When you step in the shower for a relaxing soak or an invigorating rinse, you probably pay little attention to the surface beneath your feet. Still, so much goes into selecting the perfect shower tray. We’ve got the lowdown…

The humble shower tray may not be the most exciting element of your bathroom renovation, but the job it does is pretty critical. Plus, the variety of designs it comes in is huge – there are so many different materials, shapes, sizes, and types of shower wastes to ponder over, with pros and cons to each.

So, KBB journo Francesca Seden has put together this guide to help you make the right choice for your project.

Key considerations

Starting with accessibility, this is a headline consideration, particularly if there is an older person or wheelchair-user in the household – in which case a flush-fitting option is likely the best choice. Of course, slip ratings must also be factored in, especially where more vulnerable family members might be concerned.

It’s worth noting that because of their textured surface, non-slip trays can be a bit trickier to clean. You can, however, get special, non-slip coatings for sleeker surfaces (such as the 100% steel enamel offered by Kaldewei), which can also be applied to tiles.

Drainage and plumbing

Then, think about the plumbing; this will largely be defined by the type and age of your property. Sophie Harrold, designer and owner at Simply Bathrooms & Interiors, says, “There are situations where we raise the bed of a shower, often in older buildings or apartments with concrete floors, where below-floor drainage adjustments are impossible. Raising the tray can be a practical workaround, but it can also serve a design purpose.

“In more classical bathrooms, we’ll sometimes elevate the shower floor slightly and clad the edge in marble – not because it’s required, but because it gives the space a grand, boutique hotel feel. It adds elegance and frames the enclosure beautifully. It’s not always the most budget-friendly option as it involves templated stonework, but the result is stunning and timeless.”

Size and shape

The size of your bathroom will determine the shower tray’s size and shape, and your budget, as well as the overall style of the room, is likely to influence the material. A larger, flush-to-floor shower space may be worth considering if you have future-proofing in mind.

If you happen to be facing the technical difficulties mentioned by Sophie, but also need step-free access, then a gentle slope to the shower is a possibility and might be the most cost-effective solution.

In terms of shape, you may opt for a large, rectangular tray if you’re replacing a bath with a shower, to cover that same footprint, or a large-format square tray if you want the easy access of a wetroom but your budget doesn’t cover it. A slimline or quadrant option might be best for a smaller or more awkward space.

Shower tray materials

Next, there are many different materials to mull over. At the budget end are acrylic trays, which can be a great choice for those seeking a lightweight and cost-effective option. They are warm to the touch and easy to install, making them user-friendly. While they offer great value, it’s worth noting that they may require extra care to prevent flexing and might benefit from additional reinforcement to enhance their durability.

Stone, and stone resin trays, present a luxurious and solid feel, along with excellent durability and heat retention. Although they are heavier and typically carry a higher price tag, their sturdiness and appealing aesthetic can contribute to a sophisticated bathroom experience. Just make sure that you have a solid sub floor to support their weight.

“Ceramic or porcelain trays are renowned for their scratch resistance, ease of maintenance, and timeless aesthetic. They can add elegance to any bathroom, though their weight and cooler surface may necessitate careful placement and installation to minimise the risk of chipping,” adds Peter Woodward, marketing manager at Scudo Bathrooms.

“Steel enamel trays strike a balance between durability and a sleek appearance, making them a popular choice for modern designs,” he continues.

The waste

Finally, on the technical elements, the shower waste or trap is very important; but not always something you need to worry about because, as bathroom installer and designer at Harrison James, Olivia Weaver, notes, “all manufacturers have their own waste which is highly recommended to be used with their trays. This makes it less of a fight if there are any issues with warranty.”

If you’re having a fully tiled shower space, Olivia adds that “there is a lot of vital preparation work needed before cutting tiles to size and installing them to fit the waste. Chief among these is tanking, which is often overlooked. It is also vital to ensure you set out correctly depending on the size of the waste being tiled and the tile size.”

The style

Digging a bit more into aesthetics, you may prefer the idea of some level of separation between the shower space and the rest of the room. There might be practical reasons for this, or it may be purely down to looks, and, as Roca’s marketing manager, Natalie Bird, points out, “today’s shower trays are designed to do more than just perform functionally – they can elevate the look and feel of your entire bathroom”.

Shower trays now come in a range of colours and finishes apart from white. Take Roca’s Terran-N collection, for example; there’s Slate, Black, Pearl, Onyx, Beige, and Coffee. Or, you may want your shower tray to match and blend in with your tiles for a seamless aesthetic.

Alternatively, rather than your shower tray blending in or becoming invisible, it can become a feature in its own right – for example, a black shower tray paired with black brassware and a black-framed enclosure, contrasted with neutral or white tiles. Olivia notes there’s also the option of solid stone – suppliers like ADL Granite & Marble can make the walls and tray from stone, which creates a stunning effect.

The checklist

So, before starting planning your shower, make sure you’ve given the seemingly unimportant shower tray a lot of thought. Think about functionality and drainage, slip resistance, cleaning, and maintenance, visual integration or creating a contrast, site conditions – taking into account labour and installation complexity – and, finally, longevity and guarantees.

On this final point, Olivia is insistent. “Warranty, warranty, warranty!” This is a key question homeowners should be asking. What is the warranty on the tray, and are your installers authorised to install this specific product? “Ensuring the installer has sat training courses and knows the product inside out, ensures the warranty is valid,” adds Olivia.

Overall, as Sophie says, “Trays should never be an afterthought. Done well, they ground the whole shower design both visually and functionally.”

Enjoyed this post? Click here for shower screen and enclosure ideas for a super-sleek space

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