Advice on affordable & durable shower trays?

theviralwebstories

Hi all,

I’m currently updating a small en-suite and trying to keep costs low without cutting corners on quality. I'm at the stage where I need to choose a new shower tray, but I’m finding it surprisingly hard to figure out which ones offer the best value for money.

Has anyone here found a particular brand or material (stone resin vs. acrylic, etc.) that lasts well without breaking the bank?

Also curious if buying online (from places like Victorian Plumbing or similar) is generally better than going to local bathroom showrooms, price-wise? I’m happy to shop around if it means saving a few quid, but don’t want to end up with something flimsy.

Thanks in advance – any tips welcome!

20122013

I usually check out where tradesman shop (screwfix     and tool station, not B&Q) I usually read most of the reviews to see there are any tips I can takeaway.

Regarding shower trays I do not have personal experience but from what I have read, you are on the right track about crack and leaks, but also made sure the sealant is the correct choice, how much weight it can take and flexible etc  (this is from the reviews sections)

I hope someone with more knowledge will come along shortly.

hubr

My advice probably outdated, but if you do decide on acrylic or fibreglass, I found 3 thickness options were available, as for bathtubs. The very thin option would feel wobbly so I suggest a minimum thickness of 8mm.

Correct choice of sealant is essential to avoid leaks

anselld

It is more about correct fitting.  A cheap tray may be long lasting if well fitted, whereas an expensive one may crack or leak if poorly fitted.
Under tray remove existing flooring and reinforce with at least 18mm marine ply.  Bed tray on a hard setting mortar, not a flex cement.  Tile down onto tray with small spacer circa 2mm.  Seal with a decent silicone, Dow 785+ etc.

koalakoala

Be sure to choose non slip

stripling

@theviralwebstories
Has anyone here found a particular brand or material (stone resin vs. acrylic, etc.) that lasts well without breaking the bank?

Why get a shower tray? My shower is a tiled base flush with the tiled floor it slopes imperceptibly to the outlet like a wet-room floor. It looks nice, it works well with a high pressure shower. The base is called Marmox. It hasn't so much as flickered in 10 years and it looks great. 

pinkshoes

theviralwebstories said:

Hi all,

I’m currently updating a small en-suite and trying to keep costs low without cutting corners on quality. I'm at the stage where I need to choose a new shower tray, but I’m finding it surprisingly hard to figure out which ones offer the best value for money.

Has anyone here found a particular brand or material (stone resin vs. acrylic, etc.) that lasts well without breaking the bank?

Also curious if buying online (from places like Victorian Plumbing or similar) is generally better than going to local bathroom showrooms, price-wise? I’m happy to shop around if it means saving a few quid, but don’t want to end up with something flimsy.

Thanks in advance – any tips welcome!

We bought this one 3 years ago and it's been brilliant:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mira-flight-safe-rectangular-shower-tray-white-1200mm-x-700mm-x-40mm/7367x

We wanted one that was quite rigid and didn't flex like the previous one did, but also a non slip one.

jennifernil

We have the same as above, but in the 1200 x 900 size.  Totally non-slip.

stuart45

I prefer to use ones with an upstand that don't need that silicone bead along the bottom.