Shower Trays & Drains

The Shower Tray

This handy item is fitted to the floor of a shower with its main purpose being to guide water to the drain. The gradient/lip of the tray needs to be such that the water is channeled straight to the drain and no areas of pooling should occur. 

The first thing to do when replacing or choosing a new shower drain is to know the correct dimensions. Most showers will have a base of a standard size unless custom designed. They then fall into two broad categories, namely low profile, and adjustable height.

A low-profile shower grate needs to be fitted against the floor and piping beneath the tray may become inaccessible when using this option. Adjustable height trays on the other hand make use of adjustable legs. These are useful as they allow access to piping underneath for the purpose of maintenance.

Another factor to consider is whether a single, double or triple threshold tray is needed. A threshold is essentially a groove in the tray that can accommodate a sheet of glass/door.

Choose the material the tray is composed of based on style as well as practicality. Some may match and enhance the bathroom decor while some are effortless to clean and maintain. Which criteria are most important is a personal preference.

Types of Shower Trays and Shower Bases

Tiled shower tray

Though a tiled shower base entails more work than other base installations it can give a bathroom a sophisticated and uniform look. This option is best accompanied by 3 surrounding walls being tiled with the same tile design or at least the same colour scheme.

A tile shower floor can lead to a more stable surface that doesn’t bend to the user’s weight when stepped on. Since the surface makes use of tiles it can be customizable to any shape or size.

Though the look is more luxurious than other options the maintenance is also higher. Grouting may accumulate stains that are almost impossible to get out and if not installed by a professional, leaks may occur due to not having a watertight seal.

The removal and renovation of tiled floors are also very cumbersome and require ripping out the tiles and the surrounding wall tiles that the sealant may have come into contact with.

A great compromise to get the look, as well as simpler maintenance, is to get a tileable or already tiled shower tray. This is also a great way to spruce up a shower box and really make it fit into the bathroom decor.

Stainless steel shower tray

Traditionally, stainless steel shower trays have been used in emergency showers where corrosive chemicals may be present on an individual’s body or clothes. They are thus resistant to acids and other strong chemicals.

They have since become popular in households due to their many benefits. Steel has an extremely long-lasting quality and isn’t susceptible to chipping like ceramic bases. Usually, with rounded corners and some slip-resistant patterns and coating, these trays are very easy to clean and maintain.

The material is resistant to impacts and abrasions and is usually composed of metal 3-3.5mm in thickness. The stainless steel shower tray is best accented by matte surrounding colours and transparent (unfrosted) glass. If the shower is framed by metal with a similar colour it may add to the look due to matching metal detailing.

Acrylic Shower Trays 

Acrylic shower trays are fast becoming a classic choice for showers. The sleek design is guaranteed to look great in any bathroom due to its versatility. This material is very easy to maintain and doesn’t accrue a build-up of soap scum or experience staining.

Acrylic shower trays are also non-slippery when wet but can come with anti-slip raised patterns. Acrylic additionally has insulating properties which means it can help the hot water in the shower retain its heat. This material is however sensitive to scratches. 

Custom shower tray

If a shower floor has a unique shape or just outlier dimensions, a custom shower tray is required. The most typical shapes are square, rectangle and quadrant shaped but the options are not limited to these. Most companies specialising in this field can cut a tray into almost any shape.

The degrees of customization are size/area, the thickness of the tray, drain location, the construction material, and the coating material (anti-slip and insulation). The choice of colour is also customisable.

Some common materials are stone resin, marble, acrylic, fiberglass, and stainless steel among many others. All of these are attractive and versatile. 

For a modern look choose a stunning jet black shower tray composed of marble tiles. Even more alluring is if the tray tiles are arranged in a chic geometric pattern. Combine this with shower panels that have slim black frames as well as black shower accessories such as shelves and handrails.

Shower tray maintenance

Most trays have a coating that allows them to be cleaned very easily. Most only need to be wiped with a microfiber cloth and water. If a commercial shower cleaner is to be used always rinse the tray very thoroughly to ensure no residual cleaner is present.

Try to never expose it to acetones, varnishes, alcohols, or any corrosive acids of any kind. If drain cleaner is administered always pour it directly into the drain and avoid exposure to the surface of the tray. 

If scratches occur or any superficial damage that can be easily repaired, most bases come with a repair kit or one can be requested. All that is required is knowledge of the material, colour, and texture of the tray being repaired.

Ensure the sealant is maintained around it and if any leakage begins to occur, re-apply the sealant or just apply some sealant where necessary. If the shower floor has grouting, clean this bi-weekly with a water and baking soda mixture to prevent stubborn stains from occurring.

Each type of base will have its specific set of needs. The degree of maintenance required is very important when choosing a shower base as it could mean not having to replace one for many years.

Shower drains and grates

Shower drains and shower grates are not just functional elements of a bathroom, but can also be stylish design features. A well-designed and properly installed shower drain will efficiently channel water away from the shower tray, preventing water damage and the build-up of harmful bacteria. Shower grates come in a variety of materials, such as stainless steel or brass, and can be customised to match the overall look of a bathroom.