Shower Tray Types

1) Resin-Stone

The most popular type of tray in the UK market is the Resin-Stone tray. This is made from a composite of resin & minerals set in a mould with either acrylic sheet or gel coat for the surface. These trays are very robust and are often the most competitively priced.

2) Acrylic

Acrylic Trays are often perceived to be less durable than Resin-Stone Trays as they are much lighter. However, brands such as Showerlux and Manhattan make acrylic shower trays with extra reinforcement.

Acrylic trays come on adjustable legs, which make it easier to access the waste water pipe. They often come with an optional tiling upstand strip and many brands supply a waste fitting in the package. Acrylic Shower trays often have attractive design features such as having a totally flat base, unlike most resin trays. 

 3) Fireclay (Ceramic)

Fireclay shower trays are still available from various suppliers in limited sizes. Whilst they have a brilliant glazed finish, which matches other bathroom pottery, they are hard to transport, are susceptible to damage in transit and are often not compatible with many shower enclosures.

4) Pressed Steel

Pressed Steel shower trays are available from some suppliers and are made in the same way as a pressed steel bath. They normally come supplied with either legs or a cradle, like an acrylic tray. Please note that steel trays come with a price premium and have long lead times. Again, they are not often compatible with many enclosures.

 5) Tiling Upstands

A tiling upstand is a strip, which runs along the outside edges of the tray, which touch the walls and is there to be tiled over. Most are integral with the tray but some makes of tray supply the upstand as an adhesive strip, which may or may not be used.

 6) Riser Trays

A riser tray is one, which is on legs. These are often more popular where there is a solid floor so that it is easier to run the waste water away. With a Resin-Stone tray, this can make it quite high off the floor.

 Mushroom wastes

These are just the same as a waste with a grid but are often thought to be more attractive.