A shower tray might not be the first thing that catches your eye when planning a new bathroom, but it's one of the most important decisions you'll make. It forms the foundation of your shower enclosure, supports you every day, and plays a huge part in how well your shower performs for years to come. Choosing the right tray means better stability underfoot, reliable drainage and the confidence that your shower has been built on a solid base.
At Showers to You, we've helped thousands of customers find the right shower tray for everything from compact en-suites to spacious family bathrooms and luxury walk-in shower rooms. With over 1,800 shower trays available from many of the UK's leading manufacturers, there's a solution for virtually every bathroom layout, style and budget. Whether you're replacing an existing tray like-for-like or designing an entirely new bathroom, you'll find an extensive choice of sizes, shapes and finishes, with a selection available for Next Day Delivery when time is of the essence.
It's easy to focus on the shower enclosure, the valve or the shower head, but without a well-made tray underneath, even the best shower can be let down. A quality shower tray provides the stability your enclosure relies on, directs water efficiently towards the waste and helps create a watertight installation that will stand the test of time.
One question we're regularly asked is whether it's worth spending a little more on a premium shower tray. From our experience, the biggest difference isn't always what you can see—it's how the tray performs once it's installed. Better quality trays generally feel more solid underfoot, flex less over time and provide a firmer foundation for your shower enclosure. Less movement can also help reduce stress on the silicone seal around the tray, which is one of the areas most likely to cause problems if a tray isn't properly supported.
That doesn't mean every bathroom needs the most expensive tray available. The best choice depends on your bathroom, your budget and how the shower will be used. For a busy family bathroom that sees daily use, investing in a premium tray can be money well spent. For a guest en-suite or occasional shower room, there may be more cost-effective options that still offer excellent performance.
Before choosing a shower tray, it's worth thinking about how the space will be used as well as how it looks. The right tray should complement your shower enclosure, fit comfortably within the available space and suit the style of bathroom you're creating.
If you're replacing an existing shower tray, accurate measurements are essential. While many sizes have become industry standards over the years, older bathrooms don't always follow today's dimensions exactly. Taking a few minutes to measure your existing tray and check the waste position before ordering can save a lot of time later.
For customers planning a complete bathroom renovation, there's often much more flexibility. Larger rectangular trays have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for contemporary walk-in shower enclosures, while compact square and quadrant trays remain excellent choices where space is more limited.
Accessibility is another important consideration. Slimline shower trays and low-profile designs make stepping into the shower easier and help create the clean, minimalist appearance that's become so popular in modern bathrooms. If you're designing an accessible bathroom or planning for future mobility needs, a low-level or wet room style installation may also be worth considering.
If you're ever unsure which shower tray is best suited to your project, our team is always happy to help. Sometimes a quick conversation can identify a better option than the one you originally had in mind, whether that's choosing a different size, selecting a more suitable waste position or recommending a tray that's better suited to your type of installation.
With so many different shower trays available, it can sometimes feel difficult knowing where to start. In reality, most customers tend to choose from a handful of popular styles, with the final decision usually coming down to the size and layout of the bathroom.
Rectangular shower trays remain one of the most popular choices for modern homes. Their generous proportions create a comfortable showering space and make them ideal for larger shower enclosures and walk-in designs. If you're renovating a family bathroom, this is often the style that offers the best balance between practicality and everyday comfort.
Square shower trays continue to be a favourite for en-suites, cloakrooms and smaller bathrooms. Their compact footprint allows them to fit neatly into corners while still providing a comfortable showering area. Available in a wide range of standard sizes, they're compatible with sliding, pivot, hinged and bi-fold shower doors, making them one of the most versatile options available.
Where space is at more of a premium, quadrant shower trays offer an excellent solution. Their curved front edge creates more usable floor space outside the enclosure without making the shower itself feel cramped. They're particularly popular in smaller bathrooms where every centimetre makes a difference.
If you'd like a little more room inside the enclosure but still want the space-saving benefits of a quadrant design, offset quadrant shower trays are well worth considering. They feature the same smooth curved front but with one longer side, providing additional showering space without dramatically increasing the overall footprint.
For customers creating a contemporary bathroom, walk-in shower trays have become one of the fastest-growing choices. Their larger dimensions help create an open, luxurious feel while offering easy access and a clean, minimalist appearance that suits both modern family bathrooms and stylish en-suites.
You'll also find specialist options including pentagonal shower trays, wet room formers, slate effect shower trays and anti-slip models, each designed to suit specific bathroom layouts or individual requirements. Whether you're looking for something practical, design-led or focused on accessibility, today's range of shower trays offers more choice than ever before.
Not all shower trays are built in the same way, and the material you choose can make a noticeable difference to both performance and longevity.
Many of today's premium shower trays are manufactured from stone resin, which has become the material of choice for homeowners, installers and bathroom designers alike. Stone resin trays are known for their strength, rigidity and reassuringly solid feel underfoot. They're less prone to movement once installed and are designed to cope with years of daily use, making them an excellent investment for busy family bathrooms.
You'll also find high-quality acrylic-capped trays, which offer a durable, easy-to-clean finish while remaining lighter to handle during installation. Advances in manufacturing mean modern acrylic trays provide impressive performance, particularly when sourced from established bathroom brands.
Profile is another important consideration. Slimline shower trays have become increasingly popular because they create a clean, contemporary appearance without compromising on strength. Their low height also makes stepping into the shower easier and helps achieve the seamless look many homeowners are aiming for.
Raised shower trays continue to have their place too, particularly where existing plumbing makes it difficult to recess pipework beneath the floor. Rather than carrying out extensive structural work, a raised installation can often provide a practical and cost-effective solution.
If you're looking to add a little more character to your bathroom, slate effect shower trays have become a firm favourite. Combining the appearance of natural stone with the practicality of modern manufacturing, they offer a premium finish that's both durable and easy to maintain. Available in a range of colours, they're ideal for creating a more bespoke bathroom without the maintenance associated with natural stone.
Choosing the correct size isn't simply about filling the available space. It's about finding the right balance between comfort, practicality and the overall layout of your bathroom.
A slightly larger tray can make a surprising difference to the everyday showering experience, particularly in family bathrooms where the shower is used several times a day. If your layout allows, many customers choose to increase the tray size during a renovation simply because it creates a more spacious feel without dramatically increasing the overall project cost.
Our collection includes everything from compact 700mm square shower trays for smaller en-suites through to generous 2000mm walk-in shower trays designed for larger bathrooms and luxury showering spaces.
Popular sizes include:
If you're replacing an existing tray, always measure carefully before ordering rather than relying on the original paperwork or assumptions. Bathrooms are often altered over the years, and confirming the dimensions yourself helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Choosing the right waste is just as important as choosing the right tray.
A good-quality shower waste allows water to drain away quickly while the trap prevents unpleasant smells from entering the bathroom through the drainage system. Different trays require different wastes, and flow rates can vary depending on the type of shower you're installing.
For example, larger rainfall shower heads and high-flow shower systems often benefit from higher-capacity wastes to ensure water drains away efficiently.
To make installation as straightforward as possible, Showers to You also offers a wide range of compatible shower wastes, traps and accessories to complement many of the leading shower tray brands we stock. If you're unsure which waste is suitable for your chosen tray, our team can point you in the right direction.
Even the best shower tray on the market needs to be installed correctly if it's going to perform as intended.
One of the most common issues installers encounter isn't with the tray itself—it's inadequate support underneath it. A shower tray should always be installed on a stable, level base in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Taking shortcuts during installation can lead to unnecessary movement, which may eventually affect seals and the overall lifespan of the installation.
For the best results, we recommend:
With the right installation and routine care, a quality shower tray should provide many years of dependable service.
At Showers to You, we believe the manufacturer behind the product matters just as much as the product itself.
That's why we've carefully built one of the UK's most comprehensive collections of shower trays from brands with proven reputations for quality, reliability and innovative design.
Our range includes respected names such as Nuie, Kudos, KStone, MX, Hudson Reed, Kartell, Scudo, Novellini, Merlyn, Roman, RAK Ceramics, Burlington and many more.
Each manufacturer brings something different to the collection. Some specialise in premium stone resin trays, while others focus on contemporary slate effect designs, ultra-low profile installations or specialist accessibility solutions. By offering such a wide choice, we're able to help customers find a tray that suits both their bathroom and their budget without compromising on quality.
When you're investing in a new shower tray, you want confidence that you're buying from a retailer who understands the products they're selling.
At Showers to You, bathrooms aren't just one of many product categories—they're what we specialise in. We've built our reputation by supplying quality bathroom products from trusted manufacturers, backed by knowledgeable customer service and competitive prices.
When you shop with us, you'll benefit from:
Whether you're replacing a worn shower tray, upgrading your family bathroom or planning a complete renovation, we're here to help you find the right product for your project. Explore our extensive collection today and discover why thousands of customers choose Showers to You when it's time to create a shower they'll enjoy for years to come.
What's the best material for a shower tray?
Stone resin is generally considered the best all-round material for a shower tray, which is why it's used in many of today's premium ranges. It offers an excellent combination of strength, durability and stability, giving a solid feel underfoot while being less prone to flexing than many lighter alternatives. For busy family bathrooms or walk-in showers, it's a material that's built to cope with everyday use.
Acrylic shower trays are a good choice if you're looking for something lighter or more budget-friendly. They're easier to handle during installation and can be ideal where weight is a consideration, such as some upstairs bathrooms or loft conversions. Ceramic trays offer a more traditional look and are highly resistant to scratches, but their weight means they're much less common in modern bathroom installations.
Many leading manufacturers, including Kudos, MX, Ajax, Hudson Reed, Scudo and Novellini, now produce shower trays using stone resin or reinforced composite materials. These materials have become increasingly popular because they combine long-lasting durability with slim, contemporary designs, while also providing the rigidity needed to help reduce movement over time.
Ultimately, the best shower tray material depends on your bathroom, budget and the style you're trying to achieve. However, if you're looking for a tray that offers the best balance of durability, appearance and long-term performance, stone resin is the material most homeowners and bathroom installers would recommend.
What size shower tray should I choose?
The best shower tray size depends on the space you have available, the type of shower enclosure you're installing, and how much room you want when showering. While it's tempting to choose the largest tray that will fit, it's equally important to leave enough space for comfortable access and the rest of your bathroom layout.
Some of the most popular shower tray sizes in the UK include:
In recent years, we've seen more homeowners choosing larger rectangular shower trays, particularly for bathroom renovations where space allows. Sizes such as 1400 x 900mm, 1600 x 900mm and even 1800 x 900mm shower trays create a more open feel, work well with frameless walk-in shower screens and provide a more comfortable showering experience.
If you're unsure which size is right for your bathroom, it's usually worth choosing the largest tray your space can comfortably accommodate. A slightly larger shower area often makes everyday use more enjoyable and can give the whole bathroom a more spacious, contemporary feel.
What’s the difference between slimline and raised shower trays?
Slimline and raised shower trays both do the same job, but they're designed to suit different types of installation. Slimline trays sit much closer to the floor, giving a cleaner, more contemporary look that's become the most popular choice in modern bathroom renovations. Raised shower trays sit higher on a riser kit, creating space underneath for the waste pipe and making them easier to install where the floor can't be altered.
If you're designing a new bathroom or creating a walk-in shower, a slimline shower tray is often the preferred option. The lower profile gives a more seamless finish, makes stepping into the shower easier and works particularly well with modern shower enclosures and large-format tiles.
A raised shower tray is often the better choice if you're replacing an existing shower or fitting one upstairs where there's limited room beneath the floor. Because the pipework sits underneath the tray, installation is usually simpler and future access to the waste is much easier if maintenance is ever needed.
For most new bathroom projects, we'd usually recommend a slimline shower tray if your floor allows it. However, if lifting the floor isn't practical or you need easier access to the plumbing, a raised tray is a reliable alternative that still provides excellent performance.
Are stone resin shower trays worth it?
For most bathrooms, we'd say yes. Stone resin shower trays have become the go-to choice for many homeowners because they're strong, durable and feel much more solid underfoot than many lighter alternatives. If you're investing in a new bathroom, they're well worth considering.
Over the years, we've found that stone resin trays are the ones most customers come back asking for, particularly for family bathrooms and walk-in shower installations. They offer excellent rigidity, are less likely to flex over time when installed correctly and have a quality feel that's difficult to match with standard acrylic trays.
Many of the leading manufacturers we supply, including Novellini, Kudos, MX, Scudo, Ajax, Nuie and Eastbrook, now offer stone resin or reinforced composite shower trays. These materials have become increasingly popular because they combine long-lasting durability with slim, contemporary designs that suit almost any style of bathroom.
While acrylic shower trays still have their place, especially where keeping weight or costs down is important, if someone asked us which material we'd recommend for most bathroom renovations, stone resin would usually be our first choice. It offers an excellent balance of strength, durability and everyday performance, making it a worthwhile investment for most homes.
What shower tray is best for a walk-in shower?
If you're creating a walk-in shower, we'd usually recommend a large rectangular stone resin shower tray. They provide plenty of showering space, feel solid underfoot and work perfectly with the clean, open look that makes walk-in showers so popular. Sizes such as 1200 x 800mm, 1400 x 900mm and larger are among the most common choices, giving you a comfortable showering area without feeling cramped.
Over the years, we've found that ranges such as Kudos Connect2, MX shower trays and Novellini Novosolid have proved particularly popular for walk-in shower installations. Their slimline design helps create a modern, low-profile finish, while the solid construction gives the reassurance of a tray that's built to cope with everyday use.
If you're looking for something a little more contemporary, slate effect shower trays have become increasingly popular in colours such as white, anthracite and black. Collections including MStone, Kudos Connect2 and Scudo Shires offer a natural stone-look finish that pairs well with black-framed shower screens, brushed brass brassware and large-format tiles.
In our experience, the best walk-in shower trays are the ones that combine the right size with a quality stone resin construction. Choosing the largest tray your bathroom can comfortably accommodate will usually give you the most enjoyable showering experience and help create the spacious feel that makes walk-in showers so appealing.
What waste size do I need for a shower tray?
Most modern shower trays are designed to work with a 90mm waste, which has become the standard for the majority of new installations. A larger waste allows water to drain away more quickly, making it a good choice for modern showers, particularly those with high flow rates or large rainfall shower heads.
While 90mm wastes are by far the most common, some smaller or older shower trays may require a different size. That's why it's always worth checking the product specification before ordering, especially if you're replacing an existing tray rather than starting a new bathroom project.
If you're buying a new shower tray, we'd generally recommend choosing one with a 90mm waste wherever possible. It provides excellent drainage for everyday use and gives you a wider choice of compatible wastes and replacement parts in the future.
If you're unsure which waste you need, our team is always happy to help. We'll make sure you choose a compatible waste to suit both your shower tray and your plumbing setup.
How long should a shower tray last?
A good quality shower tray should last 15 to 25 years or more, provided it's installed correctly and looked after. In many cases, a well-made stone resin tray will last for decades without any issues, making it a worthwhile investment when you're renovating your bathroom.
Over the years, we've found that shower trays from manufacturers such as Novellini, Kudos, MX, Ajax and Scudo are built to stand up to everyday use. They're designed to cope with the demands of busy family bathrooms while maintaining their appearance and performance for many years.
One of the biggest differences between a quality shower tray and a cheaper alternative is how solid it feels once it's installed. Better-made trays are less likely to flex underfoot, which helps protect the silicone seals around the tray and can reduce the risk of movement or leaks developing over time.
Of course, even the best shower tray won't perform as it should if it isn't fitted properly. A level installation, good support underneath the tray and regular checks of the silicone sealant all play an important part in helping it last as long as possible.