Shower trays with dimensions of 100x100 centimetres and others can be made from various materials including acrylic, steel, ceramic, stone, or composite. Sometimes they also come with additional equipment such as anti-slip or grooved floors. In shower trays with high walls, a moulded seat is often installed.
Acrylic Shower Trays
Acrylic shower trays are the most popular. They are relatively light and warm to the touch with a smooth surface. However, after prolonged use, they may creak. If you choose lower-quality acrylic, the surface may start to yellow. It's important not to use abrasive cleaners on these products. Polish out matt areas with a polishing agent and a soft cloth, and remove minor scratches with a maintenance kit. Chips can easily be repaired with liquid acrylic and a hardener.
The acrylic surface forms the top layer, which rests on a polyurethane shape. This construction is rigid due to fibreglass. It may be coated to make the shower tray easier to clean or have a small amount of mineral to give it a stone-like appearance. It is recommended to install this product on bases made of polyurethane foam, polystyrene, or frames. Some are self-supporting thanks to reinforced acrylic. Ready-made acrylic covers are available, which can be applied or integrated. Some models can also be recessed into the floor or tiled.
Ceramic and Steel
Ceramic shower trays are very durable products that show great resistance to all kinds of scratches. Moreover, they can be easily kept clean. They are not light products but remain stable. They can be installed on the floor. They should be attached with spots of mortar in the centre and corners of the tray. Strips of isolation foil should be placed between the walls and the edge. All gaps should always be filled with sanitary silicone.
A steel shower tray consists of a sheet of metal and an enamel layer. This makes its surface extremely hard, providing high scratch resistance. However, enamel can chip off. Small damages can be repaired with a touch-up enamel stick, and larger ones with spray enamel and filler. Steel trays can also have a special coating that makes them easy to clean. They are cold to the touch and quite noisy, so it's best to install them on carriers.
Shower Trays Made from Composite and Stone
Composite shower trays consist of about 80% marble, with the rest being pigments and synthetic resins. Those with a gelcoat finish are characterised by a high gloss and incredibly smooth surface. It is even, non-porous, and prevents microorganisms from developing. Composite shower trays are warm to the touch, hard, and highly resistant to chemicals and staining. Additionally, they are easy to install.
Shower trays made entirely from marble or granite look extremely attractive. They are highly resistant to all kinds of mechanical damage and dirt. Such stone products absorb the impact of water droplets and retain a lot of heat. Marble trays can be discoloured by alkaline cleaners. Stone is slippery, so it's essential that the tray's surface is matt to protect users from slipping or injuries. Absorbent stones should be impregnated.