Shower Trays Buying Guide

Looking for the perfect shower tray for your bathroom? From size and shape to material and installation, we’ve covered all the key considerations to help you make the right decision for your bathroom. Whether you're after something budget-friendly or aiming for high-end luxury, this expert buying guide ensures you choose the tray that best suits your needs.  In this guide we'll break down the shower tray essentials: types, brands, features, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pick the perfect shower tray.

 

Click on the links below to jump to a section:

• Key Considerations Before Buying

• Shower Tray Shapes

• Additional Considerations

• Popular Shower Tray Brands

• FAQs & Final Thoughts

 

Key Considerations Before Buying

Size & Space

Selecting the right size is vital for ensuring your tray fits your bathroom without causing any leaks or water escape. Measure carefully, considering your shower enclosure type and bathroom layout. Compact bathrooms benefit from space-saving square and quadrant trays, while larger rooms can accommodate rectangular or walk-in trays.

Material Matters

The material of your shower tray significantly impacts its durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. Different materials also cater to different budgets. Each material has its pros and cons, so consider what matters most to you - whether it’s cost, durability, or style - before making your decision. Here's a breakdown:

Stone Resin

• Composition: A blend of natural stone and synthetic materials.

• Durability: Highly durable, stone resin trays are solid and long-lasting. They’re also resistant to mould, mildew, and scratches, making them a top-tier option for longevity.

• Slip-Resistance: Naturally slip-resistant with many models featuring an added gel coating for extra protection.

• Aesthetic: These trays offer a premium, polished finish that brings a luxurious feel to your bathroom.

• Weight: While not as heavy as ceramic, stone resin trays may require a reinforced floor for installation, especially in older homes.

• Ideal for: Homes seeking a high-end, durable, and stylish shower tray with excellent safety features.

Acrylic

• Lightweight & Affordable: Acrylic trays are easy to install and budget-friendly, making them a popular choice for mid-range bathrooms.

• Durability: While lightweight, they can be prone to scratches and may need reinforcement for heavier use. Some acrylic trays are reinforced with wood to enhance durability, though this can add flexibility and increase the risk of breakage.

• Maintenance: Acrylic trays may require regular upkeep to prevent wear and tear, especially in busy households.

• Aesthetic: Available in standard shapes and sizes, making them less customisable, but they offer a modern, sleek look at an affordable price.

• Ideal for: Those who want an easy-to-install, budget-friendly tray with reasonable durability for everyday use.

Slate Effect

• Natural Stone Look: Slate effect shower trays mimic the appearance of real slate, adding a cool, earthy look to bathroom shower enclosures.

• Scratch and Impact Resistant: Built to withstand daily wear, scratches, and heavy impact, making them ideal for long-lasting use.

• High Moisture Resistance: Many slate effect trays are designed to resist moisture absorption, preventing mould and mildew

• Easy to Clean: Their non-porous surfaces make these trays easy to maintain and clean with basic bathroom cleaners.

Steel Enamel

• Durability: Lightweight yet strong, steel enamel trays are resistant to thermal stress and scratches, though they may need extra care to avoid watermarks.

• Growing Popularity: While not as common as other materials, steel enamel is becoming a more popular choice due to its sleek, modern look and resilience.

• Ideal for: Those who want a modern, durable tray with a unique finish but are willing to invest a little more time in upkeep.

Anti-Slip Safety

If safety is a concern, opt for an anti-slip shower tray. Many modern trays come with textured surfaces or anti-slip coatings, ensuring a safe shower experience—especially important for households with children or elderly members.

Plumbing & Installation

The plumbing layout in your bathroom dictates whether you’ll need a raised tray or a low-profile tray. If the plumbing is above floor level, a raised tray with a riser kit is essential. On the other hand, low-profile trays sit close to the ground, creating a sleek, modern look—perfect for homes with hidden, underfloor plumbing. Wet room trays sit flush with the bathroom floor, offering a seamless transition, ideal for accessible bathrooms.

Tray Height Options

• Low-Profile Trays: These trays, with a height of 25mm to 45mm, offer a contemporary, sleek design. Ideal for modern bathrooms but require plumbing under the floor.

• Raised Trays: Raised trays, often fitted with adjustable legs, are necessary for homes where plumbing is above floor level. A riser kit can elevate a low-profile tray when needed.

• Standard Trays: Typically around 50mm to 90mm, these trays provide a more traditional look without riser legs.

Shower Tray Shapes

The shape of your shower tray depends on your bathroom’s space and the shower enclosure you’re using:

• Square Trays: Perfect for small bathrooms or en-suites. They fit snugly in corners and pair well with various door types, including pivot or bi-fold.

• Rectangular Trays: Ideal for larger spaces, rectangular trays offer more room for showering. They can be paired with sliding doors to maximise space.

• Quadrant Trays: These space-saving trays fit neatly into corners, offering a curved front. 

• Offset Quadrant Trays provide extra standing room, making them perfect for corner installations.

• D & P-Shaped Trays: These trays offer a stylish, contemporary look with their unique shapes, often requiring custom enclosures to match.

• Pentagon Trays: Best suited for tight, awkward corners, pentagon trays provide a unique solution for small bathrooms.

Additional Considerations

 
Cost 

Budget is always a factor when choosing a shower tray. Here’s a rough guide to costs based on materials:

• Acrylic: £100 - £300

• Stone Resin: £200 - £400 (depending on size and finish)

• Ceramic: Mid-range pricing, with trays typically costing around £150 - £350.

• Fiberglass: Budget-friendly, with prices as low as £70.

• Steel Enamel: Higher-end pricing, starting at around £250.

 

Installation Tips

• Solid Floors (e.g., concrete): Raised trays are ideal as they allow space for pipework without needing to dig into the floor.

• Wooden or Tiled Floors: Low-profile trays work well if your plumbing is already concealed beneath the floor.

• Custom Fit: Some trays, especially those made from acrylic or stone resin, can be cut to fit awkward spaces or uniquely shaped enclosures.

 

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Regular Cleaning: Prevent the build-up of soap scum and limescale with mild bathroom cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the surface.

• Limescale & Rust Removal: Use white vinegar or lemon juice to dissolve limescale deposits, and baking soda for rust marks.

• Drain Maintenance: Regularly check the waste and clear out any debris to ensure efficient drainage.

Shower Tray Brands We Offer

At Victorian Plumbing, we offer a wide range of high-quality shower trays from some of the most trusted brands in the industry. Whether you're looking for sleek, minimalist designs or highly durable materials, we have a brand and style to suit every bathroom.

Popular Shower Tray Brands

• Aurora – Known for its durable and stylish designs, Aurora offers a broad selection of shower trays that fit perfectly into modern bathroom spaces.

• Crosswater – A premium brand that combines style with functionality, offering trays that suit both contemporary and traditional showers.

• Duravit – Featuring high-end, luxurious shower trays made from top-quality materials, Duravit is perfect for those seeking both durability and design.

• Imperia Bathrooms – Offering a vast range of sleek and stylish shower trays, Imperia Bathrooms provides affordable options without sacrificing quality.

• Merlyn – A premium choice for those who want elegant and practical shower trays that blend seamlessly with any bathroom style.

• Mira Showers – Known for reliability and performance, Mira offers shower trays that complement its popular range of showers, ensuring a cohesive bathroom design.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly acrylic tray or a luxury stone resin option, choosing the right shower tray ensures comfort, safety, and style in your bathroom. Match the tray with your enclosure, consider your bathroom layout, and select the material that best fits your needs. 

Ready to find the perfect tray? Explore our wide range of shower trays and transform your bathroom into a modern, functional space.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

Do shower trays need a trap?

Yes, shower trays absolutely need a trap! A shower trap, also known as a shower waste, is a small but crucial component that helps prevent blockages in your drainage system by catching debris like hair before it gets swept down the pipes. It works similarly to a sink trap, ensuring smooth water flow and stopping any unpleasant odours from creeping up into your bathroom.

What is the difference between a shower base and a shower tray?

The terms shower base and shower tray are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different parts of your shower setup. The shower tray is the visible part of the shower that you step on. It’s the surface where the water collects before draining away. The shower base is the substructure beneath the shower tray, made from materials like cement mortar. Its primary job is to support the tray and channel water into the drain through a slightly sloped surface.

 

Explore expert tips, maintenance advice, and design guides in our blog posts.  For more help in making informed decisions, check out our other buying guides.