Advantages and disadvantages of different types of shower trays

There was a time when the types of shower trays available on the market were very few. However, the development of technology and the emergence of new materials has favored that, today, the catalog of most specialty stores, as is the case of ParaTuReforma, is really wide and varied.

However, this fact has added an extra complexity to the choice. For this reason, in this article we want to tell you what criteria to take into account and what types exist. Don’t miss it.

Shower trays: an increasingly common option

There are many reasons to change from a bath to a shower. These are the most important ones:

• You will use less water. It is estimated that approximately 200 liters of water are used to fill the bathtub. On the other hand, taking a 5-minute shower requires only 60 liters.
• You will have more space. In fact, it is one of the most practical solutions to increase the feeling of spaciousness in a small bathroom.
• You will provide greater safety for your family. The bathroom is the place where most domestic accidents occur. Especially when getting in and out of the bathtub. By opting for the installation of a shower tray, you will reduce the risk of falls considerably.
• It will cost you less to clean your bathroom. In fact, as with built-in shower trays, you can use the mop to remove the dirt, saving you from bending over.

In addition, the price of shower trays is almost always lower than that of bathtubs. The same applies to their installation.

How to choose a shower tray

To select the best shower tray for your home, you need to consider these aspects:

• The material. We will delve into this in the next section, so don’t worry.
• Shape. It can be square, rectangular or rounded. This will mark, to a large extent, the choice of the shower enclosure.
• Available space. In some cases, you can buy the shower tray to measure. In others, as is the case of those made of resin or mineral filler, you will have to cut it yourself or whoever is in charge of the reform.
• Above ground or embedded? This will determine whether its surface is at ground level or incorporates a small step in the access.

Types of shower trays

Now it is time to explain the different types of shower trays you can find on the market.

Porcelain or ceramic

They are known as glazed stoneware shower trays, since the ceramic or porcelain cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is usually covered with a paint or enamel that gives it a series of very interesting characteristics. For example, it prevents stains from appearing and is very easy to clean.

These materials are also appreciated for their hardness and shock resistance. In fact, if the enamel is damaged, it can be easily replaced . They are also light (weighing between 30 and 45 kilograms, as a rule) and inexpensive, but not slip-resistant. Therefore, you should exercise extreme caution when using them.

Resin

Shower trays made of resin or synthetic concrete are in fashion. The reasons? They are many and varied. Let’s take a look at them:

• They look clean and uniform.
• They are practically unbreakable if specific tools are not used.
• You can cut them if the available space in your bathroom does not correspond to any standardized size.
• They have a 100% non-slip surface.
• They are easy to maintain and have an almost unlimited service life.

In addition, these shower trays can be placed in any way and are available in a multitude of shapes and sizes. The only drawback we can cite is that their price is higher than that of most other variants on the market.

Acrylic

Acrylic shower trays have become the users’ preferred alternative to those made of glazed stoneware. The reasons are simple: they match their characteristics in terms of low weight, compatibility with all types of floors and ease of cleaning. It is also economical and has anti-slip qualities.

The only handicap that can be put to this type of shower tray is that it is very sensitive to scratches. Any blow can cause damage that is difficult to repair.

Mineral filler

Very similar in aesthetic terms to resin shower trays. In fact, they have very similar characteristics. They are produced from quartz, marble or other mineral suitable for bathrooms, which is then mixed with polyurethane or polyester resin to give it greater consistency and certain additional properties. Their only drawback is also the price.

Natural stone

Generally, the natural stones used for the manufacture of shower trays are slate or graphite. This is mainly because they provide excellent antibacterial properties and are antibacterial and anti-slip.

However, we cannot forget that they have two disadvantages. The first is that this type of shower tray is very heavy, which makes it difficult to install. In turn, it can easily splinter if, for example, you drop a bottle of shampoo or a similar object.

Even so, at an aesthetic level, within rustic style spaces, there is no better alternative.

Extraflats

This name is given to all shower trays whose thickness does not exceed 5 cm. Therefore, the step they offer to access their interior is minimal. They should not be confused with built-in shower trays, which are flush with the floor.

Slip-resistant

As we have seen above, all shower trays include anti-slip treatments, with the exception of those made of glazed stoneware. To compensate for this, they usually have some relief to increase grip. However, it is always advisable to place mats, stickers and other elements that minimize the risk of slipping.

Are you already clear about the different types of shower trays? Then, enter the ParaTuReforma catalog and choose the right one for you. And if you have any doubts, please contact us, we will be happy to advise you!