Shower trays

A shower tray is a fundamental part of a shower enclosure, serving as both the floor and the drainage element of the shower. Its main function is to direct water to the drain and protect the surrounding area, but modern bathrooms also demand an aesthetic element that complements the overall interior design. If your household includes pets, children, seniors, or people with limited mobility, safety and durability of the shower tray may also be a priority.

Shower trays can come in various shapes and sizes, as well as different materials, finishes, and designs. Here are some tips on how to choose the right shower tray.

How to Choose a Shower Tray

Size and Shape

Shower trays are available in various sizes and shapes. Choose one based on your bathroom layout and the shape of the shower enclosure. The most popular are rectangular trays and quadrant trays. Smaller bathrooms may benefit from square trays or custom-shaped trays with angled corners.

Common shower tray sizes include 90 x 90 cm, 80 x 80 cm, and 90 x 80 cm. Larger bathrooms can accommodate 100 x 80 cm, 100 x 90 cm, 120 x 70 cm, 120 x 80 cm, and 120 x 90 cm trays.

Depth and Height

An important parameter is the installation height of the shower tray, typically ranging from 30 mm to 200 mm, with deep trays reaching around 300 mm.

Low trays (3–5 cm) look sleek and elegant and allow easier access, which is ideal for older adults or people with limited mobility.

On the other hand, higher trays (7–10 cm) provide better protection against overflow but may be less convenient. Deep trays are popular in households with small children, allowing them to play in the water if a separate bathtub is not available.

Material

Shower trays are commonly made from acrylic, ceramic, cast marble, or enamelled steel. Each material has pros and cons. Acrylic trays are lightweight, easy to install and clean, and pleasant to touch, but less durable. Cast marble trays are very strong and durable, ideal for households with children or pets, retain heat well, but are heavier and more expensive.

Ceramic trays are highly durable and easy to clean but cold to the touch. Enamelled steel trays are the most durable, though very cold. Increasingly popular are mineral stone trays, which look elegant and suit naturally styled bathrooms.

Design and Color

Shower trays are not limited to white! In modern bathrooms, the appearance of each component matters. While a white tray remains timeless, black trays, beige, dark gray, or light gray shades are increasingly popular.

Quality and Brand

The top-quality shower trays and accessories are produced by brands like Kaldewei, Villeroy & Boch, Duravit, Geberit, Laufen, Bette, Ideal Standard, and Polysan. There is something suitable for every household.

TIP: To hide the tray’s feet, also purchase a cover panel.