Stone resin shower trays

typeractive

Hi all,

I'm hoping for some advice. This may be a trivial question but I've had two people (who usually give very sound advice) say the opposite. To me I didn't think there would be much of a difference but they seem to stick to their opinion. Basically am I best off installing my stone resin shower tray:

1. Stuck to the plyboard flooring and tile up to it or,
2. Stuck onto the top of the tiles - allowing full times to be underneath.

Now I was just going to go with option 2 for a neater job, and less cutting for the tiler.

Does it really make any difference?!! Like I said a trivial question but it's annoying me and if it is better to go for option 1, then I need to get the tray installed before the tiler visits!!

Thanks!!
:beer:

p.s. I find these trays very annoying. I've bought 2 different sizes, one arrived crakced so had to go through the ridiculously long process of refunding, and then the other one seems to have developed a hairline crack also now. It's too late to send it back - gutted!!

phill99

How are you going to access the waste when it is in situ? If it blocks or develops a leak, you will need to access it.

If you raise the shower tray up on timber to allow for access, then take the tiles under the tray slightly and put a upvc panel in to hide the timber work.

If the tray is stuck to the floor, you need to allow and access point on the floor that you can lift up and then push your hand under the tray to access the waste. In that case, take the tiles up to the shower tray.

typeractive

phill99 wrote: »

How are you going to access the waste when it is in situ? If it blocks or develops a leak, you will need to access it.

If you raise the shower tray up on timber to allow for access, then take the tiles under the tray slightly and put a upvc panel in to hide the timber work.

If the tray is stuck to the floor, you need to allow and access point on the floor that you can lift up and then push your hand under the tray to access the waste. In that case, take the tiles up to the shower tray.

Hi phill99 - thanks for that

The access point will be from the kitchen ceiling. I know many will gasp, though my best mate is a plasterer so it should be ok. However in my en suite bathroom it is more complex as I require a saniflo - and I have done exactly that - built a raised platform which will have a plastic fascia to get my hand in under the shower trap.

So, bearing that in mind, my question still remains. On top of the ply or on top of the tiles? :S

Tucker

The resin tray is supposed to be bedded onto a mortar mix normally.

I bedded mine onto the ply floor, then cut the floor tiles and tiled upto it.

I really don't know what the implications are of bedding onto tiles, if any, but it would strike me that a mortar mix might not key too well to them?

I'm sure a bathroom fitter will come along and give you a pointer.

typeractive

cheers tucker!

I know the mortar is what is recommended, but everyone I have spoken to has used either rapid set or even dry wall adhesive! :eek:

It's a good point that you make though, andout keying into the surface. Perhaps one is more forgiving than the other?

I know it's a bonkers question to ask, but stuff like this bugs me!

:beer:

Tucker

typeractive wrote: »

I know it's a bonkers question to ask, but stuff like this bugs me!

:beer:

Not at all. I've made a few mistakes with DIY through just doing what I thought was sensible, only to find a bit of simple research would have saved me doing it twice and double the cost!

Even tradesman want to do things that are not recommended and you are exactly right to question and then chose the tradesman that uses the best method.

typeractive

Tucker wrote: »

Not at all. I've made a few mistakes with DIY through just doing what I thought was sensible, only to find a bit of simple research would have saved me doing it twice and double the cost!

Even tradesman want to do things that are not recommended and you are exactly right to question and then chose the tradesman that uses the best method.

You're right! - Thanks very much!

Any other advice people?

SuzieSue

typeractive wrote: »

then the other one seems to have developed a hairline crack also now. It's too late to send it back - gutted!!

Why is it too late to send it back, have you had it for years?

typeractive

Hi

I've had it around 8 months? it was a complete pain in the bum when I sent back the tray that arrived with a crack, let alone this one I've had for ages.

Thanks

SuzieSue

typeractive wrote: »

Hi

I've had it around 8 months? it was a complete pain in the bum when I sent back the tray that arrived with a crack, let alone this one I've had for ages.

Thanks

ok, it's probably not worth the hassle, but a shower tray should last more than 8 months without cracking expecially if it hasn't even been used.

If the supplier won't agree to a refund or replacement and you paid by credit card, you could try the cc provider.

typeractive

SuzieSue wrote: »

ok, it's probably not worth the hassle, but a shower tray should last more than 8 months without cracking expecially if it hasn't even been used.

I share the exact same sentiments. Bloomin annoying!

If the supplier won't agree to a refund or replacement and you paid by credit card, you could try the cc provider.

If only I had wised to the wprld of credit cards when I bought it - boo! However, I am now paying for everything on my credit card! lol.

I think I might contact the manufacturer of the tray actually. Though I know the place I bought it from had a dodgy batch from the supplier (which I guess for all I know could be a different company from that of the manufacturer) and they were being very awkward to deal with. Still it could be worthwhile. I have evidence of the previous tray being faulty from the same time of purchase. I know we have been ultra careful with storing it and placing it when necessary. It's never been knocked etc.

Thanks