Angela Hartnett

Wet room shower tray - buying guide

Shower trays play a vital role in various types and designs of walk-in showers. With an overload of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect fit. Are you uncertain about the model, style, or material that would best suit your needs? Go through this wet room shower tray buying guide to learn all the essential things you need to know!  

How to choose a wet room shower tray?

It's important to make sure that the shower tray you choose fits perfectly in your wet room. You should consider the shape, size, and color of the tray to ensure a good fit, which will prevent any leaks. If you have a small wet room, a space-saving quadrant shower tray would be a smart choice. On the other hand, for a larger bathroom, a rectangular shower tray combined with a walk-in shower enclosure could work well.

Also, it's important to think about the overall look you want to achieve. For example, a white shower tray will look sleek and simple, and a gray model can create a natural stone effect.

What kind of floor is there in your bathroom? 

If the floor is uneven, it's recommended to place the wet room shower tray on adjustable feet. However, if you prefer a more organized surface, you can place the shower tray directly on the concrete floor.

Wet room shower trays: models & dimensions

You can find shower trays in various shapes and sizes that perfectly match your preferences. Below, we've provided a summary of the most popular shower trays and the sizes they come in.

Quadrant shower trays - the most traditional shower tray

Quadrant shower trays have a curved edge and is suitable for installation in the corner of the bathroom to maximize the available space - these shower trays have dimensions ranging from 90x76 cm to 120 x90 cm.

Low shower trays

These shower trays are available in a rectangular shape and are ideal for the walk-in shower. The low shower trays are available in a white acrylic finish and with the following dimensions – 90 x 80cm to 170 x 80cm

Rectangular shower trays

Rectangular shower trays offer the most space and are used with sliding doors or walk-in showers. At online stores you'll easily find rectangular shower trays from a minimum of 90 x 70cm to a maximum of 170 x 90cm.

Square shower trays

Square shower trays are a versatile option as they can be used with a range of shower doors such as hinged, swinging and folding doors. There are square shower trays available in various formats, from a minimum of 76 x 76cm to a maximum of 100 x 100cm. These shower trays are perfect for vinyl flooring, and a large range of other floor types. 



What are wet room shower trays made of? Different types of wet room shower trays

As the bathroom is a frequently used area, it's crucial to select a shower tray that isn't only affordable but also of top-notch quality and has a long-lasting lifespan. There are different types of wet room shower trays available in the market, such as stone resin or acrylic composite.

Acrylic shower trays are lightweight and have a thickness of around 4.5mm, which is reinforced with wood. They offer greater flexibility and are less prone to scratches, but this flexibility can also increase the likelihood of cracks.

On the other hand, SMC shower trays are composed of a blend of stone resin and natural minerals, which results in a shower tray that has a natural stone effect. These trays are lightweight yet extremely durable, and unlike acrylic shower bases, they don't bend or warp.

How to keep the wet room shower tray clean?

Regular cleaning of your wet room tray is essential to avoid the accumulation of soap scum, dirt, and limescale. We have some useful tips to help you remove the most common stains that may appear on your shower tray. However, before starting the cleaning process, we suggest that you refer to the manual provided by the shower tray supplier. It's always a good idea to check if there is any specific cleaning advice based on the material of the shower tray.

Remove limescale

To get rid of limescale buildup on your shower tray, you can use either white vinegar or lemon juice. Additionally, you can also try using toilet cleaner and an old toothbrush to remove the limescale effectively.

Rust Removal

If you use a can of shaving cream in the shower, it might leave some unsightly rust marks on the tray. But don't worry, there are ways to remove them! You can try using half a potato dipped in baking soda to polish away the rust - it may sound unusual, but it actually works. Alternatively, you could pour some white vinegar or lemon juice on the rust spot, let it sit for a few hours, then rinse and scrub it with a sponge.

Removing Mold and Mildew

In case the sealant appears black, it's likely to be mold and mildew, which can be a challenge to eliminate. You may consider using an antifungal spray and letting it sit overnight before scrubbing it with a toothbrush the next day. If this method proves to be ineffective, you may have to remove the existing caulk and reapply it to seal the shower again. 

Angela Hartnett.