I don't quite know what you mean by "have a 60" strip fabricated." Do you mean a 60" long tile? An in-tile linear drain gets tiled just like the adjacent floor, including grouting:

Linear drain

OK, that answers my question. I was wondering how the tile-in channel is filled. I didn't realize it is tiled the same as the floor.

Still wondering which model to go with. Advice?

I spent quite a bit of time trying to research this myself for two different showers and found a wide range of prices: you can find no-name, inexpensive ones and pricey, name-brand ones. For a 60" tile-in linear drain, you will find prices ranging from probably $150-800. I ended up buying a Luxe brand drain both times: they are very well made and toward the middle of the price spectrum. The best prices I found for them surprisingly were at Home Depot. They aren't routinely carried in stock, but will ship the item you want in a few days. The 60" tile insert model is about $400, and the same size with a stainless grate is only $250. One of mine is the tile insert, and the other one has the stainless grid. Both were similar quality. Tile insert is cleaner looking, but it adds to the tile labor cost.

Luxe linear drain

I saw these at the surface show in Vegas last week:

A 60 inch tiled drain will be difficult to remove and replace regularly for cleaning. One slip and its broken. You might want to check with the maintenance staff before making a final decision.

The Quickdrain Walldrain has been out about a year and it's pretty awesome. That was my first choice but due to framing and design constraints it's not an option for me.

You may want to look at the drain that PSC is offering, they have several options

So far I'm not seeing anything to differentiate one brand of drains from the next. The one differentiating feature seems to be a lever to help remove the tiled insert. Otherwise they are pretty much the same?

No...different drains can use different gauges of stainless steel, so some are more sustantial. Also, some have cleaner welds and are more rectilinear (i.e., flatter, squarer, and less subject to warpage).

My contractor asked me to pick a linear drain because he doesn't want to choose for me. I have a 1,000 things to decide for this remodel and I'm trying to make this as little of a research project as possible (since I have 999 other research projects). Sometimes I feel like a GC in training.

I'm here seeking the advice of people who know this stuff so I don't have to spend hours researching it. For a tile-in type of linear drain, can anyone tell me who makes the top two or three options with a tool for easy removal of the tile tray? Since Infinity Drain and QuickDrain seem to be the two biggest names in linear drains, is it safe to go with them? I feel like Aco is up there too in terms of brand awareness.

Price probably isn't an issue here. The linear drain is already factored in my contract and my contractor suggested Infinity Drain which I think is one of the more expensive ones. So I'm pretty much free to pick anything. I just want to make sure I get quality.

Thanks.

Those are decent choices, and I already mentioned my good assessment of Luxe linear drains, too. Don't overthink this. Buy one of these and move on.

Not sure if you're using one of the surface waterproofing systems or not (Kerdi or Laticrete Hydroment). The reason I bring this up is both companies have linear drains made specifically for their systems, and you'd do well to use their drain if you're going to use their system. If not, just ignore this whole post. :-)

Things to look for in linear drains:

1. Is the inner channel slopped properly.

2.What kind of membrane bonding system the drain has.

3.Hair trap? is their one.

There are many systems on the market place. PSC is a good place to study what you should go for

Which one did you end up using and do you have any feedback? In the same boat right now. Trying to choose one that will drain well and be easy enough to clean with hair etc!

JM- As I mentioned 4 years ago, I have Luxe linear drains that are in two different bathrooms. Still draining fine, and I lift them out about once a year to pull out any accumulated hair. Much easier than dealing with the hair that would clog my old central drain where I would have to undo the screws holding the drain cover in place, try not to drop them down the pipe, and fish hair out of the pipe with a bent coat hanger... ;-)

Thanks so much kudzu9! Any chance you could link me to the ones you are using?

I got one with a stainless grate and one that was a tile inset style. They have a good selection at good prices here:

https://www.build.com/luxe-linear-drains/c117624?term=luxe+linear+drain&r=48&s=SCORE&p=1&categoryId=117624

Here is the Luxe web site page for their various residential styles:

https://www.lineardrains.com/home/products/linear-shower-drains/

I ended up getting a Proline linear drain by Quickdrain with a Tilein drain cover. Looks great and very happy with it.

you need to choose the drain based on bonded waterproofing , or a clamp drain and a linear drain "STRAINER" 2 different types drain. Lean on your tile professional for that info.

We have left a wealth of knowledge on these forums in the past on the topic, releavent to your question, search it out if you care to.

Ended up getting this, what do you guys think?

https://www.amazon.com/Neodrain-Stainless-Rectangle-Adjustable-Leveling/dp/B0794SVWC3/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

That's a fine drain but they are meant to be used with the traditional vinyl liner installation which is tricky at best unless you have a curb. The goal is to eliminate the 2 inch thick layer of drypack above the liner, which you cannot do with this drain. Not saying it won't work, but we prefer surface applied waterproofing to vinyl liners.

If you have the right tiler thay could do a full topical waterproof build while still using this drain by employing A divot. Very technical build for diy or novice tiler. Id return the drain however and get a bonding flange drain they are the real linear drain what you have is A drain STRAINER that should be sold as such as its kinda misleading advertising and its a problem in our iindustry..

Side note.... further confusion ! some Strainers can also work with a bonding flange drain and a coupling gasket .

Common pitfallls for people buying drains online w/o a qualified tiler guiding you.

all this info has been clarified on these forums search it out.

Does anybody know which brand offers good 60'' OFFSET linear drain that is compatible with Schluter KERDI for water proof? Schluter max offset size is 47 and I need 60 - any advice? Thank you

@kudzu9 how are your LUXE drains holding up? I am considering these drains for a remodel. Thanks!