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Big Name Brand DiscountsThere are three main things you need to look for when you are buying your shower – the enclosure, the tray, and the showerhead. Let’s talk about the trays!
Shower trays are an essential part of any new shower installation and design. But shower trays are available in a huge range of shapes or sizes, which can be confusing. Which finish is best for you? What size do you need? Which features to look out for? There are many questions you might have and we will try to help you here!
There are many questions you might have and we will try to help you here!
Shower tray types:
There are actually two main types of shower tray; those that are low-profile (or flat), and those that are raised (or adjustable). The difference between them is that the low-profile need the waste to be installed into your flooring, and the ones on risers have the waste above ground but under the shower floor.
Flat Type of tray
– Low Profile (Or Flat)
Quick and easy to fit, low profile trays require a level surface (breeze block, polystyrene support, etc.) and floor-flush vertical drainage. They can be installed directly onto the ground and feature a step up measuring less than 5 cm in height.
You can find our best Low profile trays here:
– Raised (Or Adjustable)
The easiest and fastest type to install, raised trays are fitted with a horizontal waste trap and, if necessary, a set of shower legs or any other type of base frame (brick, breeze block, aerated concrete). They are accessed via a step measuring over 5 cm in height.
You can find our best Raised/Adjustable trays here:
What’s the Best Shower Tray Material?
This is not an easy question to answer, because when you get down to it, there are actually benefits and downsides to each material that is on offer. However, by breaking them down for you, we hope that you will be able to select the one that will work best for you.
Acrylic
– Ceramic
These used to be the most common and popular on the market, and they are still available at very low prices. They are also very durable and resistant to wear over time, which is part of what made them so widely used. However, they are also exceptionally heavy and take an incredibly long time to manufacture.
– Acrylic
Also known as ABS and is an exceptionally popular and affordable material. The shape is very flexible, and the tray lightweight – making it really easy to carry around and install. Another benefit is that they feel warm when you step on them. However, they can be a little flimsy, and they do not always feel as robust as other types when you get in the shower.
Stone Resin
– Marble
These trays are beautiful and incredibly reliable, but they are also expensive and require quite a large bank account to make them affordable. Additionally, they are heavy and require at least two people to carry them without the risk of it breaking.
– Stone Resin
This is another popular option and one that can also come in a number of shapes and sizes. They are often strong and reliable but also capped with acrylic to leave that warm touch when you get in. They can also be constructed in such a way that they are very thin, and the only real downside is that most of them are very heavy.
Sizing Guide:
Before you can buy a shower tray, you need to know the exact size that you will need. It is important to remember that most trays are measured in millimetres (mm), so you will need the numbers on hand when you are browsing.
Careful attention should be paid to the measuring process, as incorrect measurements can lead to disappointment when you go to install it. Here are some of the issues it can cause:
So, when you are looking for your next shower tray, make sure you are accurate with all of the measurements you take; including the shower door if you select one that opens outwardly.
Shower Tray Shapes :
There are so many different shapes available, and this is because the tray needs to be able to fit snugly against the wall in order to create a watertight seal and maximise the space it is using. Here is a list of the different shapes you will find on the market: