In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about:
- Shower tray materials.
- Tray shapes and best layouts.
- Slip resistance codes.
- Waste.
- Compatibility.
- Maintenance.
- Longevity.
- Risers.
- Upstands
What Different Shower Tray Materials Are Available?
There are several shower tray materials available to suit different needs and price points.
Stone Resin Shower Trays
Stone resin shower trays are the gold standard. They are heavy, solid, and do not flex under pressure, providing a premium feel.
Acrylic Shower Trays
Acrylic shower trays are affordable and lightweight. However, if not installed on a perfectly flat surface, they can creak under pressure. Consistent flexing of the tray can ruin the seals on the sides of your shower tray over time, introducing leaks.
Slate-Effect Shower Trays
Slate-effect shower trays are made with stone resin and a gel coat. This shower tray material is loved for its natural aesthetic and superior grip, which prevents slipping.
Ceramic Shower Trays
Ceramic trays are traditional and scratch-resistant. However, they are cold to the touch and can crack if heavy objects are dropped on them.
Which Shower Tray Material is Best for Me?
| If You Want | Best Material |
| Maximum Durability | Stone Resin |
| A Budget-Friendly Option | Acrylic |
| A Luxury Aesthetic | Slate-Effect |
| Low Maintenance | Ceramic |
What are the Different Shower Tray Shapes?
There are various types of shower tray shapes available to ensure suitability with your bathroom layout.
Quadrant Shower Trays
Quadrant shower trays are ideal for small en-suites and corner installations.
Rectangular Shower Trays
Rectangular shower trays are great for replacing an old bathtub or for creating a walk-in shower.
Important Note: We recommend installing a rectangular shower tray measuring between 1,400mm and 1,700mm long for a walk-in setup. This length ensures there is a sufficient splash zone to keep the rest of your bathroom floor dry.
Square Shower Trays
Square shower trays are ideal in small bathrooms, including en-suites and guest bathrooms.
Offset Quadrant Shower Trays
Offset quadrant shower trays are ideal for tight bathrooms where you are trying to achieve a spacious feel.
Important Notes: Offset quadrants are not universal. You must choose a right or left-hand model depending on which wall the longer side will sit against. We recommend reviewing the technical drawing before purchasing to ensure you pick the right one.
Furthermore, if you choose to keep your old shower doors and only replace the tray, verify the tray’s radius before placing the order. The door will not seal if its curve does not match that of the trays. Most UK enclosures use a 550mm radius, but it is better to measure twice and buy once.
What are the Shower Tray Slip-Resistance Codes?
The shower tray slip-resistance codes are Class A and Class C (R11+). They are not simply marketing terms; they are essential for safety. Households with elderly users or children benefit more from high-grip, Class C models. Class C models have a higher natural slip resistance than Class A, which provides basic grip.
Do I Need a High-Flow Shower Drain Waste?
If you have a luxury shower head, you need a high-performance drain. Standard wastes do not account for the volume of water high-end shower heads expel. With a mismatched waste, you might notice water pooling before it drains. For luxury shower heads, we recommend a 90mm high-flow waste, positioned near the existing plumbing (to minimise pipework).
Before purchasing, check the technical drawing to see if the waste hole is in the corner or the centre. If you are replacing an old tray, choosing a new one with a similar waste position will save you from having to reroute your under-floor pipework.
Can a Shower Tray be Incompatible With My Bathroom?
A shower tray can be incompatible with your bathroom if it does not fit on the floor or match the enclosure. Always measure the floor space, not the old tray, before installing a new shower tray. Furthermore, if you have a 900mm enclosure, you must have a 900mm tray. Otherwise, you risk creating leaks that could cause extensive water damage.
How do I Maintain my Shower Tray?
Shower trays have varying maintenance requirements based on their material type. Some may require more maintenance than others, which may influence your decision to purchase one over another.
| Material | Recommended Tools | Bleach-Compatible | Scratch Risk |
| Stone Resin | Microfibre / Soft Sponges | No | Moderate |
| Acrylic | Soft Cloth Only | No | High |
| Slate-Effect | Soft-Bristle Brushes | No | Low |
| Ceramic | Microfibre / Soft Brushes | Yes | Very Low |
Stone Resin Shower Trays
Remove limescale and yellowing with a mixture of one part white vinegar and water. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse.
Rinse soap and hair away after every shower to prevent scum build-up.
Run a squeegee or dry cloth over the tray to prevent limescale build-up.
Wash weekly with a soft cloth and warm soapy water or a pH-neutral bathroom cleanser.
Always dry the shower tray with a microfibre cloth.
Do Not
- Use bleach or ammonia. They degrade the resin binders, causing yellowing.
- Do not use steel wool or abrasive pads. It will create tiny scratches that trap dirt.
- Rinse dyes away immediately; resins are susceptible to permanent staining.
Acrylic Shower Trays
- Rinse soap and hair away after every shower to prevent scum build-up.
- Run a squeegee or dry cloth over the tray to prevent limescale build-up.
- Wash weekly with a soft cloth and warm soapy water or a pH-neutral bathroom cleanser.
- Remove limescale and yellowing with a mix of vinegar and water. Leave for 5 minutes and rinse.
Do Not
- Use abrasives (scouring powders, gritty cleaners); they will create microscratches that trap dirt.
- Use aggressive chemicals (bleach, ammonia, and drain unblockers), which cause yellowing and brittleness.
- Never use acetone near your tray; it will effectively melt the acrylic surface.
If you do notice light scratches, you can use a mild polishing compound to buff the surface.
Slate-Effect Shower Trays
Buff a specialist stone sealer or mineral oil to preserve the colour and finish of the shower tray.
Rinse thoroughly to remove soap and hair from the textured grooves.
Dry the surface with a squeegee or microfibre cloth after every use to prevent limescale build-up.
Wash with a soft-bristled brush and a pH-neutral cleaner every week. Doing this will preserve the protective gel coat.
Do Not
- Use scouring pads, this will sand down the slate peaks and ruin the texture.
- Use industrial-strength limescale, bleach or ammonia; this will permanently discolour the stone.
- Use steam cleaners. They can delaminate and crack the gel-coat finish.
Ceramic Shower Trays
- Rinse the tray with the showerhead to clear soap and hair.
- Dry with a microfibre cloth or squeegee to prevent water spots.
- Use diluted bleach to remove yellowing.
Do Not
- Use industrial-strength rust removers containing hydrofluoric acid; these will ruin the ceramic glaze.
How Long Do Shower Trays Last?
| Material Type | Average Lifespan |
| Stone Resin Shower Trays | 20-30 Years |
| Acrylic Shower Trays | 10-15 Years |
| Slate-Effect Shower Trays | 20-30 Years |
| Ceramic Shower Trays | 20-50 Years |
Do I Need a Shower Tray Riser?
If you have a solid concrete floor and can not move your pipes, you must have a riser kit. A riser kit ensures the plumbing can reach underneath your tray. However, if your waste pipes can go into the floor, you can use a low-profile tray.
What is an Upstand Shower Tray?
An upstand shower tray includes a small lip that tucks behind your wall to prevent leaks. It essentially creates a secondary water barrier if your silicone seal fails.
Need a New Shower Tray?
If you need a new shower tray, consider Modern Living Direct as your supplier. We are a family business with over 40 years of experience supplying home appliances to customers across the UK.
We have a large collection of shower trays in various materials, shapes, sizes and price points. So you will surely find what you are looking for.
If you would like to see your new shower tray in person before purchasing or speak with a professional, come and visit us. Our Bradford showroom is open from Monday to Saturday. So you can make real-life comparisons and get 1-2-1 advice.