Choosing your shower enclosure and tray is not just about complementing the choices you’ve made in regards to design, or the type of shower you’ve selected. There are many factors that you must take into consideration when buying a shower tray such a materials, cost, and space.

Choosing your shower enclosure and tray is not just about complementing the choices you’ve made in regards to design, or the type of shower you’ve selected. There are many factors that you must take into consideration when buying a shower tray such a materials, cost, and space.

One of the most important parts of a shower enclosure is the shower tray. Choosing the right shower tray for an enclosure may seem like a simple enough job. However, the shape of your shower tray will determine what kind of shower enclosure you will have. Shower trays can vary in both height and shape to suit a whole variety of different bathroom spaces. Hopefully, our handy guide will help you to choose the most appropriate shower tray for your bathroom.

How to Measure a Shower Tray

Making sure you fit a shower tray that is the correct size is extremely important. If you’re measuring for a new shower tray and you’re simply replacing your old one then this task won’t take long. Grab a tape measure and check all of the sides to find out the length and width. We have another option though. Cut out the shower tray dimensions onto cardboard and you will be able to gauge how much space the shower tray will occupy. Doing this will also identify whether or not you will need to invest in a differently shaped shower tray.

However, if you are opting for a quadrant shower tray you will need to take measurements differently. When measuring a quadrant shower try you will need to work out the radius. To do this measure one side, this will give you the length, then measure from one side up to the point the line of the enclosure starts to arc.

Materials and Durability

Your bathroom will see a lot of use as time passes, which is why it is even more important to find a shower tray that is a worthy investment. Here at Bathshop321, we stock a wide selection of stone capped shower trays. This material is made from shards of stone in a special resin, which is polished when finished. There is an acrylic cap which means the stone core is shielded and the surface is resistant to wear and tear.

Shape

The main feature of the shower tray is its shape. This is completely dependent on the size of your bathroom, the floor space available and when you would like to install your shower enclosure. Below we list some of the most popular shower trays available.

Square shower trays are one of the most versatile shower trays. They are very appealing as they can be slotted into corners, alcoves and positioned centrally. Additionally, this type of shower tray can suit both modern and traditional bathroom styles.

The quadrant shower tray boasts a clever design. They are ideal in corners and can be used in spaces where there isn’t very much room. Quadrant shower trays are essential if you’re looking to save vital floor space. Quadrant shower trays are becoming increasingly popular for smaller bathrooms such as cloakroom spaces.

This tray is a very similar shape to the quadrant and is an ideal candidate for corners where one wall is longer than the other.

The rectangular shower tray covers a large surface area is oozes luxury. Rectangular shower enclosures are a popular option for going alongside walk-in shower enclosures as they offer a modern, minimalistic look.

Sealing Your Shower Tray

Making sure that your shower tray is correctly sealed is important as this will prevent waterproofing problems from occurring. A shower tray seal will prevent any water from getting underneath the tray. To ensure that you are applying sealant correctly then it is advised that you take the time to prepare beforehand.

How to Seal

As a rule of thumb, always read over the manufacturer’s instructions prior to application.The first thing you will have to make sure of is that your shower tray and walls are dry and completely free from dirt and dust. Once you have done this you can begin to seal the area. Make sure that you are applying an even amount of sealant so it covers the gap between the tray and the surface it is being applied to. If there are any gaps, apply more sealant to that area.

Once you have applied each line of sealant you can begin release pressure from the sealant applicator and wipe any excess away. The next step is to smooth out the sealant.

Taking a smoothing tool, start from the point where you first applied the sealant and begin to work the tool across the length of the tray to remove any excess sealant. Once you have smoothed down the sealant there is no need to go back and do it again. This could lead to the sealant breaking and possibly not adhere properly. Once you have done all of this you will need to leave the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours.

If you’re searching for high-quality shower trays that you ca