In this article, we'll help you choose the best shape of shower tray for you and your bathroom. There are many options available on the market, but not all of them are always suitable. If you are unsure which shower tray would be best for you, read the information we've gathered. As experts providing bathroom fixtures to clients, we have many years of experience in producing shower trays and know when they work best. A well-chosen shower tray with the appropriate shower enclosure will allow you to enjoy a comfortable shower.
Carefully Consider the Choice of Shower Tray
The most used rooms in our homes and apartments are definitely the kitchen and bathroom. That's why their layout should be carefully considered from the design stage. When choosing a shower tray – its shape and size should be matched with other equipment, your preferences, and adapted to the style of the bathroom. Will you reduce the size of the sink in favor of a larger shower tray? Do you want a bidet in the bathroom as well? After answering these and many other questions, you can focus on choosing the optimal shape for the shower tray. In our opinion, it's also worth opting for a shower enclosure and shower tray from the same manufacturer. Two compatible elements usually work best.
It's equally important to refer to the individual preferences of the household members and find the maximum size of the tray you can accommodate. The shower space should provide high comfort. Regularly hitting limbs is not pleasant. A shower tray with dimensions close to 70 x 80 cm might be a good option if we want to save space in a small bathroom, but can be frustrating in everyday use. Dimensions of 90 x 90 cm are better to maintain proper bathing comfort. Explore the types of shower trays and consciously choose the perfect product for yourself.
Shower Tray – What to Consider When Choosing?
One of the most popular solutions is choosing a semicircular tray. Why? A semicircular tray will certainly work in any bathroom. The main feature in its favor is the ability to optimally use every centimeter. The semicircular shape ensures comfort both during shower usage and optimally designates its space in the rest of the bathroom, avoiding dangerous angles. You should properly adjust its radius so that the shower does not dominate the bathroom.
A square or rectangular tray is a great solution for a modern bathroom. Placed in the corner, it looks neat and minimalist. It works very well especially in bathrooms with regular shapes or those with niches where it's easy to designate a space for a shower. Square trays are convenient and allow for a comfortable shower. In small bathrooms, a rectangular tray can make optimal use of space.
Asymmetric and Rectangular Enclosures
In many stores, you can also find asymmetric or pentagonal (five-cornered) trays. These are an interesting alternative to semicircular enclosures. Their use typically allows for a larger size choice, as they can be more extended into the bathroom due to their cut-off front. They look more modern and allow for the use of comfortable shower doors, increasing ergonomics.
The Depth of the Shower Tray
An equally important aspect as the size of the tray is its depth. For many people, the obvious choice is a shower enclosure installed directly on tiles or with the use of an ultra-low tray, compliant with current trends. The most popular shallow shower trays, so-called ultra-flat, have a height of up to about 5 cm. They provide a modern visual effect, giving the bathroom more lightness. The comfort of entering such an enclosure is also higher, which older people or those with limited mobility should remember. The lack of a high tray helps to maintain cleanliness.
Under-Tile Tray – A Modern Solution for the Demanding
A shower enclosure installed directly on the floor is now a very popular solution also for small bathrooms. This gives the room a visually greater spaciousness. It is also practical solution in terms of hygiene maintenance and allows for the installation of a walk-in type enclosure.
Mounting a shower directly on tiles can be done in two ways. The first involves installing an under-tile tray, and the second choosing a linear drain. The decision to install an under-tile tray should be made before laying tiles, as it requires maintaining the appropriate technology. These trays must ensure proper water flow towards the drain and maximum tightness, which is ensured by an additional mat. Mounting a wall seat will make it a good solution for disabled people. Unfortunately, we can't always opt for an under-tile tray.
If there are architectural constraints making this solution difficult, consider a low tray recessed into the floor, which will look equally modern. Installing a linear drain requires expert knowledge and great care. Considering these aspects, it is usually difficult to execute correctly, which involves higher costs.
Is it Worth Considering a High Tray?
Until recently, high trays were very popular. This was due to the fact that many people were used to bathtubs, and such trays could replace some of those functionalities. A deep tray can be a practical solution for:
- parents of small children. Bathing a child in a high tray resembles bathing in a small bathtub and is a great pleasure for the child,
- older people often prefer high trays with seats, where they can wash effectively while soaking in water.
- dog owners who often require baths,
- people whose household chores often require soaking or washing large items (e.g., sports equipment).
Which Shower Tray Works Best?
When choosing a shower tray, we should also consider the material it will be made of. The market offers acrylic, composite, or ceramic trays. Sanitary acrylic trays are the most popular for a reason. Their advantages include both usage characteristics, easy installation, and wide availability, as well as a broad range of models. Smooth surface, light weight, and high mechanical resistance are their undeniable benefits.
A more expensive solution is a composite shower tray. It is also much heavier, weighing even several dozen kilos, so at least two professionals are necessary to install it efficiently. What are the advantages of such a solution? Composite trays have high mechanical resistance and offer a wide range of colors and interesting textures. They can perfectly imitate various types of natural stone, which works well in modern bathrooms. They allow for cutting according to the desired dimension or fitting to unusual requirements.
As you can see, choosing a shower tray is not as simple as it might initially seem. Ensuring a high level of comfort while showering should certainly be a priority when making your decision. To achieve it, you should ensure ample freedom of movement. Personal preferences, the size of the bathroom, and tastes should also play an important role, as compromise in this area often ends in dissatisfaction. Remember, it's your bathroom, so it should primarily meet your and your family's needs. When considering which tray to choose, also pay attention to the number of compatible shower enclosures.