The Ultimate Shower Trays Buying Guide
What Is a Shower Tray?
A shower tray — sometimes referred to as a shower base or pan — is the floor section of a shower enclosure. It’s the surface you stand on while showering and plays several important roles:
- Provides a stable and supportive base
- Helps prevent water from escaping into the rest of the bathroom
- Channels water efficiently towards the drain
- Protects the subfloor and surrounding structure from moisture damage
Shower trays come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials to suit different bathroom layouts, budgets and preferences.
What Shapes Do Shower Trays Come In?
The shape of a shower tray is important, as it affects installation, water flow and how well it fits your space.
Square
Square shower trays have equal sides and are typically fitted into corners or against walls.
Pros:
- Space-saving design
- Well-suited to smaller bathrooms
- Clean, symmetrical appearance
Cons:
- Less room than rectangular options
- May feel restrictive for some users
- Can feel more enclosed
Rectangular
Rectangular shower trays are longer than they are wide and are usually installed against a wall or in a corner.
Pros:
- Offers a spacious showering area
- Ideal for walk-in designs
- Flexible positioning options
Cons:
- Requires more space
- Needs sufficient wall area
- Installation can be more involved due to plumbing alignment
Quadrant and Offset Quadrant
Quadrant shower trays feature a curved front and are designed for corner installations.
Pros:
- Space-efficient curved design
- Makes smaller rooms feel less cramped
- Contemporary appearance
Cons:
- Reduced standing space
- Limited to corner placement
- Less room for toiletries
Offset quadrant shower trays are similar to a quadrant shower tray but have one longer side for extra room.
Pros:
- More internal space than a standard quadrant
- Works well in uneven layouts
- Combines practicality with modern design
Cons:
- Takes up more space than a quadrant
- Typically limited to corner use
- Curved edge still reduces usable area
What Shower Tray Height Should You Choose?
Shower tray height influences drainage, installation and accessibility, as well as the overall appearance of your bathroom.
Low Profile
Low profile shower trays sit close to floor level.
Pros:
- Easy to step into
- Ideal for modern or wet room-style designs
- Sleek, minimal look
Cons:
- Requires effective drainage
- Poor installation can lead to standing water
- Not always suitable for certain floor types
Raised
Installed above floor level, raised shower trays often have space underneath for pipework.
Pros:
- Easier plumbing installation
- No need to alter the floor structure
- Good drainage access
Cons:
- Higher step to enter
- Less contemporary appearance
- Can look bulky
Deep
If you prefer the look of a slightly taller shower tray, you can purchase
Taller trays with higher sides, deep shower trays are designed to hold more water.
Pros:
- Helps contain water effectively
- Can double as a shallow basin for various uses
- Useful where drainage is limited
Cons:
- Harder to step into
- Can make the room feel smaller
- More surface area to clean
Wetroom Shower Trays
Installed at floor level and designed to be tiled over, wet room shower trays create a seamless wet room.
Pros:
- Excellent drainage when installed correctly
- Step-free access
- Blends with the rest of the floor
Cons:
- More complex installation
- Higher initial cost
- Repairs can be difficult
Walk-In Shower Trays
Walk-in shower trays are low level and designed for open, accessible shower areas.
Pros:
- Easy access
- Creates a spacious feel
- Simple to maintain
Cons:
- Water may escape if poorly designed
- Requires more space
- Less privacy
Non-Slip Shower Trays
Non-slip shower trays feature a textured or treated surface to improve grip.
Pros:
- Reduces the risk of slipping
- Adds confidence when using the shower
- No need for separate mats
Cons:
- Can be harder to clean
- May collect residue more easily
- Surface may wear over time
Shower Tray Materials
The material you choose affects durability, comfort, maintenance and cost.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a lightweight plastic option, often reinforced for strength.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to transport and install
- Smooth and easy to clean
Cons:
- Less durable than heavier materials
- Can scratch or crack
- May flex slightly under weight
Stone Resin
Stone resin is a strong material made from crushed stone and resin.
Pros:
- Very solid underfoot
- Resistant to damage and wear
- Low maintenance and stain-resistant
Cons:
- Heavy to handle
- More expensive
- Difficult to modify
Ceramic
A traditional material made from glazed clay.
Pros:
- Hard-wearing and easy to clean
- Resistant to staining
- Classic appearance
Cons:
- Can chip if damaged
- Slippery when wet
- Heavier than some alternatives
Slate Effect
Designed to replicate natural stone with a textured finish.
Pros:
- Provides added grip
- Stylish, modern look
- Durable and hard-wearing
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Textured surface needs more cleaning
- Heavier than lightweight options
Tileable Bases
Designed to be tiled over for a seamless finish.
Pros:
- Full design flexibility
- Ideal for awkward spaces
- Creates a clean, continuous floor look
Cons:
- More complex installation
- Requires proper waterproofing
- Grout needs ongoing maintenance
Upstands or No Upstands?
An upstand is a raised lip around the edge of a tray that sits behind the tiles to improve waterproofing.
Pros:
- Improves water resistance
- Helps prevent leaks
- Reduces risk of damp and mould
- Provides extra protection if seals fail
Cons:
- More complex to install
- May limit enclosure options
- Harder to adjust later
- Less design flexibility
Installation Tips
Proper installation is key to performance and longevity:
- Ensure the floor is level and stable
- Test the fit before fixing
- Install and check the waste first
- Use appropriate support underneath
- Make sure the tray is fully supported
- Seal properly after installation
- Allow adhesives to cure fully before use
- Choose the correct waste for efficient drainage
Shower Tray Costs
Prices vary depending on size and material. Basic trays can start from around £100, while larger or premium options can exceed £600. Installation costs typically range from £100 to £400, depending on complexity and location.
FAQs
What is a shower tray?
The base of a shower enclosure that collects and drains water.
Which shape shower tray should I choose?
It depends on your space — rectangular for larger areas, square for compact rooms, and quadrant styles for corners.
Which shower tray material is most durable?
Stone resin is one of the strongest and hardest-wearing options.
Can I install a shower tray on joists?
Yes, but a solid, level base is required.
How much do shower trays cost?
Typically between £100 and £600+, depending on size and material.
Are wet room trays better?
They offer a seamless look and accessibility, while standard trays are easier to install and contain water better.
What size shower tray should I choose?
Select a size that fits your space while allowing comfortable movement.
Are coloured shower trays available?
Yes, although white remains the most common.
What shower tray features can I get?
Options include anti-slip surfaces, upstands, high-flow wastes, and antibacterial finishes.
Can I cut a shower tray?
Options include anti-slip surfaces, upstands, high-flow wastes, and antibacterial finishes.
Once you’ve chosen your shower tray, be sure to select a shower enclosure that best suits the design and also your needs. Click here to read our Shower Enclosures Buying Guide for help!
If you're looking for more information on shower trays, screens, and enclosures, take a look at the following posts - Wet Room and Walk-in Shower Enclosure Ideas - Shower Enclosures Buying Guide - Bath Shower Screen Buying Guide.
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