Shower Trays: 2026 Buyer’s Guide

The shower tray is a cornerstone of any new shower enclosure. With a variety of shapes, styles, and colors available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. So, where should you start if you're looking for a new tray or an upgrade? For further insight, see our Frequently Asked Questions on Shower Trays.

Good news! We've crafted a 2026 Shower Tray Buying Guide to help you navigate the options. From shapes and sizes to maintenance tips, we've got you covered.

What is a Shower Tray?

A Shower Tray forms the base of your shower enclosure, directing wastewater into the drain. The drain is typically located in the center, corner, or side of the tray. Trays are designed to be sturdy, durable, and watertight.

The shower panels fit snugly onto the tray to create a sealed enclosure. Accurate measurements are critical to ensure a watertight fit. An incorrect size can lead to leaks, water damage, and even bacteria growth.

For fast dispatch, check out our popular MX Shower Trays, including the Durastone and Elements collections.

How do I measure a shower tray?

While it sounds simple in practice, measuring a shower base must be accurate and precise to avoid costly errors.

If you measure for a square or rectangular design, measure each side from the corner of the enclosure (e.g., Side one is 800mm) back towards the tape measure (e.g., Side two is 800mm. In the example, the base size is 800 x 800mm.

If your tray is curved, you will need to find the radius of the enclosure base. We advise using the handy measuring table below. One side of the tray for the length, and the other side needs to be measured up to the point of the line in the enclosure begins to arc. Please note that the table below does not work for an Offset Quadrant Shower Tray (more on Shapes shortly).

Alternatively, using a flat piece of cardboard can give you a rough idea of how to measure your tray.

Place the cardboard down over the surface of the Shower Tray and draw the tray onto the cardboard. Cut the cardboard out to give you an accurate size.

Regardless of how you measure the tray, it is essential to note where the waste is positioned so the pipe lines up with the old waste hole. The waste is often positioned in the corner, central or at the front of the base. In some cases, such as the Kudos Connect2 collection, two waste holes can be found for easier fitting.

What Shower Tray shapes can I buy?

Various tray sizes are available at ShowerstoYou:

Square Shower Trays – with equal-sized edges are ideal for a smaller bathroom setting. Squared designs are versatile regarding a shower door design, with Pivot, Bifold and Hinged Shower Doors being the most common choice. These space-saving tray designs allow them to fit in a corner or an alcove.

Rectangular Shower Trays – similar to a Squared design, Rectangular enclosure bases can fit in the corner of your bathroom or an alcove space. Rectangular Trays have one side larger than the other, allowing for a larger showering area. However, some designs have small sizes, which enable Rectangular Trays to be used in any sized bathroom or ensuite.

Quadrant Shower Trays – this design has two equal sides and a curved front, making them ideal for corner fitting. Various sizes are available, and Quadrant Trays are most suitable for Quadrant Enclosures.

Offset Quadrant Shower Trays – they combine a Rectangular and Quadrant design, having one side larger than the other and a curved front. Offset Quadrant Trays have varying shower areas (depending on the size purchased), making them practical for all-sized bathrooms. These are most suitable for Offset Quadrant Enclosures.

Walk-In Shower Trays – this design features a Walk-In Shower Enclosure. These styles are specific for a walk-in enclosure (check out our helpful buyer's guide for a walk-in shower enclosure). If your enclosure has been designed for low-level access, Wetroom panels are installed onto the tray. These trays are often larger than standard shower bases, and some even feature a specific drying area. Low-level or flat trays sit flush with the tiled bathroom floor.

Shaped Shower Trays – D-Shaped, P-Shaped and Pentagonal trays can transform your bathroom. These trays are designed with a matching shower enclosure and are less common than a Square or Rectangle design (Nuie Bathrooms produce an affordable D-Shaped Enclosure with an optional matching tray).

For specific sizes, check out our 900 x 900mm and 1200 x 800mm trays - as these are two of the most popular sizes.

What are Shower Trays made from?

Shower Bases are manufactured from various materials and are often stated in the descriptions.

Stone resin trays are one of the most durable options available, offering a solid underfoot feel with far less flex than lightweight acrylic alternatives, often known as ABS Acrylic Capped Stone Resin trays. The resin is moulded to the base design and polished. The acrylic cap allows the surface to be scratch-resistant, durable and hard-wearing, lasting for years to come.

Another material used is Acrylic, that's affordable and common in many bathroom settings. The tray is cost-effective, easy to install and durable. Acrylic is non-slip when water coats the surface.

All tray materials also have a variety of contemporary finishes. White is one of the more popular finishes, although black, grey and sandstone can be purchased).

What are Anti-Slip Shower Tray Ratings?

If safety is a priority in your bathroom, an Anti-Slip Shower Tray can provide additional reassurance for everyday use. Anti-slip surfaces are designed to improve grip underfoot when the tray is wet, helping to reduce the risk of slipping whilst showering. These trays are particularly popular in family bathrooms, en-suites, and homes where easier accessibility is required.

Many Anti-Slip Shower Trays are tested using recognised slip-resistance ratings, often referred to as an R Rating. The higher the rating, the greater the level of grip the surface provides. For example, an R11 rated tray offers a higher level of slip resistance than a standard smooth tray surface.

Despite the added grip, modern Anti-Slip Shower Trays still maintain a sleek and contemporary appearance. Many designs feature a textured finish that is comfortable underfoot whilst remaining easy to clean and maintain.

Can a Shower Tray be raised?

If you do not wish for the shower base to be flush with the floor, a riser kit can be purchased. This lifts the tray several inches from the floor. The kit features panel strips that surround the underneath of the tray and several durable legs (e.g., the Merlyn Touchstone range features these kits as an optional extra).

A tray can be raised for several reasons, including easier access to any pipework and easy access for users who want a taller overall enclosure.

What types of Shower Trays can I buy?

Several types of Trays can be purchased:

• Low-Level – these shower bases are flush on the floor and blend into the tiles. These trays provide easy access for users who have mobility issues and who wish for a minimal design.
• Raised Tray – this Tray design is higher than the average tray. This design is ideal for a bathroom with raised pipework, allowing the wastewater to drain away correctly and easy access to the pipework.
• Standard – these trays are the most common in an average household. These trays come in Square, Rectangle and Curved designs and have a raised edge to prevent water from escaping the tray.
• Exact Height – some trays, such as the Novellini Victory Trays, feature a precise height. Heights vary depending on the design, but the higher the tray, the easier the water can drain away.

How much do Shower Trays cost?

At ShowerstoYou, our massive collection of Shower Trays ranges from £83 - £900. We recommend reading our shower enclosure cost guide for a full breakdown. The size, brand and material of the bases fluctuate the price.

Ajax Shower Trays and Scudo Shower Tray collections are some of the most affordable trays that we stock.

How do I clean a Shower Tray?

Shower Bases will ultimately get dirty. If they are not maintained correctly, soap scum, limescale, and bacteria can build up over time.

We have a dedicated blog post on how to clean your shower tray thoroughly. One of the easiest methods we have found is:

Mix 100ml of white vinegar and 100ml of washing-up liquid into an old bottle

Spray onto the trayin the affected areas

Leave for approximately half an hour

Wipe the mixture away and rinse.

We recommend reading the manufacturer's guarantee before cleaning your tray, as any product may void any potential warranty claims.

Can Shower Trays be cut to size?

Many bases can be cut to your desired size. This is beneficial for a bathroom with a smaller area. With the correct tools, a tray can be carefully cut to size. We recommend leaving the job to a professional, as one mistake can be costly. Many Novellini Shower Trays have the option to be cut to size.

Why Choose ShowerstoYou?

With over 43 years of expertise, ShowerstoYou offers a wide range of trays, enclosures, and accessories. All products come with a full manufacturer's warranty for peace of mind.

Explore our 2026 Shower Tray Collection today!