What shape of shower tray to choose?

In this article, we will help you choose the best shower tray shape for you and your bathroom. There are many options available on the market, but not all of them always work well. If you don't know which shower tray will be best for you, familiarize yourself with the information we've gathered. As experts delivering bathroom fixtures to clients, we have many years of experience in the production of shower trays and know when they work best. A well-chosen shower tray with the right shower cabin will allow you to enjoy a comfortable bath.

Carefully consider your choice of shower tray

In our homes and apartments, the most used rooms are definitely the kitchen and the bathroom. Therefore, their layout should be carefully thought out already at the design stage. When selecting a shower tray, you should consider its shape and size in relation to the other fixtures, your preferences, and match it to the style of the bathroom. Will you reduce the size of the sink for a larger shower tray? Do you want a bidet to be included in the bathroom as well? After answering these and many other questions, you can focus on choosing the optimal shape of the shower tray. In our opinion, it is also worth investing in a cabin and shower tray from the same manufacturer. Two compatible elements usually work best together.

It is also important to refer to the individual preferences of household members and find the size of the shower tray that you can afford. The space designated for taking a shower should allow for a high level of comfort during bathing. Regularly hitting your limbs is not pleasant. A shower tray measuring around 70 x 80 cm can be a good option if we want to save space in a small bathroom, but it can be frustrating in daily use. Dimensions of 90 x 90 cm are better to maintain adequate comfort while bathing. Explore the types of shower trays and consciously choose the ideal product for yourself.

Shower tray - what to consider when choosing it?

One of the most popular solutions is selecting a semicircular shower tray. Why? A semicircular shower tray will definitely work in any bathroom. The main advantage in its favor is the fact that it allows for optimal use of every centimeter. A semicircular shape provides comfort both while using the shower and optimally delineates its space in the remaining part of the bathroom, not creating dangerous corners. One should choose its radius appropriately to ensure the shower does not dominate the bathroom.

A square or rectangular tray is a great solution for a modern bathroom. Placed in the corner of the room, it looks neat and minimalist. It works particularly well in bathrooms with regular shapes or those with recesses where the shower cabin can be easily delineated. Square trays are convenient and allow for free bathing. In small bathrooms, a rectangular tray can allow for optimal use of space.

Asymmetrical and rectangular cabins

Many stores also offer asymmetrical or pentagonal shower trays. They are an interesting alternative to semicircular cabins. Their application usually allows for a larger dimension choice, as they can be more protruding into the bathroom due to having a straight front edge. They appear more modern and allow for the application of comfortable shower doors that enhance ergonomics.

The choice of shower tray and its depth

Another important aspect besides the dimensions of the shower tray is its depth. For many, the obvious choice is a shower cabin installed directly on tiles or using a minimally low tray, aligning with current trends. The most popular shallow shower trays, known as ultra-flat, have a height of about 5 cm. They provide a modern visual effect, making the bathroom appear more spacious. Entering such a cabin is also easier, which older people or those with limited mobility should keep in mind. The absence of a high shower tray helps maintain cleanliness.

Below-tile shower tray - a modern solution for the demanding

A shower cabin installed directly on the floor is currently a very popular solution for small bathrooms as well. This makes the room visually more spacious. It is also a practical solution in terms of hygiene maintenance and allows for the installation of a walk-in cabin.

The installation of a cabin directly on the tiles can be done in two ways. The first involves the installation of a below-tile tray, and the second by selecting a linear drain. The decision to install a below-tile shower tray should be made before laying the tiles, as it requires maintaining the proper technology. These trays must ensure appropriate water drainage towards the outlet and maximum tightness, achieved by an additional mat. Installing a seat on the wall will make it a good solution for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, we cannot always afford to choose a below-tile tray.

If there are architectural constraints making this solution difficult, it is worth considering a low tray that is recessed into the floor, which will also look modern. Installing a linear drain requires expert knowledge and great care. Considering these aspects, it is usually difficult to perform properly, which translates to higher costs.

Is it worth considering a high shower tray?

Until recently, high shower trays were very popular. This stemmed from the fact that many people were accustomed to bathtubs, and such trays could replace certain functionalities of it. A deep shower tray can be a practical solution for:

• parents of small children. Bathing a child in a high shower tray resembles bathing in a small bathtub and is a great pleasure for the child,
• older people who often prefer high trays with seats, where they can wash themselves efficiently while also soaking in the water.
• dog owners, who often require bathing,
• people whose household chores require frequent soaking or washing of large items (e.g., sports equipment).

Which shower tray will work best?

When choosing a shower tray, we should also consider the material from which it will be made. On the market, there are acrylic trays, composite trays, or ceramic trays. Acrylic trays are the most popular for good reason. Their user-friendly features, high availability, easy installation, and a wide range of models make them appealing. Smooth surfaces, lightweight, and great mechanical resistance are their undeniable advantages.

A more expensive solution is the composite shower tray. It is also much heavier; its weight can reach several dozen kilograms, which means at least two professionals will be needed for smooth installation. 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 is appealing in modern bathrooms. They allow for cutting according to desired dimensions or matching to unusual requirements.

As you can see, choosing a shower tray is not as simple as it might initially seem. Certainly, the priority when making a decision should be the level of comfort felt during a shower. To achieve this, one must care for the appropriate freedom of movement. Personal preferences, the size of the bathroom, and tastes should also play an important role, as a compromise in this area often ends in dissatisfaction. Remember that it is your bathroom, so it should primarily meet the needs of you and your loved ones. When considering which shower tray to choose, pay attention to the number of compatible shower cabins.