Shower trays: a comparative overview of different types and designs

Choice of shower tray material

95% of shower trays are made from the following five materials:

• acrylic;
• fake diamond;
• enamelled steel;
• plastic;
• ceramics.

Models made of plastic and steel belong to the budget segment. Acrylic, artificial stone and ceramics are significantly more expensive, their purchase will cost 3-4 times more. Each of the materials has its own characteristics and, of course, disadvantages. You can find them in the table below.

Material	Flaws	Minimum price
Acrylic	scratches cracks when hit hard	from 4000 rub.
Fake diamond	cold chipping on impact	from 5800 rub.
enamelled steel	making noise cold looks cheap chipped enamel	from 1500 rub.
Plastic	slippery can expand/contract with temperature fluctuations difficult to wash scratches	from 1500 rub.
Ceramics	cold chipping on impact poor choice of sizes	from 6200 rub.

*Prices are taken average for Russia.

The table shows that the worst options are plastic pallets. Their most significant drawback is the change in size during heating / cooling, which significantly complicates their installation (it is necessary to use an elastic sealant for the joining points, which allows the "play" of the pallet by 1-2 mm). They may also have an unpleasant odor.

Therefore, from budget pallets, it is still better to give preference to enameled steel. But it will have to be finalized with a file, in particular, to perform heat and sound insulation, otherwise it will be extremely uncomfortable to take a shower. Steel is a good solution for giving, but it’s better not to put it in an apartment.

Of the more expensive pallets, acrylic can be called the best, if only because it is warm, quiet and easy to clean. Ceramics is also not bad, but you will have to use a wooden grate or rug with it, otherwise your feet will be cold, especially in the autumn-winter period. Artificial stone is already warmer, but acrylic is still noticeably inferior.

It is important to buy acrylic shower trays from official representatives of manufacturers, otherwise there is a high risk of getting low-quality plastic under the guise of acrylic. This type of scam is widespread, so be careful.

This also applies to models made of stone and ceramics, although the scale of fakes is still noticeably smaller.

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Pallet dimensions

Shower trays are available in different sizes. These can be miniature pallets for limited space and models of sufficiently large sizes. If we are talking about standard pallets, then their minimum dimensions are 70 x 70 cm, maximum - 130 x 130 cm. Exclusive plumbing can be of any size.

Also important is such a parameter as the depth of the pallet. The height of the sides of modern pallets is:

• 2-5 cm - flat or small pallets;
• 5-10 cm - medium pallets;
• 10-18 cm - high pallets.

Manufacturers produce pallets of different heights and sizes.

In hardware stores you can also find more capacious pallets, up to 46 cm deep.

The choice of the size of the shower tray is influenced by both the dimensions of the bathroom and the physical characteristics of family members. So, for overweight people, washing in a 70-centimeter tray will be inconvenient, and sometimes even impossible.

Height and depth of the shower tray

Often, the owners of private baths either equip their washing rooms with the thinnest, inexpensive shower tray in the minimalist style, or completely refuse to install this sanitary ware, simply equipping the floor with a slight slope towards the water drain hole. Along with this, a more rational and effective option in terms of attractiveness and ease of use is a traditional shower cabin with a regular or deep tray.

When looking at the range of shower tray manufacturers, you will find products in three main categories. Information about the existing options is presented in the following table.

Table. Possible height/depth of shower trays

Classification	Characteristics
deep trays	The height of sanitary products in this category is 250-350 mm or more. If desired, you can purchase a very deep shower tray and use it as a small bathtub or additionally equip it with the appropriate elements, turning it into a full-fledged Jacuzzi with hydromassage and other functions.
Shallow shower tray	The average height of pallets in this category is 100-180 mm.
The most flat shower tray	This category includes products whose height does not exceed 100 mm.

Very flat and flat pallets are the best option for baths visited by children, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Deep pallets deserve more detailed consideration.

Built-in flat shower tray

Products in this category are unique in their kind, because they organically combine the functions of a full-fledged shower cabin and a compact bathtub. The use of a deep shower tray is very practical in the baths, which are visited by people who not only appreciate the healing steam, but also love a variety of water treatments.

deep tray

Often, deep shower trays have a semicircular/angular shape. Such a sanitary ware can be organically fit into a suitable corner of the washroom, obtaining a maximum of usable space with a minimum occupied free area. The most organically deep pallets look in combination with polystyrene or glass doors.

If you are in the mood for a rectangular shape, consider purchasing a functional hydraulic box.Such designs favorably combine the usual standing shower and a small deep rectangular bath. Many of these models are equipped with a comfortable seat, the presence of which, in combination with various additional functions, makes washing as comfortable as possible.

Deep shower tray

In general, the choice of a specific shape, dimensions and depth of the shower tray remains at the discretion of the owner: preference is given to the option that will be most appropriate in a particular case and most convenient for the user.

How to make a do-it-yourself tile shower tray

For those people who do not know how to make a shower tray with their own hands, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the technology of this process, as well as the features of each operation.

The main steps in the manufacture and installation of a tile shower tray:

1. Screed filling.
2. Ladder installation.
3. The erection of the side of the pallet.
4. Filling the screed inside the pallet.
5. Waterproofing.
6. Facing.

Filling the screed

The manufacture of the pallet should begin with preparatory operations, during which the existing base must be brought into the appropriate state. First of all, it is necessary to dismantle the old plumbing and tiles, and then check the quality of the rough screed. If an empty sound comes out when tapping the floor, then it is better to remove the old coating, and instead fill in a layer of a new screed, on which the shower tray will be installed.

After that, two coats of primer should be applied to the floor. Now you can start waterproofing. If a liquid mastic was chosen for these purposes, then this material must be applied to the floor, as well as to the walls (up to 400 mm in height).All corners, as well as the joints of the floor and walls, should be especially carefully processed.

After the mastic has hardened, you can start pouring the rough screed onto the floor, this operation should be performed only if the old rough screed is completely dismantled. If you want your bathroom to be warm and comfortable, you can install an underfloor heating system.

Ladder installation

After the screed poured onto the floor hardens, you can proceed with the installation of the trap. A sewer pipe must be connected to the installation site of the shower tray. So that water does not stagnate in the pan during water procedures, the pipe must be supplied with a certain slope, you can check the slope using a level. Then, under the prepared ladder, you can lay a brick, giving the structure the required height, and fix it with plaster or alabaster.

Ladder installation

When the applied mixtures harden well, it is recommended to test the pan for tightness. To do this, you need to pour some water inside and check how quickly it drains into the sewer pipe, as well as how dry all the joints remain. If you find the slightest leak, do not delay fixing this problem.

The erection of the side

For the manufacture of the side, you can use an ordinary brick. The pallet can have the shape of a square or a rectangle, if desired, you can give it a bend. It is necessary to lay the brick taking into account the chosen configuration, so that the side repeats the shape of the future pallet.

Building a brick wall

Before proceeding with the laying of bricks, it is recommended to make markings on the floor, which will help to make a side of the desired shape. Now you can start preparing the cement-sand mortar and laying the bricks.The side should be higher than the ladder, but it should not be made too high, just a few centimeters is enough.

Filling the screed inside the pallet

Now is the time to start pouring the final screed inside the shower tray. To improve the quality of the solution, it is necessary to add a little liquid glass or other water-repellent components to it.

Be sure to place beacons before pouring. Do not forget that the screed should have a slight slope, this can also be controlled using beacons.

Waterproofing

After the screed has dried, you can proceed to the final waterproofing. Coat the dried screed and brick sides with mastic, this will prevent moisture from getting inside. The waterproofing mastic must be applied very carefully, and its layer should not be too thick, since after that it will be possible to proceed to the final stage of work.

Final waterproofing

Facing

When all the preparatory work has already been completed, you can do the facing work. Choose the tile and the way it is placed so that there are as few swatches as possible, then the work will be easier, and the cladding will look much more beautiful.

Facing work must begin from the floor, and then move on to the sides of the structure. Tiles should be laid on the walls in a vertical direction, clearly level, making sure that the rows are even. Lastly, lay the top of the side.

Final tiling

Now you know how to install a tile shower tray. As you can see, there is nothing supernatural in this.

Large cast iron trays: are they used for the shower?

Cast iron models are used for showers and corners.Due to the characteristics of the material and weight of the product, a meager choice of forms is presented on the market. Cast iron, as a material, is characterized by wear resistance, strength and durability.

A corrugated bottom or a special anti-slip coating are mandatory points when choosing a pallet made of such material.

The market offers an extensive selection of pallets, which allows you to take into account personal preferences, bathroom features and design projects. Having studied the presented selection criteria, it will be easier to decide on the appropriate option.

Properties

For the manufacture of pallets, marble, granite or onyx are mainly used. The cost of such products is quite high, so not everyone can afford to buy these models.

It should be noted that there are a large number of positive properties of artificial stone models.

• Original and stylish appearance of products. Such pallets look attractive after special processing.
• These products have a long service life, which is about twenty-five years.
• Pallets have sound insulation due to thick walls.
• Such models will ideally fit into the interior of the bathroom with tiles, mosaics or decorative plaster.

Making a shower tray with your own hands

Despite the fact that the production of shower trays is widespread, and modern manufacturers are ready to offer models for every taste and color, you can try to make a shower tray with your own hands. Instructions for the manufacture of a radius structure are given below.

Illustration	Action Description
	At the first stage, a shower cabin is assembled, fixed on temporary fasteners to the wall at the required height. A shape is cut out of a one-sided sandwich panel.The foam is 10-11 mm thick, and the plastic is 1 mm. The sandwich panel element is installed in such a way that the plastic passes along the outside, and the foam layer goes under the profile of the shower stall. After that, a screed is performed to the calculated level, taking into account the subsequent lining.
	The resulting contour repeats the geometry of the future installed shower cabin. After removing the foam, there will be the necessary place for a layer of waterproofing and glue.
	The next step is to cut off the excess foam to the top level mark.
	Then plastering is performed taking into account all the slopes. For this, a latex-based adhesive is used. Polypropylene fiber is used to increase the strength of the top layer.
	The slope at the maximum distance (length - 98 cm), along which the water will drain, corresponds to a tile thickness of 10 and 3 mm of the waterproofing membrane. Thus, at this length, the slope is about 13 mm.
	The direction of water movement can be simulated using any object that can move independently in the presence of a slope.
	Before proceeding with waterproofing, a reinforcing mesh is laid. It is rolled out and treated with a waterproofing compound.
	Lay the mosaic, gluing it with a polyurethane sealant.
	After the top layer of the cladding has dried, a fragment of the sandwich panel is removed from the side of the pallet. After that, you can trim the protruding parts of the mosaic.
	Perform side cladding.
	At the last stage, jointing of the seams is performed.

Buy a finished product or make it yourself - everyone decides for himself. The main thing is that the shower tray is practical, functional and safe to use.

Shower trays

The main element of the entire design of the cabin, of course, are shower trays. This is the basis, which will determine the further shape and size of the shower room, as well as an element that is considered one of the most important. After all, everything will depend on the strength and convenience of the pallet.

One of the most popular options

Acrylic corner trays

They are the most popular shower option. Acrylic, as you know, is a fairly common material in the bathroom (suffice it to recall modern bathtubs). There are many advantages here - it is durable, does not give in to corrosion, is pleasant to the touch and can take any shape. A shower enclosure with an acrylic tray is ideal for our purposes, and due to the relative simplicity of its manufacture, you can choose a completely different shape (see photo). At the same time, their installation is simple, does not require special skills, and is possible on a wooden floor.

Steel, metal, enameled

Less Popular: This is the cheapest option you can find. The cheapness of this material is due to a significant drawback: the steel itself is cold, so it is not the most pleasant to the touch. Also, such a pallet usually has more flexibility, which is also not very good. Many models require you to buy or make your own screen. Price from 2000 rubles.

Cast iron

The main advantage that attracts the consumer is strength and durability. In addition, although this material warms up slowly, it keeps heat for a long time. There are several significant disadvantages:

1. Large weight, making it difficult to install the pallet.
2. High price (from 8000 rubles).
3. Often the need for a brick podium.

Due to the large weight, it becomes necessary to carefully strengthen the pallet on the podium.

Ceramic and stone trays

Dimensions and shape.

The idea of ​​​​the types of pallets will be incomplete if these characteristics are not mentioned. Manufacturers produce products of various sizes, examples are below:

• 800x800 (80x80 cm);
• 80x100;
• 120x80, 110x80;
• 700x700 mm (70 by 70 cm);
• 90x90, 120x90;
• 100 to 100;
• 120x120, 110x110 and so on.

As you can see, the dimensions can be both small and large.

They also differ in height: low (200 mm), medium and higher.

In stores you can find goods of various production: Russia, Germany and others. If we talk about shapes, they are just as diverse: rectangular, square, angular, with legs and without legs.

Sliding door option

Pros and cons

Such plumbing is notable for its positive and negative features. The advantages of pallets with high sides include the following factors.

• This product can rightfully be considered multifunctional. This is due to the possibility of using a shower cabin with such a design as a small bathroom. This nuance when arranging a small bathroom will make it possible to rationally use the available square meters of the room.
• As practice shows, in such a cabin the air warms up many times faster during water procedures, which makes them more comfortable.
• On sale there are varieties of high pallets, additionally equipped with a removable seat. This option will be the best solution for exploitation by elderly people with disabilities.
• Deep pallets are a great choice for families with small children. Such designs in terms of operation will be much more convenient.
• Shower cabins of this configuration are characterized by ease of installation.
• The ability to additionally complete the design with a hydromassage or other useful device makes it even more popular.
• Options with high sides will be a real boon for families with pets. In such a mini-bathroom, it will be much more convenient to carry out hygiene procedures for even large dogs.
• Most of the presented products of this kind have a classic design. This makes it possible to concisely fit a cabin with high sides into any bathroom interior.

Purpose of the shower tray

The shower tray in the bathroom performs several functions:

1. It forms a drain system that allows liquid to be drained into the sewer using a drain hole or a ladder from the surface of a special container.
2. The pallet performs a heat-insulating function, allows you not to stand on a cold tiled floor.
3. The shower tray is the supporting base of the cabin with enclosing structures and reliably protects the drain system located under it from the load.
4. For a corner structure, a pallet is a necessary element for installing sliding doors.
5. The hermetic capacity of the tray ensures the safety of the shower cabin, protects the half-bath from leakage to the floor below.
6. With the help of the shape and design of the tray, you can emphasize the chosen style in the interior of the bathroom.

Installing shower trays in the bathroom instead of factory-made showers saves even more space.

Compact square shape

Related article:

Which shower tray is better to buy

When choosing an option for yourself, you should not take into account reviews of shower trays or their characteristics. Your own needs are taken into account first. If you clearly define the conditions under which the product will be used, you can easily choose the best option by simply comparing the parameters of the presented models with the necessary indicators. For completeness, we can dwell in more detail on the purpose of all the products considered:

• Ravak Perseus Pro is a versatile, convenient option for any type of small space.
• Weltwasser TRS is a compact shower tray, very easy to use, suitable for public showers due to its strength and small dimensions.
• Wasserkraft Berkel 120×90 (48T07) is a safe model with anti-slip coating that can be easily installed in any bathroom.
• Radaway Doros Plus PT 90×90 SDRPTP9090-01 is a design room model with an unusual design, focused on corner cabinets.
• Aquanet Alfa/Delta 150×80 is a high-quality product capable of retaining its original appearance for many years even under active use.
• The Rush Victoria VI-S90 is a flexible height option available for almost any shower enclosure.

All models presented in the rating have all the characteristics necessary for durable, comfortable use. The selection contains products for all bathrooms with different interiors. The buyer only has to choose the pallet that is suitable specifically for him.

Features and varieties

If the bathroom does not differ in impressive dimensions, then you can install a small bath.However, there are situations when even it is not possible to install it in a small space, and then shower equipment would be the best solution. To do this, you will need a crane and a pallet directly. This design will take up less space than even a sit-down bath, so even in the smallest room it will be possible to additionally accommodate a washing machine, sink or wardrobe.

A shower stall should also be preferred if one of the family members cannot take a bath due to health reasons. Hydroboxing will also help save water consumption, which is why it is especially popular with residents of private houses that do not have a city drain. And of course, many simply prefer a refreshing shower to a hot bath.

The pallet can be high or low. It can have a different shape and be made of a variety of materials.

In addition to its immediate functionality - collecting and draining dirty water, the pallet performs several more important tasks:

• the pallet is the skeleton of the shower cabin, it holds the doors and sides, ensures the strength and stability of the hydrobox;
• protects drain communications from mechanical damage;
• they are sealed, so hygiene procedures are safe;
• the installation creates a thermal insulation layer between the cemented floor and the person's feet.

The modern plumbing market offers a wide selection of pallets of various shapes, sizes and shades, so that everyone can choose a product for every taste and budget. With a competent approach to the choice of installation, the box will become a stylish "chip" in the design of the bathroom.

The geometric parameters of the pallets determine the design of the entire structure, which is why experts recommend starting to choose the right model from the shape. For example, there are rectangular, square or asymmetrical pallets. Some manufacturers also produce more unexpected options - a snail-shaped pallet or multi-level structures; round models are also in high demand. The most popular models of corner types, they are installed, as the name suggests, in the corner of the bathroom and save space. By the way, in this case it is not at all necessary to equip a completely shower room - the shower itself and curtains will be enough. But this, of course, is at the discretion of the owners of the apartment / house. If the bathroom has a partition or a niche, this will greatly simplify the task of installing the cabin. Some people prefer to build their own pallet and then clad it with stone or tile.

The second factor that can have a significant impact on the choice of a pallet is the overall size of the hydrobox. Often there are situations when the shower cabin simply does not fit into the room. To avoid this, you should first measure the height of the ceiling - it must be greater than or equal to the sum of the heights of the pallet and the walls of the hydrobox. Also, an additional 15-20 cm should be added here for the installation of pipes and the installation of a siphon.

The installation height directly depends on the length of the pallet edge. Manufacturers offer several options:

• up to 4.5 cm high;
• about 10 cm high;
• height from 18 cm.

The characteristics of the shower cabin also depend on the lengths of the sides of the pallet, each of which can be from 70 to 130 cm.Typical dimensions of pallets are considered to be 1000x1000, 900x900, 800x800 mm, but there are other sizes depending on the model and manufacturer.

According to experts, models of 70x70 cm are considered the best-selling ones, they have a minimum price, although they leave almost no free space for taking hygiene procedures.

Which is better: a shower with a roof or without, but with a rain shower?

If the priority is a closed shower box, then it already has a roof and walls. The interior space is closed on all sides.

It is possible to carry out such water procedures that were previously available only to clients of expensive salons. This device can perform a number of functions:

• Suitable for aromatherapy.
• Equipped with a ventilation system.
• In hydroboxes there are lanterns of lateral and top lighting.
• There will be no mold and dampness in the room.

Open cabins do not have a roof. Therefore, it will not be possible to use a Turkish shower, hydromassage or a mini-steam room. But such a cabin is cheaper and easy to install. It can be installed directly on the bathroom floor. On sale you can find showers without a roof of various shapes: round, angular and rectangular.

Pros and cons of a device without a top

If you choose a budget shower cabin that will be mounted on the bathroom floor, an open type of device is the best solution.

The advantages of these products:

• Inexpensive.
• They have a simple package. Their installation requires less effort, time and special knowledge.
• Low. They can be placed in rooms of any height.
• Quality. For example, the semi-circular OBI Jakarta cabin without a roof is characterized by increased strength due to the metal frame elements. Made from abrasion and corrosion resistant materials.The surface is easy to clean.
• Illumination inside the cab. Thanks to this, the process of taking a shower becomes comfortable.

Photo 1. An example of an installed shower cabin without a top in the interior of a real bathroom.

Minuses:

• Impossibility of use in bathrooms with insufficient waterproofing. Steam escaping from the top of the appliance settles on the walls, furniture and ceiling. If the finishing materials are not resistant to moisture, the appearance of the room will be lost, mold and insects will appear.
• Open models have a limited set of functions. You will not be able to use a steam bath or sauna, as well as equip a cascade or rain shower.

Choice of door opening method

Even if the overall dimensions of the equipment fit into the room and do not interfere with standing near the sink or opening the cabinet, it may be inconvenient to use it due to incorrectly selected doors and the way they are opened. And sometimes it's not safe. Therefore, before choosing a shower cabin, it would be a good idea to study this issue.

In terms of design and opening mechanism, the doors of shower cabins differ little from their interior counterparts.

• Swing doors are mounted on standard hinges to fixed walls. They can only open outward, which can be very inconvenient and unsafe, especially in a small bathroom and if there are children, animals, and people with limited mobility or incapacitated residents in the house. As a rule, this option is chosen for spacious bathrooms.
• Pendulum doors open both outward and inward and are hinged. Not suitable for all designs, which limits their use.

Pendulum doors are installed only on shower enclosures with a large interior space

• Sliding doors are more common than others, as they are suitable for any model and do not require additional space in front of the booth for free opening. Their movement along the guides is provided by special roller mechanisms.
• Folding doors in terms of comfort and ergonomics are between swing and sliding. In fact, these are accordion doors, consisting of two canvases connected by hinges. When opened, they fold up, taking up much less space than a solid swinging canvas. They can only be flat, so they are suitable only for rectangular cabins.

Video description

Often, when arranging a shower enclosure in a niche, it is enough just to install a tray and hang doors. How to do it right is shown in the video:

Helpful Hints

When equipping a bathroom in a house or a shower room in a bath, it is important to study the rating of shower cabins with a high tray in terms of quality and price, and find the right ratio for you. Most domestic and foreign manufacturers have a very wide model and size range of such equipment, so you can most likely find a booth of the desired dimensions and the desired brand .. In this case, the following nuances should be taken into account:

In this case, the following nuances should be taken into account:

• to the external dimensions of products of a closed or partially open type, it is necessary to add the clearance to the walls specified in the instructions. As a rule, it does not exceed 3 cm;
• you need to make sure that after installation, the booth will not interfere with approaching other objects, will not restrict the opening of lockers or access to counters and taps;
• as practice shows, models with an external wall width of less than 90 cm are not very suitable for comfortable showering, even for people of normal build.If the bathroom has a modest size and does not accommodate a full-fledged hydrobox of this size, it is better to give preference to an open design without rear walls;

Open models have an internal area

for corner models "a quarter of a circle" you need to know the size diagonally from the corner to the door, since it can be much larger than expected;

it is very important to pay attention to the height of the assembly, as the top cover may require up to 30 cm of free space above the walls.

Video description

Additionally, we recommend watching a video on how to choose a shower cabin:

Conclusion

In order not to run into an unpleasant surprise when installing the purchased shower stall in place or in the process of using it, before buying, you must carefully measure everything and take into account all the parameters of the equipment. In such a situation, not only external dimensions are important, but also the configuration, and the possibility of supplying communications, and the design of the doors, and the presence of a roof, and the convenience of the internal space. Color, style and material of manufacture also matter, but compared to size, they are secondary.