How to create a shower without a tray

Regardless of the type of shower enclosure, the dimensions of the shower area are key to comfort. A trayless shower is no exception. It is recommended that the width should not be less than 80 cm, while for full comfort it should ideally be between 90 and 120 cm. The standard height is between 190 and 200 cm, although this may not always be possible in bathrooms with sloped ceilings. Once you move away from the traditional solution, the next question naturally arises-what should replace it? A drain is, of course, the answer, which leads to further considerations: what type of drain should you choose for a tray-free shower, and what should waterproofing look like in this case?

A modern shower without a tray must have properly executed waterproofing and drainage. Whether the waterproofing has been done professionally and which type of drain is used has a direct impact on long-term performance and comfort.

One of the most popular choices is a linear drain, whose visible upper part is a long drainage channel. This is a solution commonly used in walk-in showers. In this case, the drain takes the form of an elongated slot through which water flows away.

A tray-free shower can also feature a point drain, which is installed in the floor with a slope leading in from all sides. The visible part is a drain grate.

Another option for a tray-free shower is a wall drain, which keeps the shower floor free from visible drainage elements. When choosing the right drain, it is worth considering factors such as installation depth, the layout of the waste pipes and slope, ease of cleaning, and overall aesthetics.

When browsing inspiration for small bathrooms with tray-free showers, the floor is usually finished with tiles. However, not every type of floor tile is suitable for this purpose. Some become slippery when wet, which completely rules them out. So, which tiles are the right choice for a shower area?

Tiles used in a trayless shower should not only be visually appealing and match the décor, but above all ensure safety. Therefore, they must meet specific requirements. It is important to check the slip resistance rating and choose tiles with a minimum rating of R9 or R10. Tiles should not be too thin either-shower areas are heavily used, and the tiles could become damaged. It also matters what type of grout is used in a tray-free shower. It should always be moisture-resistant. Some people also add a shower mat in a tray-free shower area-this is another good idea and can help prevent slips. Another important issue is the floor slope. So, what slope is sufficient in a shower without a tray?

This is one of the most important technical parameters to consider. An insufficient gradient can lead to water pooling, bathroom flooding and moisture build-up. A slope of 1–2% is recommended, which corresponds to a drop of 1–2 cm per metre. In some cases, achieving this may be difficult, so a raised platform may be used instead. The gradient must be installed professionally to ensure it is even. Additional protection against water escaping can be provided by incorporating a low threshold.

A trayless shower in both small and large bathrooms offers huge design potential. You can choose to include a low threshold a few centimetres high, or opt for a completely level floor. The flooring can be the same colour throughout the bathroom, although a contrasting finish in the shower zone can also look striking.

The enclosure itself also offers plenty of options. You can build a half-wall or partition to separate the shower area from the rest of the bathroom, create a recessed shower, or embrace minimalism with glass panels for a tray-free shower-an ideal solution for walk-in designs.

The final question is cost. The price of a trayless shower can vary, making it difficult to give a definitive answer. The final cost depends on the materials and finishes chosen, the scope of work (e.g. replacing an existing enclosure or modifying plumbing), and the location-prices tend to be higher in larger cities.