When selecting a shower tray for your bathroom, it’s essential to understand the various types, materials, and designs available to make an informed decision that suits both your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
Types of Shower Trays:
1. Low-Profile Shower Trays: These trays sit close to the floor, offering a sleek, modern appearance. They require plumbing to be recessed into the floor, providing a minimalist look and easy access.
2. Raised Shower Trays: Ideal for bathrooms where plumbing cannot be recessed, these trays are elevated to accommodate pipework beneath them. They are practical solutions for spaces with above-floor plumbing.
3. Walk-In Shower Trays: Designed for seamless entry, these trays are often flush with the bathroom floor, eliminating the need to step over a raised edge. They are particularly beneficial for accessibility and provide a contemporary, open-plan feel.
4. Wet Room Shower Trays: These trays are integrated into the bathroom floor to create a waterproofed area, allowing for an open, barrier-free shower space. They are ideal for modern, minimalist designs and enhance accessibility.
Shapes of Shower Trays:
• Square: Versatile and space-efficient, square trays fit well into corners and are suitable for small to medium-sized bathrooms. Common sizes range from 700x700mm to 1000x1000mm.
• Rectangular: Offering more showering space, rectangular trays are ideal for larger bathrooms. Sizes vary from 900x700mm to 1800x900mm, with 1200x800mm being a popular choice.
• Quadrant: Featuring a curved front, quadrant trays are designed to fit into corners, maximizing space while adding a touch of elegance. Sizes typically range from 800x800mm to 1200x900mm.
• Offset Quadrant: Similar to quadrant trays but with one side longer than the other, offset quadrant trays provide a larger showering area while maintaining a space-saving design.
Considerations When Choosing a Shower Tray:
• Bathroom Size: Select a tray shape and size that complements your bathroom dimensions. Smaller bathrooms may benefit from square or quadrant trays, while larger spaces can accommodate rectangular designs.
• Plumbing: Determine whether your plumbing is recessed or above floor level to decide between low-profile and raised trays.
• Safety: Consider trays with anti-slip surfaces, especially in households with children or elderly individuals, to enhance safety during use.
• Aesthetics: Choose a material and colour that align with your bathroom’s design theme, whether it’s modern, traditional, or minimalist.
By understanding these options and terminologies, you can select a shower tray that not only fits your bathroom’s layout but also enhances its functionality and style.
