Shower Tray Buying Guide: Size, Shape, and Material Explained

Have you ever tried building a house with no foundation? 

That’s exactly what a bathroom is without a good shower tray. A shower tray is the foundation of your showering area. It may not be the flashiest thing in your space, but this underfoot platform literally provides the foundation everything else is built on. Simply put, from keeping water where it should be to defining the very structure of your shower, the tray is where smart design meets everyday comfort. 

But with so many sizes, shapes, heights and materials available, how can you easily tell which one fits your bathroom? This guide is here for you. We’re sharing everything about shower enclosure that you need to know with straight-up facts, smart tips and style-friendly guidance to help you narrow down to the perfect fit. 

What Are Shower Trays & Their Benefits?

A shower tray is the foundation of your shower enclosure, the part that literally catches the water and carries it to the drain. It’s the platform you stand on while you lather up, effectively locking in the water so it stays separate from the rest of the shower area and its floor. It may seem like a minor decision, but this detail is critical both functionally and about the aesthetics of your bathroom. 

Shower trays are known for their water maintenance. Unlike a bathroom floor, which has a slight slope, the shower tray is sloped toward the waste outlet, so that the water can flow straight to the outlet and won’t form puddles, leaks or damage the floor after many years in any way. They are made for ideal efficiency, so that it drains water quickly and keeps your bathroom floor dry and safe! 

Contemporary shower trays also tend to be safer, having textured anti-slip surfaces to reduce the risk of sliding around (especially in homes with little ones or elderly members). In addition to safety, they come in buildings of different sizes, shapes and finishes, and can be made to fit any design scheme, from modish walk-ins to snug en-suites. 

Another major perk? Easy installation. Many trays are also designed to fit neatly with enclosures or wet room configurations. Some of them even come with riser kits if your home has tricky plumbing. Whether you opt for a flat-to-the-floor minimalist style or a raised design for added practicality, the perfect shower tray is the key for pulling your whole showering space together.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Shower Tray

The right tray can streamline your daily routine, help keep things organized, add a level of safety and do it all with a little style — that is, if you know what to look for. Here are key things that can make or break your decision for shower tray: 

Bathroom Size & Layout 

The most important thing to consider is to know about the size and the shape of your bathroom. Start with your space. For a cloakroom, a quadrant or square tray would work best, a slightly larger space would suit a rectangle or walk in tray. Always measure — your tray should fill the space but not crowd the elements in the rest of your layout. 

Compatibility with Shower Enclosure

Your shower tray and enclosure need to complement each other perfectly in terms of both shape and size. Improperly sized can also cause bad seal, as well as fit and installation headaches. Whether you opt for a square, quadrant or rectangular tray it must be the perfect fit for your enclosure for a watertight, secure and aesthetically seamless finish. Make sure to measure and check compatibility with the secure component prior to making a purchase. 

Tray Height

Not all showers pan designs are created equal. Low profile trays have a slimline, contemporary appearance and are more user-friendly, whereas raised trays (commonly referred to as riser or easy-plumb trays) may be suitable if you have plumbing above floor level. Wet room trays are available to be flush to the floor. 

Material & Durability

Nowadays, most trays are constructed from stone resin, acrylic or ABS capped acrylic. Stone resin trays are strong and have a luxury finish whilst acrylic trays are light and cost effective. Paying attention to a durable, easy-to-clean surface that’s also non-slip is very important for safety. 

Waste Position

Not all outlets are created equal on the waste front. Matching the right tray is key to the success of your installation – your plumbing. And if you require waste at the corner, center or end will determine the best tray for you. Do double check this before you buy—moving pipework is expensive. 

Installation Requirements

Some trays are heavier, or more difficult to install, than others. If you’re carrying a DIY fit, then source a tray with pre-marked waste positions and adjustable legs (rarely included as part of riser kits). If you’re hiring a pro, the stakes are wider — but the need is still there to think about efficiency and cost. 

Aesthetic Appeal

The tray isn’t just functional—it’s also a design statement for your bathroom. White will always be a classic, but you can also get the modern touch with greys, blacks and textured finishes too. 

Positioning

Where your shower is in the room will impact the shape and size of your tray. For instance, corner installations are usually consolidated to quadrant or square trays while larger spaces may have rectangle ones. Two or three-sided walk-in showers can span open walls and use oversized trays or tiled floors combined with slimline shower bases.

How to Measure a Shower Tray

Before you consider the options available to you, making sure you measure your room accurately is the basis for purchasing the right shower tray. Start by measuring the length and width of the area where you want to place the tray. If you decide you prefer a square or rectangular tray, these two will define your buying range. For quadrant or offset quadrant trays, you’ll also need to take the curve radius into account and measurement from the corner along the curve to the tray edges. These measures ensure that you only consider models that will fit—saving you time and keeping you from wasting money. 

Measuring also helps you decide on shape and orientation. For example, if you are short on space but still want a corner install, a small quadrant tray may be better suited than a large rectangular one. And remember to check location of your current waste pipe as trays have a dedicated waste outlet position. Matching these will avoid future problems of complex plumbing work. 

What are the Available Sizes of Shower Trays?

Picking the right size is not only about what will fit, but also about creating a comfortable showering experience and how it fits in your space overall. Choose from a range of shower tray sizes to fit even the smallest cloakroom or the largest luxury bathroom.

Standard sizes of 700mm x 700mm, 760mm x 760mm, and 800mm x 800mm for square trays would be perfect for smaller bathroom or en-suites. If you have a little more space to play with, you could look at a larger rectangular shower enclosure such as 900mm x 760mm, 1000 mm x 800mm, 1100mm x 900mm, 1200mm x 700mm or perhaps even 1400mm x 900mm for a more spacious, indulgent experience. They are also available in quadrant or offset quadrant shapes with the same width and depth options and a curving front edge to give you a bit more space and style. 

What Shower Tray Size Should I Go For? 

For small bathrooms you would be best off with compact tray, ideally 700mm x 700mm, or 800mm x800mm. In bigger bathrooms, you can go with a larger size tray, even up to 1200mm x 800mm or 1400mm x 900mm for a more luxurious feel.

Your tray should have some good standing space without taking over what you’ve got going on the rest of the table. For irregular or space-constricted layouts, you might want custom trays or cut-to-size offerings which allow for a degree of flexibility while not skimping on style or function. 

In the way of placement, you’ll need to consider the general arrangement of your bathroom (e.g., shower enclosure type, how much room you want to leave for other bathroom fixtures, etc). Be sure to allow for the opening of the shower door and for room to get in and out of the shower. 

In What Shapes Are Shower Trays Available? 

The shape of your shower tray is an important consideration when it comes to functionality, and appearance too. The right shape can maximize space, make it more accessible, and add to the overall look of your bathroom. Here's a quick guide to the most common shower tray shapes on offer: 

Square Shower Trays

A traditional choice for small bathrooms and en-suites, square trays are neat and sweet. They are generally available in standard sizes such 700mm x 700mm or 800mm x 800mm and can be used with hinged, sliding or bi-fold doors depending on space.

Rectangular Shower Trays

Rectangular trays are larger and offer more extra space to maneuver yourself, so are great for spacious bathrooms or if you'd like a bit of room to move around. They are ideal for both walk-ins and sliding doors and look sleek and modern.

Quadrant Shower Trays

They are triangular holding tray inserts that slot in the corner, making them perfect for bathrooms that don’t have much space. The rounded front tames the appearance and conserves precious floor space, which has made these a favorite for modern interiors.

Offset Quadrant Shower Trays

Retaining the space saving aspects of quadrant trays, offset quadrant trays are similarly shaped but have just that little bit extra one side in width of length to offer you more space when standing. They’re especially ideal for medium-sized bathrooms and when you want to utilise every inch. 

Other Shapes

For unusual spaces or premium designs, you may also see trays in a pentagon, D shape or bespoke shape. These are typically selected for interesting layouts or luxury bathrooms that don't put too much emphasis on stand-out design.

What Are Shower Trays Made Of? 

Besides the tiled shower bases that are normally used in walk-in shower enclosures and wet rooms, shower trays are mainly manufactured in four different materials. 

a. Stone Resin Shower Trays

Sometimes referred to as molded stone bases, stone resin shower trays impart a stylish and comprehensive design statement to the room. These shower trays are primarily built from natural stone resins and synthetic plastic compounds, bringing a lustrous yet brawny appeal to the shower tray.

Out of all shower tray varieties, stone resin variants possess a solid structure and long-lasting ability. However, despite the hardened stone resin, they don’t weigh as much as their ceramic counterparts. 

The molded stone shower bases are resistant to mold and mildew formation, making them easier to clean. What makes them safer is their waterproof finish that also safeguards against slipping. They offer a versatile range of styles and finishes, allowing you to find one that matches your bathroom’s unique outlook. 

b. Acrylic Shower Trays

The term ‘acrylic’ is synonymous with bathroom fixtures. From vanity countertops and wash basins to bathtubs and shower trays, acrylic is the most prevalent element in a typical modern-day bathroom. With their rigid structure, affordable price range, and lush appearance, acrylic shower trays are mid-sized bathrooms' most widely installed shower bases. 

Being relatively lightweight than stone resin trays, some acrylic shower bases are reinforced with wood that imparts flexibility. Although flexibility helps bear heavier loads, there’s always a risk of breakage associated with that. If you want to read more about why acrylic is used for bathtubs, you can visit this URL.

Acrylic shower trays: are budget-friendly, ranging from £100 to £300. Since they are categorised as midrange shower pans, acrylic shower trays are manufactured in standard sizes and shapes. So, you may need to consider other possibilities in case you are replicating a designer’s bathroom. 

c. Ceramic Shower Trays

Ceramics are not new to bathrooms and are certainly not new to the shower tray family. Ceramic or fireclay trays exhibit a heavy-duty build that is extensively rigid and shiny. Since they are tough enough to bear the brunt, fireclay shower bases are mainly used in commercial projects such as office buildings and other institutions. 

If you disregard their weight, ceramic shower trays present no hassle when installing. Moreover, the non-slip surface makes it safer to shower on for kids and senior adults. Nevertheless, be careful not to let anything fall on the shower pan; they can chip if they counter a strong impact. 

d. Fiberglass Shower Trays

Why spend heavy amounts on shower trays when your en-suite bathroom hardly ever receives a high footfall? If you are on a tight budget, fiberglass shower trays are the solution you need. They are a cheaper alternative to acrylic trays; in fact, they might be the cheapest shower bed category on the list. 

Be that as it may, the cheaper price tag brings with it several flaws. Like any other fiberglass fixture, these shower trays are brittle, making them vulnerable to hits and impacts. Cheaper fiberglass trays are layered with waterproof paint, which starts to wear as time passes, indicating a shorter lifetime. Since they aren’t as popular as other shower tray types, you may find it challenging to get a custom-fit shower tray according to your requirements.  

What Shower Tray Height Should I Go For?

Picking an appropriate height for your shower tray is important for both purpose and visual appeal. How high your tray is will have an impact on accessibility, the aesthetic in your bathroom, and whether you’ll need to do some extra plumbing. Here is a breakdown of some different types of shower tray heights:

Low Profile Shower Trays

These trays are flush to the ground and provide a modern, low-profile style. They are perfect for walk-in showers and wet rooms, providing a natural flow between the shower and the surrounding bathroom. Shallow trays look great with modern kitchens and provide a crisp, unfussy finish.

Riser ‘Easy Plumb’ Shower Trays

These pans are raised and have holes for the adjustable legs, so they are ideal for the situation where you want to hide the plumbing access. Fitting the riser trays are easier to install, particularly if your floors are uneven and you need to raise the tray to accommodate the waste pipe. They are practical, and pain-free - both for drainage speed and ease of plumbing maintenance.

Standard Shower Trays

Standard trays are the original and can often be seen in the older homes or more classical bathroom design. They’re a safe bet and have a nice overall height for most people, with a good mix of form and function.

Wetroom & Walk-In Shower Trays 

These trays are made to fit easily to the floor of the bathroom, ideally sitting almost level with the floor for a modern, splendid feel. They are also commonly found in walk-in showers or wet rooms, which provide an uninterrupted, free-flowing feel that adds a sense of spaciousness. 

Cut-to-Size Shower Trays

If you have a unique space or need a custom fit, cut-to-size shower trays are an excellent choice. They can be tailored to fit any area, ensuring maximum efficiency and a perfect fit, no matter what the shape or size of your shower space. 

What is the price of a Shower Tray? 

The price of a shower tray depends on size, shape, brand and material. The price is usually as:

Budget Trays

Whether made from acrylic and priced at around £50-£100, these are for basic showers fitted in small bathrooms. These are all plastic trays, lightweight and inexpensive, and as such are considered an entry-level buy.

Mid-Range Trays

For £100-£300 you will be getting higher quality stone resin or ceramic trays. These are robust and also feature better refinements like anti-slip surfaces and better looks.

High End Trays

Costing from £300 upwards, premium choices, such as solid surface or cut-to-size bespoke trays, can be way more costly. These trays can include premium touches like seamless integration, anti-slip tread patterns and custom shapes to accommodate specific configurations. 

Other factors that will affect installation costs are installation and extra fittings, such as shower waste kits, and special design features that you may wish to incorporate. 

Conclusion 

Picking the right shower tray is all about achieving the perfect balance of style, practicality, and budget. Knowing the various sizes and shapes a shower tray may come in, as well as the materials they’re typically made of can help you make a more informed purchase. Always choose a tray that works well with your bathroom’s dimensions and your wallet. If you’re searching for a stylish low-profile tray, a space-saving quadrant tray or maybe a bespoke cut for an unusual space, there’s a shower tray that's just for you. When you factor in the proper measurements, materials and budget, you can have a shower space that you’ll start and end your day loving for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions