Buying Guide to Shower Trays

Shower trays are one of our most popular bathroom products. They may seem simple, but there are so many shower tray sizes, shower screens for shower trays and shower enclosures with trays, people have so many questions when it comes to choosing the right one for them.

You need to ensure it will fit your bathroom layout, satisfy all your design requirements and be durable.

This Buying Guide to Shower Trays aims to arm you with all the knowledge you need to choose a shower tray or wet room shower tray and screen in complete confidence. It also answers questions like how do I fit a shower tray, how to replace a shower tray, how to seal a shower tray and how to clean a shower tray.

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What is a shower tray?

Quite simply, a shower tray is any type of tray fitted in a shower which is designed to efficiently contain and carry water down a built-in waste. A wet room shower tray is not visible. Purely functional, it provides a waterproof base for a tiled wet room.

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What are shower enclosures and shower screens?

A shower enclosure is usually made of glass or perspex which usually stands on top of a shower tray, has a sliding or hinged door and completely encloses the shower to contain the showering water. A shower screen is either one or a series of sheets of glass or Perspex which stop water spraying onto the floor. These usually incorporate a gap enabling you to walk in. Shower screens can also be fitted along one side of a bath to screen the spray from an over-bath shower.

Shower tray construction

Shower trays are available in a variety of materials, each with its own specific feel, look and level of durability. The three most common material used to make shower trays are:

Acrylic shower trays – these are lightweight, affordable and easy to install. Whilst they are warm to the touch, they are more susceptible to scratches and cracking over time if not carefully maintained.

Stone resin shower trays – these higher quality shower trays are heavier, stronger, more stable and durable. They have a premium look which is reflected in the price.

Ceramic shower trays – these are less common in modern bathrooms, but ceramic shower trays are heavy, durable and give you a classic look, but they can be brittle and prone to chipping and cracking.

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Shower tray sizes and shapes

Because everyone’s bathroom and needs are different, shower trays sizes and shapes are incredibly varied. From compact corner quadrants to large rectangular shower trays, there is something for every scale and style of bathroom. Here are the four most popular shapes and their shower tray dimensions:

Quadrant shower trays – these shower trays are usually between 800 and 900 mm in size, have a curved front and fit neatly into corners. They’re the perfect shower tray solution for bathrooms where you want a shower but are short on space.

Square shower trays – these shower trays are the most common and again are for bathrooms where a shower fits in a corner or space is limited. These are usually available in various sizes from 760 to 900mm square.

Rectangular shower trays – if you’ve a spacious family bathroom and want a large shower enclosure or walk-in shower, a rectangular shower tray or wet room shower tray is what you need. Sizes range from 1000 to 1600 mm in length and 800 to 900mm wide. The 1200 x 800 shower tray is a very popular choice.

Offset quadrant shower trays – if you’ve a large bathroom but want a rectangular shower tray and enclosure, but with one of the corners being curved, an offset quadrant shower gives you more space to shower in one corner of the tray. These are available in similar sizes to rectangular shower trays.

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Shower tray profiles

Shower trays don’t just come in different lengths and widths, they are also available in different profile heights. Always consult a qualified plumber before making a purchase.

Ultra-slim shower trays – these shower trays have a low profile usually of 25mm. These sit closer to the floor surface to give a sleeker, more minimalist and contemporary look. If accessibility is important to you, you will also find ultra-slim shower trays are much easier to step in and out of.

Standard profile shower trays – if you need more room underneath the shower tray for plumbing or drainage and you are not insistent on having a low-profile shower tray, the standard profile is an ideal option. Do bear in mind that at around 45mm, a deep shower tray does look bulkier.

Wet room shower trays – if you are creating a wet room, a wetroom shower tray is essential. Designed to sit level with the bathroom floor, a wet room shower tray creates a seamless look where the floor continues into the shower area.

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Shower tray enclosures and screens

Often, the size and design of your bathroom will help you decide on the position and footprint of your shower. Therefore, the shower tray often dictates the size and shape of your shower enclosure. So, when designing your bathroom, do work out the amount of space you will need inside your shower and then take it from there.

Fully enclosed showers are the most common choice, however, quadrant and offset quadrant showers not only give you space, but their rounded corner encroaches less into the room. Shower tray screens can give you a lot of design flexibility, especially if you are creating a wet room. They can be positioned strategically to contain spraying water and also have the advantage of being virtually frameless, so there are fewer sightlines for a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Shower screens are also a great choice if you do not have the space for a separate shower and mount a shower over your bath.

Shower tray surfaces

Once you have settled on shower tray dimensions and a style of shower tray, you need to decide which type of surface you require.

Textured shower trays – if you need a surface that is designed to prevent you from slipping, a textured surface is a safe choice. Stone resin shower trays and some acrylic shower trays have these textured surfaces built-in.

Anti-slip shower trays – ceramic and steel shower trays can be slippery, which is why some of these types of trays are available with a special anti-slip coating to improve safety.

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Shower tray colours

Not all shower trays are white. Modern tastes and new technologies have enabled shower trays to come in a wide spectrum of different colours. White is by far the most popular, however, the black shower tray is an on-trend style along with an array of colours from anthracite and beige to blue and powder pink. So, you can let your imagination run wild.

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How to fit a shower tray

Ever asked yourself how do I fit a shower tray? Any plumber worth their salt will fit any type of shower tray perfectly and with ease. However, in summary, to fit a standard raised shower tray you will need to first position the shower tray where you’d like to install it. If it has adjustable legs, screw them up or down to the right level then fit the waste pipe. Next, level the shower tray and connect the waste pipe – pour water down the waste to check there are no leaks. Fit any side panels, the shower screen or enclosure and then use a sealing strip and/or silicone sealant to create a watertight seal.

If fitting an ultra-slim shower tray which doesn’t have adjustable legs, set it in place using mortar. How to replace a shower tray is relatively simple, especially if you choose a shower tray of a similar design with the waste in a similar position.

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How to seal a shower tray

Water has a habit of finding leaks, especially in shower areas. The most effective and easiest method of how to seal a shower tray is to use a flexible silicone sealant. Available in clear and wide choice of colours, many of these have special anti-mould formulations to prolong their life and keep your shower sealed and looking perfect for longer.

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How to clean a shower tray

There are numerous specialist products available that are highly effective in cleaning shower trays. However, regular household cleaners can also do a brilliant job – do try to avoid using harsh bleaches, though. You can also turn to homemade cleaners which can work perfectly well. For example, if you want to know how to clean a shower tray with natural ingredients, coat and let a mixture of lemon juice and white wine vinegar onto the area you wish to clean and then rinse away. For a delightful scent and a good clean, try using a concoction of lemon juice, baking soda and essential oils. If you have really stubborn stains, try a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply to the affected area with a sponge or cloth, leave for half an hour, then use a non-abrasive scratchy sponge to scrub away the stain, then rinse with warm water.

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Always here to help

If you’ve any questions regarding shower trays, or want any additional information about the shower trays, enclosures and screens we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.

You can also explore our range of showers and enclosures here, or you can even visit us in branch for more information.