You may think choosing a shower tray is a straightforward decision, but there's quite a bit to consider. A shower tray is the foundation of your shower space, and getting the right fit for your shower can ensure proper hygiene, safety and style are all working together to create the best experience.
What’s more, a shower tray can become a design feature of your bathroom that influences and blends both the look and feel of your entire room. From slim, flush wetroom trays to textured stone-effect finishes, the right choice elevates your shower, turning something practical into a more indulgent piece.
5 top tips to choosing a shower tray
With so many sizes, shapes and materials available, choosing the right shower tray can feel overwhelming. To make things simpler, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you narrow down the best option for your bathroom.
1. Measure your space
If you are starting from scratch with your enclosure then before anything else, grab a tape measure and carefully check the available floor area. Think beyond just the tray size, you also need to factor in the swing of your shower door, how the enclosure will fit in the room and the location of the waste pipe. A few extra minutes spent measuring now can save a lot of frustration during installation.
Shower trays are measured by width and depth - and then you will also need to consider the height of your tray. You can check measurements against any of our trays by using the filter menu on the shower trays category page.
2. Pick your shape
Once you know your space, the shape of your tray will usually be the next deciding factor. Quadrant styles are great for corners, while rectangular trays are more spacious and luxurious. Square trays are compact and practical, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms or ensuites. Finally, walk-in or wetroom trays are sleeker in design and the best option for open plan style spaces and accessible bathrooms.
3. Choose your material
The material affects how your tray feels underfoot, how durable it is and how easy it is to maintain. The material can add style, strength and luxury to your shower area.
- Gel-coated stone resin
A premium tray crafted from robust stone resin, and finished with a smooth gel coating that enhances durability and hygiene. The added layer offers improved slip resistance, excellent scratch protection and an easy to clean surface. Many also feature antibacterial technology, making them a reliable choice where safety and cleanliness are top priorities.
- MineralStone with acrylic cap
Built around a strong MineralStone core, these trays are finished with a refined acrylic layer for strength, lightness and comfort. The capped surface is naturally warm underfoot, non-porous and resistant to staining and mould. Slim profiles and the ability to trim to size make them particularly versatile, and many designs are backed by lifetime guarantees for added confidence.
- StoneTech
Exclusive to the Ideal Standard UltraFlat Evo range, StoneTech combines innovation with sustainability. Made with recycled content, these trays are 100% recyclable and free from fibreglass. They require significantly less resin than traditional acrylic trays while offering exceptional resilience. With a Class C anti-slip surface and antibacterial finish, StoneTech trays deliver both safety and style. Each tray can also be trimmed on all sides, ensuring a perfect fit even in bespoke spaces.
4. Select the profile height
Profile height is both a style preference and a practical decision. Go for low profile trays to create a seamless, modern look that is easier to step into like the UltraFlat range from Ideal Standard. These trays go as low as 30mm offering a sleek finish and enhanced accessibility. Some trays can be raised with plinths to sit higher, giving you convenient access to plumbing beneath the tray.
5. Check the waste position
The waste (drain) location matters more than you might think. Some trays are designed with standard positions, while others line up with a typical bath waste to make bath-to-shower conversions simpler. Double check your existing plumbing setup to avoid costly reworks. Shower trays on Drench that are suitable for bath to shower conversions are labelled clearly like this Drench MineralStone Low Profile Bath Replacement Tray - 1700 x 700 to make it easy to find the right tray for your bathroom.
Brands to look for
When investing in a shower tray, choosing a trusted brand is just as important as selecting the right size or material. The best manufacturers combine technical innovation with thoughtful design, ensuring their trays not only perform beautifully but also enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. From ultra-slim, minimalist profiles to eco-conscious materials and handcrafted finishes, these brands are leading the way in creating shower trays that deliver both luxury and longevity.
Ideal Standard
With a reputation for timeless design and innovation, Ideal Standard’s trays pair sleek profiles with advanced materials like StoneTech. The result is a collection that’s sustainable, versatile and beautifully understated.
Drench
Crafted with modern living in mind, Drench trays are slim, lightweight and effortlessly stylish. From slate-effect textures to minimalist MineralStone designs, they combine contemporary aesthetics with everyday practicality.
Harbour
Handmade in the UK, Harbour trays focus on refined craftsmanship and durability. Made to ultra-thin stone resin designs that bring a touch of elegance to walk-in and wetroom settings, backed by long-lasting guarantees.
Choosing the right shower tray is about balancing design with practicality. By measuring carefully, selecting a shape that suits your layout, choosing a material that complements your aesthetic and prioritising safety, you’ll invest in a shower base that feels every bit as luxurious as it looks.
