How to choose the right shower tray

Shower trays come in all sizes and materials, so pick the right one to suit your bathroom

If you thought buying a shower tray was simple, think again.

You'll want as much showering space as is possible to squeeze into your bathroom, but the size and shape of a tray can impact the position and size of other fittings, and can vary in cost depending on what material it's made from and what sort of screen is required.

Check out our top tips for buying the right shower tray.

SQUARE
This standard shape is a versatile option – sizes range from 76sq cm to a more luxurious 90sq cm – and it can be positioned in a corner, along a wall or even in the middle of the room.
Cast stone resin tray (W76cm x D76cm x H5.5cm), £39.98, B&Q



PENTAGONAL
This tray fits neatly into a corner and is designed to take up as little floor space as possible – the ideal choice if you want to squeeze a separate shower enclosure into a compact bathroom.
LA Genta low-profile pentagonal shower tray (W90cm x D90cm x H3.5cm), £120, Bathroom Heaven



QUADRANT
Thanks to the curved front of this design, there's a little more showering space than the pentagonal tray but it needs a curved shower screen, which is more expensive than a flat screen.
Quadrant acrylic capped stone resin tray (W80cm x D80cm x H3.5cm), £109, Flight range, Mira Showers



RECTANGULAR
Got a large bathroom? Go for maximum showering space with a rectangular design. They start from around 120cm long, but you can get them the same length as a bath (170cm).
Superplan XXL steel enamel tray (W170cm x D75cm x H4.7cm), £523, Kaldewei



DRYING AREA
A tray with its own drying area allows you to towel off before stepping out of the shower so you don't need to use a bath mat or duck board – handy if you've got the space for it.
Tefeli stone resin tray (W123.5cm x D88.5cm x H18cm), £275, Vogue Bathrooms



LOW-LEVEL
Usually available in square or rectangular shapes, low-level trays are recessed into the floor and are increasingly popular as they create the feel of a wet room without the expense and hassle of having to waterproof the entire floor area. Tile up to the edges for a smart finish.
Sculptures low-level tray (W120cm x D80cm), from £325, Roman

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Which material?
Acrylic and plastic are common types of tray as they're lightweight and affordable, but they can chip and crack. An increasingly popular option is stone resin, which is strong, luxurious-looking and easy to install. Corian is also an extremely durable material, but is more expensive than stone resin. Ceramic is hard wearing and resistant to even the most abrasive cleaners, but is heavy and difficult to install. If money's no object, natural stone gives a spa-style finish, but is extremely heavy and may not be suitable for some floors.

Where can I put it?
Almost anywhere, although obviously it depends on the position of windows and doors. The direction the joists run will also affect where you can put the waste pipe – ask your plumber for advice.

What size tray?
As big as you have space for. Draw a scale plan of your room and try different tray shapes and sizes, not forgetting to factor in the added dimensions of false walls to house pipework for the shower and trajectory of the door.

What colour?
White is the most popular colour, but trays are also available in cream and a pinky colour called pergamon. Some stone resin trays can still be ordered in 'discontinued' colours such as champagne, avocado and turquoise – visit www.tubz.co.uk for details.

Are all trays suitable for all enclosures?
Not necessarily. To ensure your tray and enclosure fit well together, buy both from the same retailer.

Shop for it
Aquaplus Solutions 0845 201 1915; www.aquaplussolutions.com
B&Q 0845 222 1000; www.diy.com
Bathroom Heaven 020 7812 1300; www.bathroomheaven.com
Colourwash 020 8830 2992; www.colourwash.co.uk
Fired Earth 0845 366 0400; www.firedearth.com
Kirkstone 01539 433296; www.kirkstone.com
Matki 01454 322888; www.matki.co.uk
Mira Showers 0845 600 6472; www.mirashowers.com
Roman 0845 050 4032; www.roman-showers.com
Kaldewei 020 8337 1441; www.kaldewei.com
Vogue Bathrooms 01452 729907; www.voguebathrooms.com

Want to replace your showerhead, too? Check out our guide

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