drain that sits on a clamping drain body, like the S-TIF 65.
- Bonded membranes (liquid or fabric sheet): use a drain with a bonding flange, like KERDI-LINE, VARIO or FCSGR. Infinity notes these suit barrier-free work.
Do not mix systems. A sheet membrane lapped onto a flange made for a clamp ring, or a liner clamped under a flange made for thinset, is how slow leaks start. Use the membrane and the adhesive the drain maker names, and flood test before tile. Most jurisdictions want the pan inspected; ask your building department.
Length, outlet position and placement
Calculate the finished width where the drain will go, allowing for backer board, mortar and tile. For a curbless entry, Infinity says to run the drain wall to wall. Against a back wall, a stock length a little short of the opening is normal, with tile filling the ends.
Find the joists before you buy. The outlet has to drop through the subfloor to the trap. If a center outlet lands on a joist, buy an off-set body (KERDI-LINE KL1VO puts the outlet 8 in from the channel edge) or a drain like VARIO or S-TIF where you place the outlet. Do not notch a joist to make a drain fit without asking a framer or engineer.
Common placements: against the back wall, at the shower entry, or across the middle of the floor. Schluter’s linear drain page (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/showers/shower_with_linear_drain) notes the floor slopes on a single plane, which is why large tile works. Oatey makes the same point in its linear vs center drain comparison (oatey.com): a linear drain uses one slope, a square center drain needs a four-way compound slope and smaller tile.
Slope: the channel sits level and the floor pitches toward it. Your plumbing code sets the minimum floor pitch, so ask the inspector before you float the bed. A tile-ready pre-sloped tray takes the guesswork out.
Flow: one head or several
| Setup | What the maker says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One standard head | KERDI-LINE-VARIO is designed for a single 2.5 gpm head | Schluter VARIO (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Drains/Shower-Drains/Schluter%C2%AE-KERDI-LINE-VARIO/p/KLVR2FLK) |
| Multiple heads, body sprays, wand | KERDI-LINE is recommended; wider and deeper channel | Schluter data sheet (maker page: assets.schluter.com/asset/570120892212/document_tdhq5r8gkh31v1rijrr7j0ho0t/shower-drains-data-sheet.pdf) |
| 2 in outlet | About 9 gpm at 1/2 in head of water, with proper venting | Infinity Drain guide (infinitydrain.com) |
| Two 2 in outlets into a 3 in line | About 21 gpm | Infinity Drain guide (infinitydrain.com) |
| Long runs | Indoors, one outlet per 60 in of run; 72, 80 and 96 in kits ship with two outlets | Infinity Drain guide (infinitydrain.com) |
Schluter does not recommend VARIO for an entrance drain; use its KERDI-LINE guidance for that placement. Add up the flow of every outlet that can run at once. If you are planning a multi-head valve, see our shower system guide, then size the drain to match.
Grates and tile thickness
Pick the grate after the waterproofing and outlet are settled. Two things matter: the tile thickness it accepts and how easy it is to lift out for hair.
- KERDI-LINE standard grate: 1/8 to 1 in tile, with a 3/8 in frame reveal. STYLE grates take 1/4 to 23/32 in. Tile-in frames come in three heights for thin to thick tile.
- KERDI-LINE-VARIO: 3/8 in minimum tile thickness.
- Infinity S-TIF 65: flooring up to 3/4 in.
Tile-in grates disappear into the floor but show dirt along the slot. Plain stainless grates are easier to clean. Either way, the hair stops at the strainer or basket under the grate. Our page on shower drain sizes and hair catchers covers why a center drain catcher will not fit a linear grate.
Linear shower drain FAQ
Can I install a linear shower drain myself?
A handy owner can set the channel, but the drain line, trap and vent are plumbing work and often need a permit and a pan inspection. If the outlet has to move or a joist is in the way, hire a licensed plumber before the floor is built.
Should the linear drain go against the wall or at the entry?
Against the back wall is the most common and hides the drain. At the entry works for curbless showers and keeps water from running out. Schluter KERDI-LINE can also go out in the floor. Check where the joists are before you decide.
Do I need a center or end outlet?
Use a center outlet when the drain line can come up in the middle of the channel. Use an off-set outlet, like Schluter’s KL1VO body with its outlet 8 inches from the channel edge, when a joist or beam is under the center.
Will a linear drain handle a rain head and body sprays?
Only if it is sized for it. Schluter says KERDI-LINE-VARIO is for one 2.5 gpm head and recommends KERDI-LINE for multiple heads. Infinity Drain rates a 2 inch outlet at about 9 gpm and suggests extra outlets for more flow.
Can I use a linear drain with a PVC shower pan liner?
Yes, but choose one made for a clamping drain body, like the Infinity Drain S-TIF 65 on a 2 inch clamp-down drain. Bonding-flange drains must match the membrane assembly approved by their manufacturer.
How we chose
This is a document-based comparison from a licensed plumber’s point of view. We read maker product pages, data sheets and installation instructions for each linked model and picked drains with clear waterproofing methods, stated outlets and published lengths. Sources and linked listings were read October 14, 2026; sellers and availability change. We do not publish prices or claim hands-on testing. More about our selection method and Plumbing Picks.
Primary sources
- Schluter KERDI-LINE product page (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Drains/Shower-Drains/Schluter-KERDI-LINE/p/KERDI_LINE) — lengths, outlet, bonding flange, grates, tile thickness, listings
- Schluter shower drains data sheet (PDF) (maker page: assets.schluter.com/asset/570120892212/document_tdhq5r8gkh31v1rijrr7j0ho0t/shower-drains-data-sheet.pdf) — item numbers, 316 L stainless, flow guidance, outlet coupling
- Schluter KERDI-LINE-VARIO page (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Drains/Shower-Drains/Schluter%C2%AE-KERDI-LINE-VARIO/p/KLVR2FLK) — stock lengths, cut minimum, flange kit, 2.5 gpm design, listings
- Schluter KERDI-LINE wall distance FAQ (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/faq/shower-system-kerdiline-drain-install-wall-distance) — outlet distance from wall board
- Schluter shower with linear drain (maker page: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/showers/shower_with_linear_drain) — single-plane slope, placement
- Infinity Drain FCSGR 65 page (infinitydrain.com) — lengths, factory KERDI flange, 304L grate, 9 gpm, coupling
- Infinity Drain S-TIF 65 page (infinitydrain.com) — lengths, clamp-down outlet, liner types, height, width, 9 gpm
- Infinity Drain FF/FT installation instructions (PDF) (infinitydrain.com) — grate height setting, level channel, one-plane bed
- Infinity Drain linear drain guide (infinitydrain.com) — membrane types, flow per outlet, outlet frequency