In the bathroom, the shower tray is an essential element, because it is the one that ensures the reception and evacuation of water. It is also the equipment that supports the shower walls. However, its choice is more complicated than that of most sanitary materials. Indeed, several criteria must be taken into account. But don't panic! In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to find the best shower tray.
Here is our commitment, to make sure that we provide the best user experience and content quality:
You can support us by using our links to make your purchases (at no extra cost to you)! This sometimes earns us a commission which allows us to remain independent. More about us
Our selection
"In addition to having a high strength material, this Villeroy & Boch shower tray is also elegant and luxurious. Its surface is anti-slip level 3."
"Developed from a superior quality resin, this extra-flat shower tray to be installed or embedded is waterproof, antibacterial and easy to maintain. It can be…"
"This acrylic shower tray will enhance your bathroom. Non-slip, it is also resistant, easy to install and can be flush or recessed."
"The solidity of this shower tray is ensured by its reinforced ABS material. Its finish is impeccable. Equipped with a large diameter drain. Thus, waste…"
In addition to having a high strength material, this Villeroy & Boch shower tray is also elegant and luxurious. Its surface is anti-slip level 3.
184 £ on CdiscountThis shower tray is made of high quality and high quality material offering great safety. It is composed by pellets that make its surface anti-slip, this model also has an anti-slip certificate of classification 3 (the higher the anti-slip level, the less slippery it is during its use). Moreover, its ceramic material "O. novo" is characterized by a surface that meets the strictest hygiene requirements.
The square shape of this Villeroy & shower tray saves more space while keeping the elegant touch. This is very practical if you have a small shower room. It is extra-flat and can be installed or recessed. The flush-mounted version provides level access to the entire bathroom surface, like an Italian shower, and makes life easier for people with reduced mobility. It is non-porous, so the maintenance of this shower tray is not complicated.
Developed from a superior quality resin, this extra-flat shower tray to be installed or embedded is waterproof, antibacterial and easy to maintain. It can be cut with a circular saw (diamond disc).
96 £ on ManomanoWith a size of 60 × 70 cm, this shower tray of PDD Natural brand has been developed with sanitary Gel Coat. This is a thermosetting resin-based material with a mineral filler that gives it a high performance. The surface is resistant to impact and chemical attack and provides maximum comfort. Indeed, it is very pleasant to the touch, anti-slip and waterproof.
This shower tray is both antibacterial and easy to maintain. Extra-flat (3 cm), with a slate-like natural stone look and a hidden drain, it brings a modern and design touch to your bathroom. You can make adjustments during installation, as it can be trimmed.
This acrylic shower tray will enhance your bathroom. Non-slip, it is also resistant, easy to install and can be flush or recessed.
343 £ on ManomanoMade of high quality acrylic, this Jacob Delafon shower tray will enhance your bathroom. With a size of 140 x 80 cm, it provides enough space for you to shower comfortably without feeling cramped. The bottom of this shower tray is without grooves, it is simple, but very aesthetic. You can take a shower safely, since it is non-slip.
The material of this shower tray is very strong and stands the test of time. In addition to being resistant to bumps and scratches, it is also easy to clean. The height of this shower tray is only 4 cm, it is extremely flat and ready to be installed or embedded in the floor. Moreover, its installation is a child's play.
The solidity of this shower tray is ensured by its reinforced ABS material. Its finish is impeccable. Equipped with a large diameter drain. Thus, waste water does not stagnate and is evacuated quickly.
100 £ on ManomanoThis model of shower tray with a minimalist design, but still beautiful, is made of reinforced ABS. The solidity is there. Its edges are finished on all sides. Its shiny surface is smooth and non-slip. Unlike ceramic, this shower tray does not warp. Moreover, it does not yellow over time and is resistant to all corrosive products.
The shower tray comes with a 90 mm diameter drain. This allows a quick discharge of waste water so that it does not stagnate on the surface. It has a size of 70 x 90 cm and a height of 5 cm. You can embed it or put it on the floor.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level shower tray
A great shower tray with a minimal design
Your guide :
Rate this buying guide :By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!
| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
O.novo shower tray VILLEROY & BOCH
|
White shower tray Ral 9003 60x70
|
Jacob Delafon shower tray
|
LANERI shower tray
|
|
In addition to having a high strength material, this Villeroy & Boch shower tray is also elegant and luxurious. Its surface is anti-slip level 3.
|
Developed from a superior quality resin, this extra-flat shower tray to be installed or embedded is waterproof, antibacterial and easy to maintain. It can be cut with a circular saw (diamond disc).
|
This acrylic shower tray will enhance your bathroom. Non-slip, it is also resistant, easy to install and can be flush or recessed.
|
The solidity of this shower tray is ensured by its reinforced ABS material. Its finish is impeccable. Equipped with a large diameter drain. Thus, waste water does not stagnate and is evacuated quickly.
|
|
|
Dimensions (L x W x H)
|
90 x 90 x 6 cm
|
3 x 70 x 60 cm
|
140 x 80 x 4 cm
|
70 x 90 x 5 cm
|
|
Installation
|
Free-standing or built-in
|
Fixed or flush-mounted
|
To be placed or inserted
|
At floor level
|
|
Material
|
Ceramic tiles
|
thermoset resin
|
Acrylic
|
Resin, ceramic
|
|
Non-slip
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
Easy to install
|
|
|
|
|
Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!
We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.
We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.
To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!
It is imperative to take into account the space available before investing in a shower tray. Indeed, it is the size of your bathroom that will determine the shape, size and style of your future shower tray. Smaller bathrooms are better suited to less bulky styles such as the square shape. While large bathrooms are well matched with large rectangular shower trays.
You can choose between the following 3 shower tray shapes, depending on the space and style of your bathroom.
The manufacturing material of shower trays varies by brand. Most are designed in stone, glazed stoneware, acrylic and resin. These trays have the advantage of being durable and scratch resistant. But you can also find teak shower trays. They are used to get a Zen or Feng Shui style bathroom.
The vast majority of shower trays are comfortable and allow you not to slip during the shower thanks to their non-slip surface. Only those made of glazed stoneware do not offer this safety, as they are often slippery. It is also advisable to check the presence of non-slip if you want to buy a tiled tray, as some do not offer this feature.
The type of piping should also be part of the elements to consider when buying a shower tray. For example, if your piping is embedded in the floor, you can opt for a flat shower tray or a raised shower tray. However, if your pipes are raised, your shower tray must also be raised to facilitate water drainage.
A dirty shower tray takes a significant toll on the overall appearance of your bathroom. Soap scum, lime scale and even rust can quickly build up and cause unsightly and unhygienic stains on your shower tray. For a quick and effective cleaning, all you'll need is: lemon juice, baking soda, white vinegar, dishwashing liquid, a sponge, a cloth, a spray bottle and an old towel.
Remove soap scum
Soap scum is easiest to remove using a strong mixture of 100 ml of heated white vinegar and 100 ml of dishwashing liquid. Pour these into a spray bottle. Then spray the mixture liberally on the areas affected by soap scum. However, note that this mixture is only to be applied to a clean, dry and well ventilated shower tray. Wait 30 minutes and gently wipe the affected areas with a damp cloth.
Clean the limescale
This step is a bit complicated. This is because limescale is one of those substances that are quite stubborn. Regular brushing is not enough to remove it, as it tends to accumulate in the tight spaces of your shower tray. To remove it effectively, simply heat 100 ml of white vinegar again and add a few drops of lemon juice (about 30 ml). Then add half a cup of baking soda to the mixture and stir until you get a thick paste. Gently apply the paste to the affected areas and make sure they are completely covered. After an hour, rinse off the paste and scrub the remaining deposits with a sponge. You can also set up water softener in your home to minimize scale and lime deposits.
Remove Rust
Removing rust from a shower tray is quite easy and helps make it look like new again. The simplest technique is to sprinkle baking soda over the rusty areas and pour white vinegar or lemon juice on top. This technique will be enough to remove the rust from your shower tray. However, if you find that the rust is still there, you need to repeat the process. But this time, let it sit for a few minutes before you start scrubbing again.
This is the easiest shower tray model to install. That is to say, it is directly on the floor. Its installation consists only in digging at the level of the adapted ground for a vertical evacuation. Its advantage is that in addition to being compatible with all existing structures, it can be installed even by a beginner.
It is also inexpensive. But the risks of falls are very high because of its high edges. Besides, this model is not allowed by the standards of the PMR bathroom spaces.
Like the lay-in model, the installation of a raised shower tray is quite simple. It only requires a cinder block or brick support. It can even be installed with adjustable feet to better ensure its horizontal drainage. This type of tray increases the aesthetic value of the bathroom.
On the other hand, if it is not installed by a professional, it will always have waterproofing problems. This means that its installation cannot be improvised and that the work must be done by expert plumbers. This prevents water infiltration that can require very costly maintenance work over time.
Often used in new construction, the installation of a recessed shower tray is done by digging 15 cm for a good drainage. Its watertightness must be well worked so that the drain pipe and the drain plug align and fit perfectly. Thus, it is more complex to install compared to other models.
Indeed, it requires heavy masonry work. Its slope must be calculated immediately to avoid flooding in the bathroom. Moreover, some types of floors cannot even be drilled.
The tile shower tray is designed for easy maintenance. Compared to other types of shower trays, this bathroom item is much more modern and functional. While its unique shape makes cleaning faster and easier.
This shower tray can also be recessed into the floor. Its shape resembles a polyurethane or polystyrene plate. It is also covered with a waterproof glass fabric. Very light, it is suitable for almost all types of bathrooms.
The extra flat shower tray is characterized by its very low height, which is about 15 cm. The visible height will be only 5 cm at most. But it is possible to align its upper surface perfectly with the floor of the bathroom. This allows for level access. Thus, the extra-flat shower tray helps you achieve the same result as the Italian shower, with a low budget.
The ultra-flat shower tray is easy to install. The installation can be done by yourself, if you have the necessary knowledge. The risk of water infiltration is almost zero when the joints are properly fixed. However, the ultra-flat shower tray also has its drawbacks. It is difficult to blend in with the decor of your shower, especially if its color and that of your bathroom tiles are very different.
An Italian shower does not have a shower tray. Its surface and that of the bathroom merge completely. In other words, it has no steps and offers level access. This makes it easily accessible. In most cases, this type of shower is wider than conventional showers. As a result, it is comfortable and suitable for seniors or PRM. It is also a very aesthetic shower.
But the Italian shower is not suitable for all homes. A drainage system must be installed in the floor to make it possible. It requires a complete reorganization of the shower. Moreover, the work is complicated and the finish must be impeccable so that there are no leaks. Thus, it is imperative to call upon the talent of a professional to guarantee a perfect installation.
The Italian shower allows a level access. But it is difficult to install and does not fit into all bathrooms. The extra-flat shower tray can give the same result, with a lower budget and an easier installation.
To reduce water leakage
One of the main benefits of a shower tray is to prevent water leakage. Since it is in the nature of water to go where there is the least resistance, a shower tray ensures that water only flows where it is supposed to. Rectangular models are specially designed to easily manipulate the direction of the water.
To give the bathroom an aesthetic look
A shower tray increases the aesthetic value of the bathroom. Indeed, once it is embedded, it gives a wider visual perception of the environment. In other words, the entire area appears to be extended and creates a uniform surface while taking up a minimum of space.
To increase the functionality of the bathroom
A recessed shower tray increases functionality, as it facilitates access for people with limited mobility, children, people and the elderly. Its passage area is free of obstacles and this reduces the risk of slipping.
For its easy installation
Setting up a bathroom is often difficult especially when there are space limitations (such as existing plumbing, electrical outlets...). However, shower trays come in different models that are easy to install.
To save more time and money
When renovating a bathroom, for example, choosing a shower tray will save a lot of money. Indeed, instead of remodeling a large part of your bathroom, installing a simple shower tray is enough, as it saves more time. It also saves money on labor since they are easy to install.
In our opinion, the best brands of shower trays in 2022 are :
Founded in 1748, Villeroy & Boch is one of the leading companies in the ceramic field. It manufactures tableware, bathroom products, etc. The shower trays of this renowned brand are practical and extremely elegant.
It is a French brand of reference for the manufacture of sanitaryware founded in 1889 by Emile Jacob and Maurice Delafon. At first, this brand specialized in the manufacture of enameled stoneware bathtubs. Now, it offers a complete range (including shower trays) to furnish the bathroom.
PDD Natural is a Spanish company that focuses in the design of shower trays in Gel Coat, a compound of thermosetting resin with a synthetic mineral filler. It has 15 years of experience in the field. The products of this brand are reliable and come with a superb design.
This internationally renowned French brand has been designing bathroom equipment for 30 years. It has several patents in sanitary equipment and sells very specialized products such as the vertical outlet raised toilet or the bowl with hand shower. Its shower trays are both efficient and innovative.
A symbol of quality, this Italian brand also holds a great reputation in the sanitary equipment sector. Its shower trays are made of reinforced ABS and enjoy a high level of stability, sturdiness and resistance.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Be very careful when you put your shower tray on the floorboards.
If you decide to install your shower tray on a wooden floor, make sure they are securely fastened. To do this, get some thick particle board and cut it to the same size as the shower tray.
Glue your shower tray effectively.
You can use tile adhesive, a mixture of 5 parts cement and 1 part sand or silicone. Cover the underside of the shower tray with a thickness of 5mm with the adhesive of your choice. Feel free to put a little more in other parts to make sure the tray is level.
You can use vegetable oil to remove traces of limescale.
Vegetable cooking oil can be useful to remove traces of limescale from your shower tray. To do this, get a clean cloth, cooking oil mixed with a few drops of lemon. Apply this mixture to the limescale marks. After a few minutes, rinse this area thoroughly.
Try to repair your shower tray yourself.
For small cracks, it is possible to touch them up using your own means (with epoxy putty for example). However, for large cracks, this may be a sign that your shower tray needs to be replaced. If this is the case, contact a professional to avoid further damage.
Waterproof the underside of your shower tray
Before installing your shower tray, waterproofing is important especially if there is shower enclosure installed. To make the floor waterproof, apply waterproof coatings such as anti-saltpeter. Thus, the process of waterproofing is done by applying tape on the corners of the joints and painting a waterproof coating.
The process of installing an extra-flat shower tray is quite simple. Using a spirit level, place the shower tray on a flat, level surface. Also, make sure that its outer edges are flat and level. In case one of them is not level when the shower tray is embedded, it can distort it.
The support of a shower tray varies depending on the type of shower. That is: if your shower already has a column kit, it rests on its feet. This makes it easy to reach the pipes under the shower stall. For a bathroom that has a vertical drain, it is possible to install it at the same level as the floor. However, if the drainage system is sideways, it will have to be placed on a real stand.
Placing a shower tray outside is very convenient, because you will no longer need to run water in the house. So, to put it in place, all you need to do is to lay natural stone tiles on the ground in place of your future bathroom.
Generally, shower trays are made of ceramic, acrylic or natural stone. These materials all have the advantage of being timeless. However, the material that gives more beautiful effect in your bathroom is the one made of ceramic. Moreover, it is more durable, easy to clean and especially antibacterial.
Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.
Copyright © 2022 - Made with ♥ by buyingbetter.co.uk
Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!
