Selecting the correct shower tray size and dimensions is one of the most important considerations when renovating or installing a new bathroom. The shower tray forms the base of your shower area and getting its size and proportions right is crucial for both visual appeal and practical daily use. That’s why you should have a clear idea about different shower tray sizes.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding shower tray sizes and dimensions within the context of UK bathrooms. We’ll cover the significance of choosing sizes suited for your specific space, explore the most popular standard shower tray dimensions, and discuss what shapes and custom options are available.
Key factors in determining shower tray sizes like enclosure compatibility, bathroom layout, and material choices will also be addressed. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently pick shower trays and dimensions that are tailored to your bathroom’s size and design. Continue to read and let’s learn more about shower tray sizes in the UK.
Understanding the Importance of Shower Tray Sizes
A shower tray that’s undersized or oversized for its enclosure and location can negatively impact your whole bathroom. Visually, an incorrectly sized shower area sticks out and makes the room look imbalanced. Practically, entering and exiting an improperly sized tray can feel cramped and uncomfortable on a daily basis.
The shower cubicle and tray are intrinsically linked when planning a bath space. The tray should always be measured and selected with its accompanying shower enclosure in mind. Many shower cubicle and tray combinations are designed specifically to fit together across standard size options.
Most manufacturers in the UK produce shower trays and enclosures based on standard sizing conventions. Common external shower tray sizes in Britain include 700x700mm, 750x750mm, 800x800mm, 900x900mm, 1000x1000mm, and 1200x1200mm. Understanding these typical shower tray size guidelines is key for a well-designed bathroom.
Popular Shower Tray Sizes and Dimensions in the UK
You can find many different shower tray dimensions out there in the UK. The most commonly seen shower tray dimensions are outlined below.
- 700x700mm – Best suited for small bathrooms and secondary spaces. Still allows comfortable standing and movement. Fits a standard quad 900mm x 900mm shower enclosure. In other words, this shower tray is ideal for small shower cubicles.
- 750x750mm – Slightly wider tray suitable for compact bathrooms. Pairs well with a 1000mm x 1000mm shower cubicle.
- 800x800mm – One of the most popular standard sizes. Provides ample space for most users without dominating smaller bathrooms. Works with 900mm-1000mm shower enclosures. If you have a shower with standard shower dimensions, this is the shower tray size you need to think of. That’s because it will fit perfectly well with the standard shower width.
- 900x900mm – Extra room for standing and bending make this a top choice for main bathroom installations. Requires a larger 1200mm x 1200mm shower enclosure.
- 1000x1000mm – A generous size that offers lavish showering room for two people or mobility aid users. Needs a suitably oversized quadrant shower enclosure.
Shower trays are measured by their external dimensions from edge to edge. These should match up precisely with the interior dimensions of the shower cubicle for ideal fitting alignment during installation. Note that some manufacturers may list internal shower tray sizes which are 50-100mm smaller on a side.
Compared to other countries, popular shower tray dimensions in the UK tend to be more compact in design. Smaller bathrooms in British homes have led to optimized sizing standards between 700-900mm for most shower trays and enclosures.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shower Tray Sizes
Along with matching your chosen shower enclosure style and model, there are several other essential factors that will guide your shower tray sizing selection. Here are the important factors to consider before considering perfect shower cubicle measurements.
Bathroom Size and Layout
The size and floorplan of your bathroom dictates the maximum shower tray dimensions suitable for the space. As a rule of thumb, the shower area should not exceed a third of total bathroom floor area, especially in smaller rooms. Consider how the swing of shower doors will impact room traffic and access to other fixtures. This will help you to end up with locating the right shower cubicle dimensions.
Material and Shape
Shower tray materials like acrylic, stone resin, and enameled steel are available in different sizes and shape configurations. Measure your alcove space and note what material properties are best aligned with your bathroom aesthetic.
Shower Enclosure Compatibility
Review the manufacturer specs for your desired make and model of shower enclosure. Quadrant, offset quadrant, corner, walk-in, and other enclosure types often list exact recommended shower tray dimensions or pair models for guaranteed compatibility.
Overall Bathroom Design Scheme
Look at how the shower zone proportions, material finish, and shape matches with other bathroom elements like tiles, cabinets, lighting etc. Maintain visual continuity of lines, textures, and colors in your material and sizing choices. No matter what your bathroom design scheme looks like, you can always find something out of shower tray sizes UK.
Choosing the Right Shape for Your Shower Tray
Now you have a clear idea on how to pick the right size of a shower tray. Along with that, you should also be mindful about the shape of it. Beyond the basic size, selecting what form and geometric structure your shower tray takes also requires careful deliberation:
Square Shower Trays
The most common shape option, square shower trays maximize standing area for a given width dimension. They have a clean, contemporary style suited to modern bathrooms. Square trays over 700mm provide adequate movement leeway.
Rectangular Shower Trays
Rectangular trays prioritize extra front-to-back or side-to-side space for a more spacious feel. They allow for larger door access or more comfortable chair/bench seating. Pair with straight sliding doors.
Quadrant Shower Trays
Quadrants place the shower area neatly into a back corner, great for freeing up traffic space. The “quarter circle” front creates an appealing curvaceous outline. Match with curved quadrant doors.
Pentagon and Angled Shower Trays
For a more dramatic silhouette, pentagon and angular trays add strong geometric interest to bathrooms. The sloped sides or pointed shape still deliver roomy interiors. Coordinate with similarly angled enclosures.
Custom vs. Standard Shower Tray Sizes
Within the typical UK shower dimension range of 700-1000mm, you can choose between standard or custom-made tray sizes.
The main benefits of standard 700mm, 800mm, or 900mm shower tray sizes include:
- Lower Cost - Standard sizes are mass-produced so cost less than custom options.
- Faster Delivery - As popular sizes are stocked in warehouse inventory, standard trays ship faster.
- Wider Product Selection - More finishes and styles available across standard dimensions.
- Easier Installation - Common sizes have predictable enclosure pairings and fittings.
Custom shower trays provide:
- Precise Fit - Made-to-measure sizes are crafted to fit spaces perfectly.
- Unique Looks - Excellent for achieving bespoke showers within unusual rooms.
- Optimized Layouts - Custom sizes can improve ergonomics and access over standards.
- Matched Styling - Border and profile design is tailored to other bathroom finishes.
Custom trays are advisable when working within small alcoves, around complex architecture, or to match with a bespoke enclosure design. Neo-angle, wet rooms, and curbless showers often need made-to-measure tray fabrication.
For minimal gaps between glass walls, niches, and trays, precision custom sizes are preferred. UK home renovators frequently get custom trays created for older properties with irregular floorplans.
Installation Tips for Different Shower Tray Sizes
Carefully installing shower trays ensures water integrity, durable performance, and hassle-free maintenance:
Small Shower Trays Under 800mm
Compact trays benefit from a support frame or legs kit to lift the tray base by 50-150mm for comfortable access. Generously seal all perimeter edges between tray, floor, walls and niche using a quality neutral-cure silicone. Check doors fully clear tray rims when opened.
Large Shower Trays Over 900mm
Reinforce floor strength before installation to hold potential water weight exceeding 150kg if a large shower tray fills up. Maintain at least 30mm width clearance between tray edges and walls or doors to avoid scrapes when opening them. Precisely level the tray so water drains effectively without pooling.
Unusual Shaped Trays
First test positioning by taping the outline shape onto the floor. Pre-fit any custom supports and panels prior to final installation. Run extensive silicone beads along intricate tray edges and seams around complex forms. Verify bespoke trays have proper structural bracing fitted underneath for rigidity.
For all tray types, thoroughly clean then dry all bonding areas so the silicone adhesive seals tightly. Avoid walking on installed trays until the silicone completely hardens overnight. Check drainage by flooding the tray with water and assessing flow.
Conclusion
Determining the ideal shower tray size and dimensions for your bathroom remodel, new build or replacement project is an intricate balance of practical spatial allowances and attractive visual proportions. Take time to analyze the room layout and exact enclosure match ups so your tray size harmonizes beautifully with the overall shower and bathing zone design.
With some foresight into the options around standard versus custom sizes, specialized shapes and material finishes, you can craft a shower space that delivers luxurious functionality for years to come.
Now you must be looking for a place to buy shower trays in the UK. This is where Elegant Showers can help you with. Feel free to browse through the website for available shower trays and get your hands on the best one out of them.
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