Shower trays: a comparative overview of various types and designs

The shower tray is an integral element of a functional shower cabin.This sanitary product is widely used in houses, apartments, hotels, baths and swimming pools. The compact box takes up minimal space and allows you to shower comfortably. In the plumbing market, shower trays are available in various configurations.

Due to the variety, consumers can choose the best option that harmoniously fits into the design of the room. Before purchasing a product, you should familiarize yourself with information about the available variations of pallets of different materials, dimensions, shapes and other parameters.

Purpose of shower trays

Universal pallets are an integral element of shower cabins and corners, and can also be used as an independent sanitary installation. The main purpose of a shower tray is to reliably protect the flooring and walls of a sanitary room from water splashes.

Intense water pressure can cause deformation of the external facades of furniture and cosmetic finishing of a bathroom or bathroom.

In addition to its direct functions, the shower tray contributes to the hygiene and safety of the bathroom. In sanitary rooms with high humidity, where there is no drain pan, the junctions between walls and floor coverings are filled with stagnant water.It creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and harmful microorganisms.

Installing the structure will eliminate the possibility of the formation of fungi and the proliferation of microbes. When equipping a separate area for showering, the owner of the room will have to choose the most comfortable and easy-to-use and maintain equipment and equipment.

It is especially important to choose the optimal model of shower tray for your sanitary and hygienic premises, suitable for all parameters - height, width, depth

First of all, shower trays perform their direct functions - they provide collection and drainage of running, used water.

The tray is the main element of the shower box, which performs a number of functions:

• plays the role of a “foundation” for the installation of fences and acts as a connecting link between doors and walls;
• eliminates mechanical impact on the drainage system installed in the shower;
• due to the tightness and reliability of the design, it allows you to safely take water procedures;
• acts as a heat insulator between human feet and the concrete floor;
• a wide selection of sizes and shapes will satisfy every buyer’s taste;
• you can choose the optimal model of tray for a small bathroom or a spacious apartment;
• the pallet can harmoniously fit into the interior or become an accenting design element.

Due to shower tray installation it is possible to significantly improve the initial indicators of practicality and functionality of the sanitary and hygienic premises.

A modern shower stall with a tray will allow you to create an ultra-fashionable interior of the room in which it will be pleasant and absolutely safe to take water procedures

The tray of a modern shower cabin must be safe and durable.

Shape as one of the characteristics

When choosing plumbing equipment, it is important to choose the correct dimensions and shape of the shower tray. A large range of products of different configurations will satisfy any consumer preferences.

The imagination and capabilities of homeowners are limited only by the size of the bathroom, which in most modern apartments requires much to be desired.

For small bathrooms, manufacturers have developed compact corner trays, which are available in different forms:

• rectangular;
• square;
• radius;
• pentagonal.

Having studied the market offers, you can choose the best option for a small and spacious room.

Standard forms of shower trays are especially popular and in demand among consumers - they are compact and fit well with the configuration of the room

For consumers who prefer non-standard solutions in the interior, the plumbing equipment market offers a wide range of original shower trays of complex shapes.

Such designs require significant free space and can be oval, polygonal, round and asymmetrical. It is possible to manufacture custom-made pallets according to individual projects.

Shower trays in the shape of a snail and other complex shapes do not serve for the rational use of free space, but they look non-standard and original

Exclusive models are developed to meet the aesthetic requirements of the owner of a spacious room. They are used in unique interiors of premium class premises.

Bathroom to cabin size ratio

When choosing a shower stall, you need to take into account not only the technical characteristics of the design, but also its dimensions. Firstly, shower box size must correspond to the total area of ​​the bathroom. Secondly, in an effort to save room space, you should not give preference to the most compact model.

Consider the physical characteristics of all family members and make sure that when showering in the stall, you can feel comfortable - bend your knees, move your arms freely, etc.

The choice of pallet begins with an assessment of the bathroom. You need to decide which shape will appeal to you and fit harmoniously into the interior of the sanitary room. You should also decide on the optimal size of the pallet that you plan to install in the room.

Every plumbing manufacturer produces a line of shower trays in standard sizes. You can easily match them with fences and doors for shower stalls of any brand. The minimum dimensions of standard designs are 70 x 70 cm, the maximum are 130 x 130 cm. Shower trays of similar sizes are in particular demand among consumers.

Buyers of standard plumbing equipment will not have any difficulties selecting other elements of the shower box from the same manufacturer

Unique shower trays of non-standard sizes allow designers to successfully implement exclusive projects for wealthy customers.

It should be noted that when choosing non-standard designs, the choice of fencing will be limited.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of compact and large shower trays. The photo shows the most popular design variations

Exclusive sanitary ware can be made according to an individual project and have any shapes and sizes.

Pallet height classification

When choosing a shower tray, an important parameter is depth.

Modern manufacturers offer products that are classified as follows:

• Deep pallets. The height of products in this category is 250 mm or more.
• Shallow shower trays. The height of structures in this category varies between 100-180 mm.
• Flat pallets. This category includes products with a height of up to 100 mm.

Deep shower trays often have a semicircular or angular shape. They fit organically into the corner of the sanitary area and occupy a minimum amount of free space. Deep structures look aesthetically pleasing with polystyrene or glass doors.

Using a deep tray in a shower is considered practical and optimal in baths. Such places are visited by people who not only prefer healing steam, but also adore water treatments.

If you purchase a very deep tray, it can be used as a small-sized bathtub or equipped with additional elements, creating a Jacuzzi with hydromassage and other functions

Flat pallets are the best option for arranging public or individual sanitary areas visited by children, elderly people and people with disabilities.

A built-in flat tray is a universal design that successfully combines the functions of a small bathtub and a full-fledged shower stall.

A flat tray looks stylish and compact in a spacious and small bathroom; it is more convenient, but requires quick draining

Such designs are convenient to use, since they do not have a high side that you have to step over every time you take a shower.

Materials for making pallets

Trays for practical shower stalls on the modern plumbing market are made by manufacturers from a variety of materials.

All designs share common characteristics:

• resistance to mechanical stress;
• heat and sound insulation;
• wear resistance of products;
• ease of use and maintenance.

Acrylic - the most popular material, widely used for the manufacture of shower trays and bathtubs.A unique technology for the production of sanitary products using popular acrylic allows us to produce aesthetically pleasing trays for shower stalls of various configurations, sizes and shapes.

Acrylic structures designed for installation in shower stalls can be equipped with additional elements and devices. The material is easy to maintain, and the service life of an acrylic tray is from 10 to 15 years. Acrylic pallets are aesthetically pleasing in appearance and easy to repair.

Minor mechanical damage can be easily sanded or repaired using a special paste, but the work must be done efficiently

Cast iron characterized by high levels of wear resistance, strength and durability. Cast iron shower trays will last 2 times longer than acrylic structures. Cast iron heats up more slowly than acrylic, but it retains heat much longer.

The disadvantages of cast iron trays for shower stalls include the significant weight of the products and a small selection of shapes. The cast iron tray must have a corrugated bottom or a special anti-slip coating.

Thanks to the relief coating, the product will be less slippery and as safe as possible. The quality of the product does not suffer from the uneven texture of the pallet

Pallets made ceramic, have an attractive appearance, which allows them to fit harmoniously into any interior. Ceramic sanitary ware does not warm up immediately, but no loud sounds are heard when water falls on the surface of the pan.

The service life of ceramic shower trays is quite long, but they require careful handling.The disadvantage of ceramic trays is their relatively high price.

Consumers value ceramic sanitary ware for their attractive appearance: impeccable smoothness and unique shine of the glazed surface.

Pallets from quaril recently appeared on the plumbing market. The new material belongs to polymer concrete, the binder is acrylic, and quartz is used as a filler. At the same time, quartz dust significantly increases the wear resistance, strength and durability of the product.

With proper care, the product retains its original gloss for many years. Manufacturers make quaril pallets using a unique casting method, due to which they have steep walls with clear lines. Quaril is an improved form of acrylic.

Natural stone shower trays are the choice of people who have impeccable taste and strive to achieve perfection

Pallets made of natural stone - attractive, expensive designs. They are characterized by excellent strength, wear resistance and durability. The stone tray does not change color under the influence of the external environment and does not slip. Natural material provides excellent sound absorption and eliminates the sound of pouring water.

Most stone shower trays are made from marble. The most affordable material is porcelain stoneware.

The best assistant for a doubting buyer will be to compare different types of shower trays according to thermal characteristics, service life and installation specifics. To make comparison easier, we offer the following selection:

Useful tips for choosing

The selection of a specific shower tray model must be approached comprehensively, evaluating the available options according to a number of important criteria. If you have decided on the dimensions, shape and material of the product, you have to consider two more classifications of shower trays: according to visual appeal, originality and ease of use.

Selecting a model based on external indicators

Modern manufacturers offer pallets for shower stall with several image options:

• repeating prints (floral elements, geometric patterns, etc.);
• laser engraving (practice for writing inscriptions or phrases).

The relief makes the surface of the shower tray more aesthetically pleasing. In addition to aesthetic benefits, the embossed texture makes the surface of the pallet less slippery. There are quite a few variations of the relief: from traditional “sags” to decor stylized as sea stones.

Any relief surface also has a healing effect. This is due to the fact that when taking a shower, a person’s feet are massaged, which has a positive effect on the condition of the entire body.

The relief decorating the surface of the shower tray imitates the natural roughness of stone and has an anti-slip effect. A textured surface is safer than a perfectly smooth one

Shower trays without side skirts look original. A fashionable design significantly increases the final cost of renovation work for arranging a modern bathroom.

In this case, the traditional bowl is replaced by a tray, which is mounted flush with the floor. The design without sides requires special care, and the bathroom must be cleaned regularly.

Trays without sides are original designs that are perfect in cases where the installation of doors is not provided in the shower stall

Installation of such a structure requires additional work:

• Raising the floor around the entire perimeter of the bathroom.
• Arrangement of water drainage using shower drains masked with a decorative grille.

Today on the plumbing market you can find models of shower trays with effectively disguised water drainage. They are equipped with an aesthetic insert, slightly smaller in size than the area of ​​the product. Thanks to it, used water is discharged into the additional bottom of the structure.

If the decorative overlay has a composite structure, then water will drain through the cracks. The insert is often made of the same material as the shower tray.

Original models are available for sale, equipped with an aesthetic lining made of moisture-resistant wood. Over time, the wood requires treatment with a special impregnation

An original solution is a shower tray with built-in LEDs. Such spectacular designs are quickly gaining popularity in the plumbing market.

Floor lamps should not be regarded as full-fledged lighting. LEDs are a decorative element and provide an attractive overall appearance of the structure.

Comfort of use and safety of the pallet

For most consumers, the safety and ease of use of a shower tray are more important than the aesthetic appearance and decorative additions to the design. If you are of the same opinion, when choosing a design you need to take into account the surface features, the safety of the material and the heating rate of the product.

An important parameter of the pallet is the surface structure. Smooth pallets are dangerous because you can slip on them. The safest products have a relief pattern or a rough bottom surface. The best option is a sanitary product equipped with an innovative anti-slip coating.

When taking a shower, a special film or rubber mat should be placed in a tray with a smooth surface for safety purposes.

Based on the type of material, products made from acrylic, quarry and stone are considered the safest. When shower water falls on the surface of the shower tray, noise is created, the severity of which depends on the material of the product. More noise comes from steel and cast iron pallets. Products made of stone, quarry and acrylic are less noisy.

The heating rate depends on the material used in production. Shower trays made from popular acrylic can heat up faster. Steel structures also heat up quite quickly.

Cast iron, natural stone and ceramic products heat up more slowly, so shortly before taking a shower, use a stream of warm water to warm the bottom of the tray to a comfortable temperature.

Ease of use and care features

Acrylic shower trays are considered the easiest to clean. This material is durable and does not absorb dirt.However, if used incorrectly, acrylic can become covered with small cracks or scratches, which can be removed using paste or other available means.

Minor defects on the surface of an acrylic shower tray can be sanded using putty and fine-grained sandpaper

Ceramic trays are easy to clean and attractive in appearance, but they have the disadvantage of low strength. The ceramic structure can be damaged by a mechanical shock, for example, if a shower head falls on it. Modern cast iron structures cover the top special enamel, which is characterized by relatively low strength. If the enamel becomes damaged, it must be completely renewed.

Steel shower trays do not require special care. Steel, unlike other materials, tolerates intensive cleaning using abrasives. Shower trays made of steel are slightly cooler than their acrylic counterparts.

The disadvantage of shower structures made of steel is that they can sag over time under the weight of a person. Steel products are coated with enamel, which can peel off due to careless use.

To make using the shower comfortable for all family members, the largest occupant should be able to bend freely while standing directly in the tray. At the same time, the movements of his arms and legs should be free and not constrained.

Connoisseurs of comfort can choose a comfortable shower tray with a seat. There are models with fixed or folding elements made of wood or plastic

If there are dogs, cats or other pets in the apartment, it is better to give preference to deep structures. Plumbing equipment plays an important role.

It is recommended to choose a tray for installation in the shower, equipped with a siphon. This is due to what to pick up new siphon, suitable for a specific model is quite difficult.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Before purchasing a shower tray, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the current topical video.

Which pallet is better - a short overview of corner pallets:

How to choose the depth of the shower tray:

The modern market of plumbing materials offers a wide selection of shower trays, differing in shapes, sizes, materials of manufacture, functional additions and various decorative elements.

A comparative review of shower trays of different configurations will allow you to navigate the variety of options and purchase a model that is ideal for your room.

Still can’t decide on a shower tray? Or do you still have questions about the topic of our article? Please ask them in the comments - we'll figure it out together.