Types of shower trays

There are so many products in this category that a shower tray can look different in every bathroom. They can be divided into various categories, and one of the divisions that is most commonly used is the distinction between classic shower trays, low profile shower trays and shower surfaces. In the first case, the shower tray is mounted on legs or directly into the concrete floor. They are available in various shapes and can be adapted directly to the dimensions of the shower enclosure. They usually come in rectangular, square and semicircular shape, but you will also find a pentagonal shower tray on sale. The height of the shower trays varies as well. A shower tray can be as low as 30 or 35mm, which makes it look flat, other trays can be 30cm high, and there are even higher models for investors on the lookout for a high shower tray.

Classic shower trays can be replaced when renovating or anytime in the course of time. There is a significant difference when you look at a low profile tray though. Its installation requires extensive renovation. Depending on the chosen system, these trays have either a floor drain with a siphon trap or an outlet. They are characterized by a built-in fall towards the drain and a special sealing mat. The floor-level shower tray is unnoticeable and the enclosure is placed on the floor, so this solution is good for modern and minimalist bathrooms.

Ultra-slim steel shower trays, or so-called shower surfaces, are an interesting option, too. They are available in several colors and are basically unnoticeable on the floor. They are a good alternative to low profile trays.

When browsing through shower trays, it is not difficult to notice that they are made of different material. You can choose from composite, acrylic, ceramic, steel and stone shower trays. A composite shower tray consists mostly of a mineral component. The rest of the components are dyes, synthetic resins and others that give the tray its properties - namely smoothness, color and gloss. Most of them are made of cast marble or artificial stone, and are quite heavy, but at the same time they are impressive and pleasant to the touch. We can find them, among others, in SanSwiss offer.

The most common shower trays are made of acrylic, which makes them much cheaper than the previous ones. They are also lighter and smooth to the touch. Acrylic is only the outer layer, the inside of the shower tray is stiffened by plywood, medium-density fiberboard or laminate. They do not look as good, however, and aren’t as durable.

Ceramic shower trays are highly resistant and durable, but since they are very heavy they cannot be placed everywhere. On the offer there are also steel shower trays, covered with an enamel layer. In this case the shower tray is prone to chipping and the steel might get rusty. Finally, there are stone shower trays. These are elegant and resistant, but require regular waterproofing treatment and polishing. It is also important to know that polished stone can be slippery, which increases the risk of accidents.

If the choice of shower tray is well thought out, it will be not only functional, but it will also become a bathroom’s decoration. The easiest way to buy a shower tray is when it comes along with a shower enclosure, and this is a good option for someone who is looking for something easy to install and cheap, and is focused on finding a deep shower tray. A much better solution may be, however, to buy the shower tray and the enclosure separately. Then we can adjust our choice depending on our individual needs and the bathroom’s design.

In SanSwiss offer we can find a 70 × 100 and 120 × 90 shower tray, as well as a 90 × 90 semicircular shower tray, among many other possible dimensions. These are composite shower trays and are installed on the floor or on legs, or we can build them in by facing them to the floor. The material has the following proportions: 80% of the composition is marble and 20% is polyester. The outside part is covered with Gelcoat. They can be purchased not only in different shapes and sizes, but also in several color variants. Most common shower trays we find are white in color, however, there’s no need to limit yourself to this.

The way we approach a piece of furnishing changes completely when designing a bathroom for people with mobility problems. The individual needs of the user should then be the priority, as well as finding solutions that would help them in their everyday lives. The shower enclosure should have a wide entrance, be fitted with grab bars for support and a special seat. A shower tray for people with mobility problems should make a shower use easier to someone who walks independently, but finds it difficult, and also to someone who uses a wheelchair. This is why going for a low threshold shower tray is the best decision, and high and deep shower trays should right away be discarded.