When it comes to designing your dream bathroom, every detail matters, and the shower tray is no exception. A shower tray not only serves a practical purpose but also plays a significant role in enhancing the overall aesthetics of your bathroom. With numerous options available in the market, choosing the right shower tray can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will walk you through essential factors to consider to make an informed decision that perfectly suits your needs and complements your bathroom's style.
Measure Your Space:
Before you start shopping for a shower tray, it's crucial to measure the available space accurately. Consider the dimensions of your bathroom to ensure that the chosen tray fits seamlessly into your shower enclosure without causing any inconvenience. Additionally, measuring the height of your bathroom floor to the drain is essential for selecting the right tray depth and ensuring proper water drainage.
Material Matters:
Shower trays come in various materials, each offering its unique benefits. The most common materials include acrylic, stone resin, ceramic, and steel. Acrylic trays are lightweight and cost-effective, while stone resin trays provide durability and a luxurious feel. Ceramic trays offer a classic look, and steel trays are known for their sturdiness. Choose a material that not only complements your bathroom's style but also fits your budget and maintenance preferences.
Stone Resin: Stone resin shower trays come in many different colours, sizes and styles. Most have an acrylic cap with a central construction of stone resin making them strong, robust and hardwearing. Due to their strength, stone resin trays can be made as thin as 25mm. Smooth and great looking, they are worth the extra investment.
Acrylic: Acrylic or ABS shower trays are affordable, lightweight and quick and easy to install. Available in various shapes and designs, they usually come with a scratch-resistant gel-coating or acrylic cap which prevents mould and bacteria growth. A good entry level-priced shower tray.
Steel Enamel: Steel Enamel shower trays are functional, long lasting and superslim, allowing a perfect integration in the shower space. Steel enamel is very easy to care for and can be cleaned using common household detergents. Hard-wearing, heat resistant, impact resistant, scratch proof and resistant to staining, this is a great bathroom investment as well as being environmentally friendly.
Slate Effect: These shower trays effortlessly blend the timeless charm of natural slate with modern engineering, offering a luxurious showering experience like no other. Crafted from high-quality materials, these trays boast exceptional durability and non-slip properties, ensuring both safety and style. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature-inspired textures while relishing the ease of maintenance and water resistance. Elevate your bathroom's aesthetics with slate effect shower trays, perfect for creating a soothing oasis of relaxation in your home.
Tray Shape and Design:
Shower trays come in a wide array of shapes, such as square, rectangular, quadrant, and offset quadrant. The shape you choose should harmonise with your bathroom layout and available space. Additionally, consider the tray's design and whether it features a low-profile or raised edge. Low-profile trays offer a sleek and modern look, while raised edges prevent water spills and provide a traditional appearance.
Square Tray: A classic square shower tray is flexible and versatile, suitable for various shower enclosures and giving you lots of door choices. Depending on size you can fit one or two doors.
Rectangle Tray: A rectangle shower tray is bigger and gives you more in-shower space. Sliding doors can be a great addition, meaning you still have lots of usable space in your bathroom. Great for a sleek minimalist designed walk-in shower or wetroom.
Pentagon Tray: The pentagon shower tray is a space-saving 5 sided shower tray suitable for corners. An offset pentagon tray is also available for bigger bathrooms to create a luxury shower space with clean lines.
Quadrant Tray: A quadrant shower trays fits into corners with a curved front. You won’t really notice the difference in interior space but it saves valuable floor space, making it perfect for small bathrooms or en-suites. Can be fitted with sliding or hinged door types. An offset quadrant is more spacious and has one side longer than the other allowing for varying wall dimensions.
Anti-Slip Properties:
Safety is paramount in the bathroom, and selecting a shower tray with anti-slip properties is essential, especially for households with children or elderly members. Look for trays with textured surfaces or built-in anti-slip coatings to minimise the risk of accidents in wet conditions.
Easy Installation:
Consider the ease of installation when choosing a shower tray. Some trays come with comprehensive installation guides and are designed for straightforward fitting, while others may require professional assistance. Opting for an easy-to-install tray can save you time and money on labour costs.
Compatibility with Drainage:
Check the compatibility of your chosen shower tray with your bathroom's drainage system. Some trays have a centralised waste outlet, while others feature a corner waste position. Ensure that the tray's drain position aligns with your bathroom's plumbing to avoid any additional modifications.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right shower tray is a crucial step in creating a functional and visually appealing bathroom. By considering factors such as the size, material, shape, safety features, and installation requirements, you can find the perfect shower tray that complements your bathroom's style and meets your practical needs. Take your time to research and compare different options before making a final decision, and remember to prioritise quality and durability for a long-lasting and satisfying showering experience.
