How Dornbracht’s xGrid mounting system performs in practice

Since 2021, Dornbracht’s xGrid installation system has been used on numerous building sites and has proven its worth, particularly in complex concealed installations involving multiple valves and outlet points.

Download press material and images here

Anyone who installs concealed products knows that as soon as several valves and outlet points are arranged side by side or one above the other, every millimetre counts. The precise alignment of the individual components is not only time-consuming but also requires a great deal of finesse. Once the tiling work is complete, the aim is to achieve a harmonious and precise overall look. This is where Dornbracht’s xGrid mounting system comes into play: the mounting rail ensures exact as well as easy horizontal and vertical alignment of all concealed elements. Furthermore, xGrid offers maximum compatibility through depth and length adjustment, flexible rail adjustment, and an interface for standard stud wall systems.

Efficiency during installation
Dornbracht asked tradespeople and the relevant product manager how xGrid performs in practice. Dirk Niedergesäss, owner of Badkulturen in Düsseldorf, Germany, works with the product frequently: “The rail system makes our day-to-day work much easier. For me, the biggest advantage is the dimensional accuracy. With xGrid, I can work much more precisely to plan than if I had to fit all the valves individually. Time savings are also a key factor: the mounting rail can be installed quickly and easily, noticeably reducing the workload on site. Particularly given the shortage of skilled workers, it is crucial to make the best possible use of available working hours. We gain valuable time this way, especially with complex shower set-ups featuring numerous outlets.”

Michael Diflo, who is responsible for specialist plumbing advice at Schwämmle in Ostfildern, Germany, adds: “We enjoy working with the mounting rail because it allows us to align the concealed products quickly and accurately. Once the rail is correctly positioned, the individual products can be easily fitted, positioned and secured with screws. This simplifies installation and ensures a precise result.” This is also confirmed by Lars Heidemann, Technical Product Manager at Dornbracht: “By working as precisely as possible when installing the concealed products, we avoid mistakes. These often only become apparent once the tiles have already been fitted. If the spout is not perfectly perpendicular to the wall, or if square rosettes are not perfectly aligned with one another, an expensive correction is required. The fact that different trades work hand in hand in the bathroom complicates and prolongs this process. With our xGrid rail system, these challenges can be avoided from the outset.”

Easy extension and compensation for depth and length
Thanks to the special design of the rail ends, the mounting system can be extended easily and without the need for additional connection sets. If required, the rail can also be adjusted to the appropriate standard length. The stud wall adaptors included in the set allow for both depth and length compensation. The xGrid mounting system is suitable for both drywall and pre-wall installation. “Depending on the installation situation, there are various ways to securely fix the mounting rail and align it precisely. For lightweight partition walls, we either use the stud frame adapter set or an additional wooden sub-frame,” says Michael Diflo. Dirk Niedergesäss adds, drawing on his practical experience: “xGrid can also be used flexibly in other installation situations. For example, we have frequently recessed the rail into masonry and achieved very good results.”

For larger construction projects: prefabrication in the workshop is possible
The xGrid mounting rail offers further advantages, particularly for larger construction projects: it can be prepared in advance in the workshop. Products can be pre-assembled there at the required spacings, and water pipes pre-fitted. On site, the rails then simply need to be installed. This reduces the workload during on-site installation, creates more efficient workflows and saves valuable time through standardised work steps.

Installation examples for Dornbracht Shower Solutions using the xGrid mounting rail can be found in the Planning Guide.