Where to place a rectangular shower tray in the bathroom? Aesthetics and unconventional solutions enthusiasts, lacking basic knowledge about installing a shower tray and enclosure, will happily respond that it's best to locate it where it looks the prettiest. Well, not quite! When shaping the bathroom space, one must be aware of certain limitations, as not all solutions can be applied. Where is the best location for a shower enclosure with a shower tray to ensure all technical requirements are met, creating a friendly bathing space?
What technical factors determine the location of a shower enclosure with a shower tray?
The choice of where you can install a shower enclosure with a tray is primarily determined by technical considerations. These include the water supply in the bathroom, which allows for the installation of a shower mixer. It must be at the appropriate height, i.e., around 110-130 cm from the floor. Another factor is the location of the sewage system, to which the shower tray drain can be connected. If you choose to install a walk-in shower enclosure with a linear drain, it's necessary to appropriately profile the floor to ensure proper water decline. When installing a shower enclosure with a slim tray, the floor thickness becomes important, allowing for enough depth to ensure free water drainage from the tray. All these conditions should be considered during the bathroom planning stage.
Why choose a shower enclosure with a tray?
When planning a renovation of an existing bathroom, there is not much room for maneuver regarding the location of the shower enclosure and tray, as the existing water and sewage installation does not always allow for radical changes. You also cannot decide on a walk-in enclosure installation because the ceiling thickness doesn't allow for creating a floor decline or placing a linear drain ended trap. However, you can have some fun choosing the type of enclosure and the shape and size of the tray. First, you must decide on the space where you want to create a shower area, as this depends on the shape and size of the tray.
Which interior is suitable for a rectangular shower tray?
Complete sets, which include both the enclosure and a matching tray, are very popular. Square, rectangular, semi-circular, and even futuristic shapes are available on the market. You can install them in any bathroom if the size allows. Modern design and original solutions define the style not only of the shower area but the entire interior. For small bathrooms designed in a minimalist style, designers particularly recommend rectangular shower trays, which do not take up much space and, combined with a transparent enclosure, reveal the entire beauty of the interior and visually enlarge the space. They work especially well in narrow bathrooms. In the case of large bathrooms, the same rectangular (or possibly square) trays (only in XXL size) not only emphasize a refined style but also enhance showering comfort.
What about the depth of the tray?
Popular trays, on which a shower enclosure is set, can have varying heights and different depths. It should be noted that these values are not identical. A tray with a height of 5-10 cm has an average depth of 3-3.5 cm. In standard trays, the distance measured from the bottom to the top edge is from 5 to about 15 cm. Available for sale are models with a depth of 20 cm, or even 30 cm. They are usually chosen for small bathrooms where a bathtub cannot be installed or by people who have not opted for a bathtub and do not want to entirely give up its benefits. Such a tray ensures comfort when it is necessary to bathe small children. Older adults or people with limited mobility will surely be attracted to a low tray. Modern models can be mounted slightly above the tiles or embedded in them to a depth flush with the tiles. A low tray allows for placing a stool in the enclosure and enables a seated bath.
How about a walk-in shower enclosure?
A walk-in shower enclosure is a modern, recently very popular solution for both small and large bathrooms. Typically, they are glass panels, without doors or a tray, that you can install directly on the tile surface. Inside the enclosure is a drain. Its size depends on the amount of water emitted by the shower devices. When installing such an enclosure, it's important to ensure the tiles inside have anti-slip properties. This is particularly crucial if children or older adults are using the shower. Walk-in style enclosures usually have larger dimensions and are often rectangular, which fits any bathroom and provides comfortable bathing.