Whether you are updating your shower or adding another unit in a remodeling job, a shower tray is essential for the shower enclosure. You may be converting a simple bathtub into a shower, or redoing an existing shower, so you will want to look at the various accessories that can make shower time easier and more relaxing.
There are various types of shower trays that you can choose from when you equip your new shower area. They come in different dimensions, and in different shapes as well, from quadrant to rectangle to square. Select one that will not only physically fit in your unit, but one that will also complement the shower enclosure.
If you purchase an acrylic tray for your shower, these are sometimes filled with cold cast resin, and are very durable for daily use. They will also not crack easily, and they have an attractive finish. The surface may include a base that is skid-resistant. You can also purchase shower trays called caddies or totes, that can be mounted or hung in your shower enclosure, to keep body washes and shampoos, loofahs and other bath aids readily at hand.
You will need to take into account the water that will drain from the tray while you are showering. If the tray drains at floor level, you or your plumber might need to install a recessed drain. It is always best to consult with a professional about any new additions to your home, and if you're not a do-it-yourself-er, have a plumber install the shower and accessories.
When a shower tray is installed, it is often fitted first, before the enclosure, since the sealants and tiles used in your shower enclosure might alter the tray's size. Be sure that the tray is securely sealed so that the joints are water-tight, or your shower may leak, causing damage to your bathroom. Seal the entire unit as well, so that water doesn't seep out and damage the ceiling of the room that is right below the bathroom in your home.
Once your tray is installed in the bathroom, you will be ready to install the shower enclosure unit. Many enclosures available today have designs that are frameless, which means less build up of of dirt or lime scale. Be sure that you have taken accurate measurements, allowing for the extra room taken up by the tray. Check your shower enclosure before you have it installed, making sure that it is made solidly, and has no construction flaws. You can test your enclosure to make sure it does not leak, by spraying water between the frame and the glass. Return your shower enclosure if there is even a hint of a leak, because that will get worse over time.
Flat top shower trays are usually readily available in stone resin, and they are excellent to use in enclosures that are frameless by design. It gives you a seal that is watertight, by means of tiling to the rim on the unit. This type of tray allows you to have the maximum usable shower area, since you can use the entire width of the shower tray.