A trench drain shower base pairs a long, narrow drain with a clean-lined shower floor. The right choice depends on more than looks: you’ll need to match the base’s dimensions, drain position, threshold, and material to your bathroom and plumbing. Our top pick is the WOODBRIDGE 48-by-36-inch left-drain base, while its right-drain counterpart suits a reversed layout. Bathlink offers a larger format and a low threshold, but the supplied listing data marks it unavailable.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size and drain | Material and notable features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOODBRIDGE 48" x 36" Left-Drain Solid Surface Base | 48" L x 36" W; left drain | Solid surface, three-sided integral flange, stainless steel trench cover | A left-drain layout with a solid surface base |
| WOODBRIDGE 48" x 36" Right-Drain Solid Surface Base | 48" L x 36" W; right drain | Solid surface, three-sided integral flange, stainless steel trench cover | A right-drain layout and shoppers who value a stated limited warranty |
| Bathlink 60" x 32" SMC Shower Base | 60" x 32"; left-mounted channel | SMC construction, fixed aluminum trench, hair filter, low threshold | A longer shower footprint, subject to availability |
Our Picks: Best Trench Drain Shower Base reviews
1. WOODBRIDGE Left-Drain Base: Best Overall Solid Surface Pick
This 48-by-36-inch WOODBRIDGE base is made for a shower layout with the drain on the left. Its recessed trench design gives the shower floor a linear-drain look, and the removable brushed stainless steel cover is included. The package also includes a standard white PVC drain, so you do not have to source that part separately.
The base uses non-porous solid surface material and has a three-sided integral tiling flange intended to help with water retention at the walls. Its bottom is described as slip-resistant. The listing also says the material can be sanded to address chips or scratches, which may be useful over the life of the base; follow the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting any repair.
The main trade-off is the fixed size and left-side drain placement. Check the rough-in and the direction you face when entering the shower before ordering—choosing the wrong drain side can complicate installation. This model is a strong fit if its dimensions match your plan and you want solid surface construction with the key drain components included.
Pros:
- Non-porous solid surface construction
- Removable brushed stainless steel trench cover
- Three-sided integral flange and slip-resistant bottom
- White PVC drain is included
Cons:
- Drain is on the left, so it will not suit every plumbing layout
- Available only in the listed 48-by-36-inch size
Verdict: Choose this WOODBRIDGE model if you need a 48-by-36-inch base with a left drain and prefer a solid surface pan with a linear stainless steel cover.
2. WOODBRIDGE Right-Drain Base: Best for a Reversed Plumbing Layout
This WOODBRIDGE model shares the 48-by-36-inch footprint and solid surface construction of the left-drain pick, but places the drain on the right. It includes a removable brushed stainless steel trench cover and a standard white PVC drain. That makes it a close alternative when the right-side plumbing position is the deciding factor.
The base also has a three-sided integral tiling flange and a slip-resistant bottom. The listing describes the material as non-porous and says it can be sanded to address chips or scratches. A stated 10-year limited warranty covers material defects; check the warranty terms for conditions and exclusions before buying.
Since the left- and right-drain versions are otherwise closely matched in the supplied specifications, the best choice is the one that fits your plumbing plan—not a preference for one drain side based on appearance alone. Confirm the drain position with your installer and verify that the base dimensions work with the shower enclosure and wall framing.
Pros:
- Right-side drain for layouts that need that position
- Solid surface construction with a non-porous finish
- Stainless steel trench cover and PVC drain are included
- Listing states a 10-year limited warranty against material defects
Cons:
- May not fit a left-side drain rough-in
- Offered in the listed 48-by-36-inch footprint
Verdict: Pick this model over the left-drain version when your shower plan calls for a right-side drain and the 48-by-36-inch size fits.
3. Bathlink 60-by-32-Inch Base: Best Low-Threshold Option to Check for Availability
The Bathlink base is the larger option in this group, measuring 60 by 32 inches. Its description specifies a left-mounted, fixed 24-inch aluminum trench drain, a pebbled slip-resistant surface, and a nearly flush 0.4-inch threshold. Those details may appeal if you want a longer shower footprint and are looking to reduce the height of the entry lip.
Its listed drainage features include a three-stage hair filter, a removable grate, and a stated flow capacity of 18 liters per minute. The description also claims the deep channel moves more water than a standard round drain; treat that as a manufacturer claim, not a guarantee for every plumbing setup. The base uses a fiber-reinforced SMC core, with thicker edges described as reinforcement.
The key limitation is availability: the supplied product data marks this model as unavailable. It also has a different 60-by-32-inch footprint and a fixed left-side channel, so it is not a direct fit for the WOODBRIDGE layouts. Confirm current availability, outlet location, installation requirements, and compatibility with your shower walls before making plans around it.
Pros:
- Larger 60-by-32-inch footprint
- Low-profile threshold listed at 0.4 inches
- Fixed trench channel includes a hair filter and removable grate
- Pebbled surface is described as slip-resistant
Cons:
- Supplied data marks the product unavailable
- Fixed left-side drain and different dimensions limit layout options
Verdict: Consider the Bathlink if its larger size and low threshold suit your project, but confirm it is available and verify the installation details before choosing it.
How to Choose a Trench Drain Shower Base
Match the Drain Side to Your Plumbing
Drain position is one of the first details to check. The WOODBRIDGE bases place the drain on opposite sides, while the Bathlink channel is fixed on the left. Compare the product layout with your existing drain rough-in and planned shower orientation. If the drain location is unclear, have your installer confirm it before you order.
Measure the Shower Footprint
Compare the base’s listed length and width with the available floor space, wall framing, and enclosure plan. The two WOODBRIDGE options measure 48 by 36 inches; the Bathlink measures 60 by 32 inches. Measure the actual installation area and account for the intended wall finish rather than assuming a listed size will fit every opening.
Check the Threshold Height
A lower threshold may make entry easier, but it still needs to work with your water-containment plan and bathroom layout. Bathlink lists a nearly flush 0.4-inch threshold. The supplied descriptions do not give a threshold measurement for the WOODBRIDGE models, so ask the seller or check the installation documentation if that dimension is important to you.
Compare Materials and Surface Details
The WOODBRIDGE bases use non-porous solid surface material, with a smooth surface and a slip-resistant bottom listed in the product details. Bathlink uses SMC construction and has a pebbled surface described as slip-resistant. Consider the feel and care instructions you prefer, and consult the manufacturer’s guidance for cleaning and repair.
Look Closely at the Drain Components
Check what comes with the base and what your installer will need to supply. Both WOODBRIDGE options list a removable stainless steel trench cover and a white PVC drain. Bathlink lists a fixed aluminum channel, a removable grate, and a hair filter. A trench-style cover does not by itself confirm that a base will work with your plumbing; verify outlet position and drain compatibility.
Review the Flange and Installation Requirements
The WOODBRIDGE bases have a three-sided integral tiling flange, while Bathlink describes its base as designed for surface wall mounting and seamless integration with wall membranes. These are product-specific installation details, not universal methods. Read the instructions and confirm that the base works with your chosen waterproofing system and wall assembly.
Check Warranty, Certification, and Availability
WOODBRIDGE lists US UPC and Canada CSA certification for the left-drain model; the right-drain model lists those standards and a 10-year limited warranty against material defects. Check the terms and product documentation for the exact model you plan to buy. Bathlink’s supplied listing data marks it unavailable, so verify availability before relying on it for a project schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trench drain shower base?
It is a shower base designed to drain through a long, narrow channel rather than a typical round drain opening. The models here use a linear cover or channel, but their drain positions and construction differ.
Which WOODBRIDGE base should I choose: left drain or right drain?
Choose the version that matches your plumbing rough-in and shower layout. The two listed bases share a 48-by-36-inch size and similar stated features, but their drain positions are opposite.
Does the WOODBRIDGE base include a drain?
Yes. Both listed WOODBRIDGE models include a standard white PVC drain and a removable brushed stainless steel trench cover. Confirm that the included drain works with your planned plumbing connection.
Is the Bathlink base a low-threshold option?
Its product description lists a nearly flush 0.4-inch threshold. The same supplied data marks the product unavailable, so confirm that it can be purchased before making it your preferred option.
Are these bases slip-resistant?
The WOODBRIDGE descriptions state that the bases have slip-resistant bottoms. Bathlink describes its surface as pebbled and slip-resistant. These descriptions do not replace careful installation or safe use, especially when the shower floor is wet.
Can I install a trench drain base with any shower plumbing?
No. Drain side, outlet position, dimensions, and the installation method all matter. Check the base instructions and have a qualified installer confirm compatibility with your plumbing and waterproofing plan.
Final Recommendation
For most projects that match its footprint, the WOODBRIDGE 48-by-36-inch left-drain solid surface base is the strongest all-around choice in this group: it includes a stainless steel trench cover and PVC drain, and its non-porous material and integral flange are clearly specified. Choose the right-drain WOODBRIDGE version if your plumbing calls for that arrangement. The Bathlink stands out for its larger format and low listed threshold, but its stated unavailability makes it a less dependable choice until you confirm it can be ordered.
