What is a Shower Tray? Benefits, Examples and Photos for 2024

Can’t decide which flooring you want for your shower? A shower tray might be the solution you need, so today we will look at the benefits of a shower tray and why you might consider it for your home.

A shower tray or pan is an additional installation that is installed above your floor element and helps to direct drainage flow in your bathroom. They have a raised flange along the outer perimeter to help trap water and prevent excess water buildup. 

Why You Should Consider a Shower Tray

Shower trays are an optional addition to your bathroom but can add quite a few benefits as well, such as increased water drainage, aesthetic flair, and more comfortable surface area. 

Benefits

These are just some benefits of installing a shower tray in your bathroom. 

More Customization

Shower trays offer additional customization options without having to go through extensive remodeling costs. Shower trays are installed above your existing shower floor, providing all the benefits of a non-slip and comfortable surface area without altering your existing floor. 

Easy Install

Since the shower tray or pan come ready to install and is already leveled, installation is incredibly easy, taking less than a day. Also, there is no need for paint to cure, which further accelerates this process. 

Easy Maintenance

Once installed, a shower tray is easy to maintain as it sits above your shower floor. When you need to clean it, you can remove and clean it thoroughly to prevent any excess moisture buildup. Additionally, there are fewer gaps and spaces in between to allow foreign contaminants from entering your floor. 

Increased Safety 

Shower pans are highly customizable as they are made from flexible materials. Additions such as gripped textures can be installed or anti-slip gel coating can help prevent dangerous falls on your shower floor.

Common Shower Tray Shapes

Shower trays are available in many shapes and sizes to fit any sized bathroom. In general, square and rectangular shapes are ideal as they promote better water flow evenly throughout the shower and match well with common shower setups. While there are circular and quadrant shapes, they are much more difficult to pair.

• Square
• Rectangle
• Quadrant
• Circle

Shower Tray Material

Shower tray materials are available in a wide range of materials, from man-made materials to more natural materials such as wood or natural stone. 

Stone resin

The composite material blends polymers, resins, and natural materials like wood or stone. The resulting material has the appearance and feel of wood and stone but at increased durability and a more affordable price point. 

Wood

A rare material in the shower, but there are several wooden shower pans available. The primary advantage of wood is its aesthetic which creates a unique natural look. However, it is quite expensive and requires heavy maintenance to ensure material integrity.

Marble

An excellent choice as it blends durability with classic bathroom design. Marble shower trays are a popular choice as they are constructed from high-quality marble, making them visually attractive as well as durable. Remember that Marble does demand more maintenance, as they require special cleaners and must be kept dry to prevent staining or discoloration.

Acrylic

Acrylic shower pans are a popular choice as they are inexpensive, reasonably durable, and easy to maintain, requiring few repairs. Acrylic shower pans are made by heating large sheets of acrylic, which are stretched onto a mold. Acrylic is also non-porous, so moisture build-up is not very common. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass shower pans are constructed from fiberglass that is reinforced with acrylic. However, remember that fiberglass is still a cheap material, is more susceptible to damage stains, and is porous, which can lead to further damage over time.

Sizes

Shower trays are available in a wide range of sizes, but the most common is between 32”x32” and 36”x36”. The minimal requirement is that the shower pan is not smaller than 30 square inches or 76 cm. Here are some common sizes:

• 32”x32”
• 32”x36”
• 32”x48”
• 72”x60”
• 36”x”36
• ”40”x40”. 

Average Cost of a Shower Tray

Shower tray prices vary depending on material and size, but the average price of a tray is $150-700. Small trays cost anywhere from $150-250, average sizes cost between $250-400, and 400+ would be a large shower size.

How to Choose the Right Shower Tray for You

Here is how to choose the right shower tray for your bathroom:

1. Choose Good Material

When selecting a material for your bathroom, ensure that the material is durable. The more money you spend on the material initially will save you from repair costs and maintenance costs in the future. 

2. Measure first

Always ensure that your space can handle the size of the shower tray, so always come with appropriate measurements before buying. 

3. Ensure the material is comfortable

Material may be durable, but if it isn’t comfortable, then there is no point. Be sure to touch the material and get a feel for it before buying. 

4. Don’t be afraid to experiment

Always be flexible and experiment with different material types. You can simply remove shower trays more easily than installed flooring, so never be afraid to try new things. 

With all of these many things to consider, a shower tray will always be beneficial for you to use. Badeloft is one place where you can learn more about shower trays and purchase one for your home.