Choosing a shower tray
Stone resin vs acrylic, sizes, and what installers wish you knew before ordering.
At a glance
Quick Checklist
Key points at a glance
- 1Check your drain position before ordering
- 2Measure doorframe access for delivery
- 3Know your floor void depth
- 4Decide: stone resin (premium) or acrylic (budget)
- 5Look for anti-slip rating Class B or C
Questions to ask your installer
Take these to your next conversation with your fitter
- 1What's the floor void depth where the shower will go?
- 2Can we achieve the fall needed for a low-profile tray?
- 3Is the existing waste in the right position or will it need moving?
- 4What size waste outlet does the current drainage use?
- 5Will the tray I've chosen fit through my doors for delivery?
- 6Do you recommend stone resin or acrylic for my situation?
💡 Tip: A good installer will welcome these questions. If they dismiss them, that's a red flag.
💡Myth vs Reality
Common Myth
"All shower trays are basically the same"
The Reality
There's a huge difference between a £60 acrylic tray and a £300 stone resin one in terms of durability, feel, and longevity.
Common Myth
"Low-profile trays are always better"
The Reality
They look great but need specific floor conditions. Standard height trays are often easier to install and maintain.
What to look for
- •Stone resin trays are heavier but more durable and feel more premium underfoot
- •Check the waste position matches your drainage location before ordering
- •Low-profile trays (25-40mm) look sleek but need a raised floor or lowered drain
- •Anti-slip ratings matter - look for Class C for wet barefoot use
Common mistakes
- •Ordering before checking existing drain position and waste outlet size
- •Choosing a tray too large for the doorframe access during delivery
- •Forgetting to account for the shower screen thickness when measuring
- •Selecting the wrong waste trap depth for the available floor void
Quality considerations
- •Acrylic trays flex slightly - stone resin stays rigid and feels more solid
- •Gel-coat finishes on cheaper trays can yellow over time
- •Reinforced bases prevent cracking - ask about the underside structure
- •A good tray should last 20+ years - factor this into your budget decision
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This guide is written to help you make informed decisions, not to sell you anything. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified installer.