If you thought buying a shower tray was simple, think again.
You’ll want as much showering space as is possible to squeeze into your bathroom, but the size and shape of a tray can impact the position and size of other fittings, and can vary in cost depending on what material it’s made from and what sort of screen is required.
Check out our top tips for buying the right shower tray.
SQUARE
This standard shape is a versatile option – sizes range from 76sq cm to a more luxurious 90sq cm – and it can be positioned in a corner, along a wall or even in the middle of the room.
Cast stone resin tray (W76cm x D76cm x H5.5cm), £39.98, B&Q
PENTAGONAL
This tray fits neatly into a corner and is designed to take up as little floor space as possible – the ideal choice if you want to squeeze a separate shower enclosure into a compact bathroom.
LA Genta low-profile pentagonal shower tray (W90cm x D90cm x H3.5cm), £120, Bathroom Heaven
QUADRANT
Thanks to the curved front of this design, there’s a little more showering space than the pentagonal tray but it needs a curved shower screen, which is more expensive than a flat screen.
Quadrant acrylic capped stone resin tray (W80cm x D80cm x H3.5cm), £109, Flight range, Mira Showers
RECTANGULAR
Got a large bathroom? Go for maximum showering space with a rectangular design. They start from around 120cm long, but you can get them the same length as a bath (170cm).
Superplan XXL steel enamel tray (W170cm x D75cm x H4.7cm), £523, Kaldewei
DRYING AREA
A tray with its own drying area allows you to towel off before stepping out of the shower so you don’t need to use a bath mat or duck board – handy if you’ve got the space for it.
Tefeli stone resin tray (W123.5cm x D88.5cm x H18cm), £275, Vogue Bathrooms
LOW-LEVEL
Usually available in square or rectangular shapes, low-level trays are recessed into the floor and are increasingly popular as they create the feel of a wet room without the expense and hassle of having to waterproof the entire floor area. Tile up to the edges for a smart finish.
Sculptures low-level tray (W120cm x D80cm), from £325, Roman
Tags: buying shower tray, choose shower tray, shower tray
