Shower Tiles Without a Tray - What to Choose and What to Consider?

When considering what tiles to choose for the shower walls, there are many patterns, shapes, and sizes available. The most important thing is to ensure they fit the preferences of the household and complement the overall interior design. However, when choosing floor tiles for the shower, there are more considerations to take into account. Here are some key factors to always keep in mind:

- Slip resistance: Tiles with a high R rating are crucial. Anti-slip tiles are a must in a bathroom due to the frequent contact with water. This is even more important when choosing tiles for a shower without a tray, as there will always be water present in this area.

- Surface finish: The finish of the tiles is another key issue. Tiles can be polished, glazed, or matte. Shower tiles should have a "lappato" or matte finish to avoid becoming slippery when wet.

- Wear resistance: Shower areas, including walk-in showers, do not require tiles as tough as those in hallways or kitchens, where the floor is more exposed to wear. However, it is still important to focus on tiles with a PEI rating of 3 to 5, ensuring they will last for a long time.

Choosing tiles for a shower without a tray requires careful consideration of slip resistance, and the most important factor is to ensure that the tiles are anti-slip. What slip resistance class is sufficient? Slip resistance is indicated by the R rating. Anti-slip tiles are those with an R9 to R13 rating. Lower values mean the tiles are not slip-resistant. While R9 is usually sufficient for hallways or entryways, it is definitely too low for shower areas. For this reason, it is better to focus on higher values.

When choosing what tiles to use in the shower cabin instead of a tray, anti-slip tiles are the natural choice, but wall tiles must also be considered. When choosing wall tiles, the priority should be their ease of cleaning, as it is impossible to avoid water residue and cosmetic build-up. Matte tiles work well for shower walls, as dirt is less visible on them.

For any modern and elegant shower cabin, including corner walk-in showers, it is worth emphasizing the design. The tiles on the walls can match the rest of the bathroom or offer a contrasting combination. Large tiles for the shower or patchwork tiles look fantastic. Once you've determined the necessary slip resistance for the bathroom tiles and the appropriate wall tiles, the next question is: how should the tiles be laid in the shower?

A shower without a tray in a small bathroom is a functional solution, but careful thought should be given to tile selection and arrangement. How should tiles be laid in the shower? The first step is to prepare the base. It must be level, dry, and well-insulated. The base for a tray-less shower must provide excellent waterproofing. Available methods include liquid membranes and micro-mortar. While liquid membranes are more commonly used, micro-mortars are a much better option for the shower cabin. They provide strong adhesion and create a base to which anti-slip tiles can easily be applied. During installation, it’s important to maintain a slope so that the water drains properly towards the linear drain or the floor drain. If the drain is not located at the edge of the wall, it's advisable to lay the tiles in a herringbone pattern. Tile adhesives and mortars resistant to temperature fluctuations and moisture should be used. Many adhesives with waterproofing properties are available on the market.

The shower cabin should not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing. With so many anti-slip shower tiles available, you can experiment with various combinations and color schemes. A great idea for the shower floor is to use mosaic tiles. They’re great for adding color contrasts. If the residents want to warm up the interior, wood-effect tiles for the shower floor are ideal. Additionally, large-format tiles are popular and are especially suitable for modern and industrial interiors. Unusual tile shapes, like hexagons or fish scales, are also interesting. If the bathroom features darker colors, white tiles in the shower can help brighten the space.

Choosing the right tiles for a shower without a tray is essential for the functionality of the shower and the bathroom. However, it’s just as important to consider the grout between the tiles. Grout helps prevent water from penetrating deeper layers, protects the base, and prevents deformation caused by moisture. It also affects aesthetics, as the color and width of the grout can affect the appearance. The right grout can create a seamless surface or accentuate the tile shapes. So, which grout is best for a shower without a tray?

There are several types of grout, varying in appearance, chemical composition, and structure. Epoxy grout is highly recommended for bathrooms. It stands out from other options due to its excellent resistance to high temperatures, acids, and detergents. Its downside is its high price. Another good option for a shower without a tray is flexible cement grout, which has better resistance to mold, fungi, and dirt. It’s also easier to use and dries faster.

It’s important to note that ceramic tiles are not the only option for a shower cabin. While hexagons or wood-effect tiles look impressive, especially when paired with well-chosen grout, some investors may be looking for alternatives.

When considering alternatives to tiles in the shower, it's important to distinguish between the wall and the floor. For safety, anti-slip tiles are still the best option for the floor, and it’s difficult to find a better alternative. However, materials like microcement, stone, or architectural concrete can be considered. It's essential to ensure that the manufacturer allows these materials to be used on the shower floor.

The wall provides much more flexibility. In addition to the materials mentioned above, tempered glass panels, waterproof paints, and even some types of exotic wood can be used. The choice is quite extensive.