Shower Trays

Shower trays, in their earliest forms, can be traced back to ancient civilisations. The Greeks and Romans, renowned for their innovative engineering, created communal bathhouses where water was channelled through intricately designed systems. While these did not resemble our modern-day shower trays, they certainly laid the groundwork for efficient water drainage.

In the Middle Ages, bathing habits in Europe declined, partly due to the fall of the Roman Empire and the loss of their bathing culture. However, as the Renaissance blossomed, a renewed interest in hygiene saw rudimentary shower setups re-emerge. These showers often consisted of a wooden plank with holes to allow water to flow away. Not quite a tray, but the beginning of a design that would evolve with time.

The Purpose of Shower Trays

The primary function of a shower tray is to collect and direct water towards the drain, preventing water from spilling onto the bathroom floor. This, in turn, prevents potential accidents and damage to flooring materials. Modern shower trays also enhance the aesthetics of a bathroom, with their sleek designs complementing the overall decor. Materials used range from acrylic and stone resin to ceramic and stainless steel, each offering a unique finish.

The Modern Era and Evolution

The 19th and 20th centuries brought significant innovations to plumbing and bathroom design. With the rise of indoor plumbing, showers moved from the realm of luxury to a common feature in most households. Shower trays began to see advancements in design and materials.

In the 20th century, acrylic became a popular material for shower trays due to its lightweight and durable nature. Its non-porous surface made it resistant to mould and mildew, a significant benefit in damp environments.

With the dawn of the 21st century, the demand for bespoke bathroom designs surged. Shower trays began to be customised to suit individual needs. Walk-in showers, for instance, became a rage, leading to the introduction of low-profile trays that seamlessly fit into the bathroom floor.

The environmental movement also impacted the evolution of shower trays. The industry saw a rise in the use of recycled materials, ensuring sustainability without compromising on quality or design.

More than Just a Tray

Today, shower trays have transcended their primary functional role. They're no longer just platforms to stand on while showering; they're style statements. With endless design options, from minimalist and sleek to ornate and luxurious, shower trays can elevate the overall aesthetics of a bathroom.

Furthermore, advancements in technology mean that today's shower trays offer enhanced slip resistance, ensuring a safer showering experience.

What Shape of Shower Tray is Right For Me?

Square Shower Trays:

Square shower trays represent simplicity at its best. A timeless classic, these trays fit effortlessly into a variety of bathroom layouts. Whether you have a compact bathroom or a spacious one, the symmetrical design of square trays offers the flexibility to place them in any corner or against any wall. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, square trays excel in functionality. Their even proportions ensure consistent water drainage, while their compact size makes cleaning a breeze. If you're someone who values elegance combined with practicality, a square shower tray might just be the perfect fit for your bathroom.

Rectangular Shower Trays:

For those who relish a spacious showering experience, rectangular shower trays are an ideal choice. Offering ample space, these trays are perfect for bathrooms with a longer layout or for those who desire a more luxurious shower space. One of the key benefits of a rectangular tray is its versatility in terms of placement. It can easily accommodate both wall-mounted and corner installations. In addition, its elongated shape can create the illusion of a bigger bathroom, adding a touch of sophistication. So, if space is a luxury you cherish, a rectangular shower tray will not disappoint.

Quadrant Shower Trays:

A quadrant shower tray, with its distinctive curved edge, is specifically designed to fit into the corners of a bathroom. This makes them a favourite for homeowners looking to maximise their space or those working with smaller bathroom dimensions. Aesthetically, quadrant trays introduce a softer, rounded element into the bathroom, breaking the monotony of straight lines and sharp edges. This design not only offers an aesthetic appeal but also ensures efficient water flow towards the drain. Furthermore, the curved design means fewer sharp corners, reducing the risk of accidental bumps and bruises. If optimising corner space while maintaining a stylish edge is your goal, a quadrant shower tray is a worthy contender.

You can also opt for an offset quadrant shower tray which offer an asymmetrical layout. One side is elongated, providing a more spacious showering area compared to standard quadrant trays. This design is particularly beneficial for those who desire a bit more room to move about but are constrained by corner installations. Visually, the offset design brings a unique twist to the bathroom, offering a blend of curves and straight lines. Functionally, the added space ensures a more comfortable showering experience without compromising on the benefits of a quadrant design. For those wanting to strike a balance between space and style, offset quadrant trays provide the perfect solution.

Pentagon Shower Trays:

The Pentagon Shower Tray has carved its niche in the realm of bathroom design with its distinctive five-sided form. Designed to sit perfectly in a room's corner, this tray isn't just about saving space; it's about redefining aesthetics. Especially in bathrooms where every inch counts, the Pentagon Shower Tray offers a unique solution. By fitting seamlessly into corners, it ensures that ample showering space is retained without overwhelming the room's floor. But it's not just about utility; there's an undeniable visual appeal too. The sharp angles and pristine lines imbue the bathroom with a contemporary vibe, making it resonate with modern home decor. Furthermore, in terms of durability, these trays don’t compromise. Crafted from robust materials, they promise longevity and resistance against the usual wear and tear.

Walk-In Shower Trays:

Embodying both comfort and style, Walk-In Shower Trays offer an experience unlike any other. As the name aptly suggests, these trays, with their elongated design, provide a straightforward walk-in experience, complete with a drying area. The brilliance of this design lies in its dual functionality. No longer does one have to brave the cold bathroom floor post-shower. The drying area within the shower space allows for a comfortable transition. In terms of aesthetics, these trays exude a sophisticated charm. Their design, reminiscent of luxury spas, can elevate any bathroom from mundane to magnificent. Safety is another commendable feature of these trays. Often designed with anti-slip surfaces, they ensure that users can enjoy their shower without the constant worry of slips and falls. The absence of steps further reduces any tripping hazards, making it a safe choice for all age groups.

Choosing The Right Shower Tray Manufacturer:

When it comes time to replace your old shower tray, choosing the right manufacturer is key to getting a high-quality product that will last. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which company to go with. Let's take a look at a few stand-out brands in this field of showering essentials to help you in your journey.

Bette:

When it comes to infusing elegance into bathroom design while upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation, few brands can match the legacy of Bette. With its foundations deeply rooted in Delbrück, Westphalia, Bette has crafted a name for itself that is synonymous with excellence in the bathroom fixture industry. For over seven decades, this family-owned business, established by visionaries Heinrich Bette and Günther Schlichterle in 1952, has been at the forefront of bathroom design innovation.

The brand's groundbreaking journey took a notable turn when it introduced the world to the first floor-level shower area, BetteFloor, back in 2006. This product did not merely represent another step in Bette's broadening portfolio, which encompasses washbasins and other bathroom elements; it set a new international standard. Each piece, sculpted from high-quality titanium steel, is a testament to Bette's unwavering dedication to durability without sacrificing style.

The prowess of Bette's shower trays lies in their core material—glazed titanium steel. This isn't just any material, but one that endures the test of time with its exceptional resilience to impacts, scratches, and chemicals. It's this commitment to longevity that places Bette shower trays in a league of their own, allowing them to withstand the daily rigours of bathroom activity without losing their lustre or performance.

One of Bette’s signature design features is the flush-to-floor shower tray, which exemplifies the brand's innovative spirit. These shower trays merge seamlessly with the bathroom floor, fostering a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. This design philosophy caters not only to the visual appeal but also to practicality, significantly enhancing accessibility and minimising the risk of tripping. Here, Bette masterfully balances form with function, creating products that cater to both aesthetic sensibilities and safety concerns.

True to its collaborative ethos, Bette has enlisted the expertise of distinguished designers to challenge the status quo of steel shaping and product aesthetics. Marking the tenth anniversary of their celebrated BetteFloor, the brand enriched its colour palette to include 22 exquisite hues in 9 distinct shades, granting customers the luxury of personalising their space. This choice empowers individuals to tailor their shower trays to harmonise with a diverse range of bathroom designs, asserting Bette’s role as a curator of bespoke bathroom experiences.

The advent of BetteAir in 2021 showcased Bette's relentless pursuit of innovation. As the world's first shower tile, BetteAir was engineered to lie directly on the screed. This pivotal development streamlined installation processes while maintaining the brand's hallmark minimalist design. The unveiling of the BetteLoft Ornament and the BetteCraft washbasin bowl further illustrates how Bette seamlessly weds cutting-edge technology with exquisite design, reinforcing its stature as a trailblazer in bathroom aesthetics and utility.

A Bette shower tray is more than a mere component of a bathroom; it is a long-lasting investment in the sanctuary of cleanliness and relaxation that a bathroom represents. This is where Bette truly shines—turning a functional necessity into an element of luxury and a statement of personal style. Each creation is crafted not only to meet the immediate needs of users but also to anticipate and evolve with the future of bathroom design.

The consideration of Bette's ecological impact is also worth noting. The brand has consistently shown a commitment to sustainable production practices, ensuring that the beauty of its products is matched by responsibility towards the environment. In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental footprints of their purchases, Bette's eco-friendly approach is commendable and increasingly relevant.

The tactile experience of Bette shower trays is equally important. The smooth, glazed surface feels luxurious underfoot, adding a sensory level to the bathroom experience that is often overlooked. This sensory appeal, coupled with the trays’ easy-to-clean nature, ensures that Bette products are as practical as they are pleasurable to use.

Looking ahead, Bette’s trajectory seems poised to continue in the same vein of innovation and quality that has characterised its journey thus far. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and an unyielding passion for design, Bette is set to keep redefining our experience of the bathroom space. Their shower trays, a harmonious blend of form and function, stand as a testament to the brand's philosophy that the finest bathrooms should cater to both our needs and our desires.

Ideal Standard:

For more than a century, Ideal Standard has made itself known as a titan of bathroom design. Ideal Standard has set itself apart, fusing innovative design with exemplary functionality to create bathroom solutions that don't just meet but often exceed the expectations of their discerning clientele.

At the heart of Ideal Standard's offering is the commitment to an exceptional showering experience that doesn't sacrifice safety, comfort, or style. This is exemplified in their i.life range, particularly the Ultra Flat S series. It's rare to find a product that effortlessly marries the practical with the pleasingly aesthetic, yet these shower trays manage just that. Crafted from a refined composite of marble and resin, they present a durable surface that replicates the tactile and visual charm of a stone-finish effect, enhanced with natural slip resistance.

Durability extends beyond the mere resistance to wear and tear; it encapsulates a resilience to the chemicals and light exposure often found in bathroom environments. Furthermore, the incorporation of technology that inhibits bacterial growth not only enhances the longevity of these trays but also ensures they uphold the highest standards of hygiene. This isn't just a surface you stand on; it's a bulwark against the microbes that are unseen yet unwelcome in any bathroom setting.

Personalisation lies at the heart of contemporary bathroom design, and Ideal Standard rises to the occasion with an offering of four sophisticated colours: Pure White, Jet Black, Concrete Grey, and Sand. This palette caters to a broad spectrum of design preferences, enabling homeowners to tailor their shower spaces to their unique tastes. These trays don't just fit into your bathroom; they complement it, with each shade meticulously selected to bring a touch of refined elegance to the space. The addition of a waste and matching waste cover further exemplifies the brand's attention to detail, with each component designed to seamlessly integrate into the overall look and feel of the bathroom.

Safety, a paramount concern in any bathroom design, is assured with the inclusion of an anti-slip surface as a standard feature across Ideal Standard's trays. This is indicative of a brand that does not treat safety features as an afterthought but as an integral part of the design process, ensuring peace of mind with every use.

The Simplicity series brings yet another layer to Ideal Standard's comprehensive approach. With lengths varying from the compact 700mm to the expansive 1700mm, these shower trays cater to an array of bathroom sizes and configurations. While specific details of the Simplicity series’ features are elusive, the range of sizes alone suggests a versatility that is emblematic of Ideal Standard's approach to bathroom design: there is something for everyone, and every space can be accommodated.

Turning our attention to the material prowess of the Ultra Flat S series, we find the innovative Ideal Solid®, a robust blend of resin and natural mineral filler, topped with a stone effect for enhanced slip resistance. Such material innovation is not merely a talking point but a testament to Ideal Standard's relentless pursuit of excellence, where safety is seamlessly woven into the fabric of design aesthetics.

In conclusion, Ideal Standard's array of shower trays is more than mere bathroom fittings; they are a confluence of a century's worth of innovation, design excellence, and a forward-thinking approach to the bathroom experience. From the tactile allure of the stone-finish effect to the assured safety of their anti-slip surfaces, these trays stand as a testament to what bathroom solutions should aspire to be. Their adaptability across various aesthetics and bathroom dimensions further cements their position as indispensable components of any modern bathroom.

Ideal Standard, with its storied history and forward-thinking innovation, has not just redefined the standards of bathroom design; it has elevated them, ensuring that with every installation of an Ideal Standard shower tray, one is stepping into a legacy of unmatched quality, enduring design, and a bathing experience that remains unparalleled. The brand's reputation as a leader in the field is not just well-earned; it's well-founded in every product that bears its name, promising a blend of form and function that is as enduring as it is endearing.

Roman Showers:

Nestled in the heart of County Durham since 1985, Roman Showers has steadily risen as a beacon of British excellence within the bathroom industry. What began as a humble enterprise selling bath screens has since blossomed into the UK’s most prodigious shower manufacturing plant, a testament to over three decades of relentless innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Roman Shower trays epitomise this ethos, infusing luxury with functionality to create products that are not just a mere component of a bathroom but a cornerstone of the modern bathing experience. Let’s delve into what makes these trays not just a purchase but an investment in enduring sophistication and utility.

The Hallmark of Quality

At the core of Roman Showers’ philosophy lies a rigorous standard of quality. High-quality materials are not just a choice but a standard, with finely crafted and anodised aluminium forming the backbone of their products. This material provides an exceptional balance of strength and lightness, ensuring that Roman shower trays are sturdy yet easy to install. The anodising process further enhances the aluminium’s natural qualities, bolstering its resistance to corrosion and extending its lifespan significantly.

Safety is another pillar of Roman’s product ethos. Their shower enclosures are fitted with toughened safety glass, meticulously tested to comply with the stringent EN14428 standard. This ensures the glass is a cut above ordinary panes, being five times stronger and, if broken, crumbling into far less hazardous pieces. It’s this attention to detail that underscores Roman’s dedication to its customers’ well-being.

Innovative by Design

When it comes to innovation, Roman showers don’t just follow trends; they set them. Their product range caters to the diverse needs of families, embodying inclusivity in every design. Features like door-less entry and level access are not just aesthetic choices but functional enhancements that ensure effortless usage for individuals regardless of age or mobility.

The sleek and designer finish of these trays disguises the functional prowess they hold. From the luxury range that boasts various shapes and sizes to accommodate any bathroom layout to the innovative Infinity Slate Shower Trays with their textured surface and stylish, load-bearing linear waste cover, each product is a marvel of modern design.

Furthermore, the commitment to innovation extends to safety as well, with the Anti-Slip Shower Trays meeting the DIN Class C standard for anti-slip surfaces. Whether it’s the unique Neo Angle options or the gracefully curved Walk-In Enclosure tray, Roman has a tailored solution for every enclosure type.

Sustainability at Its Core

With a nod to the future and a responsibility towards the planet, Roman Showers has been ISO14001 certified since 2009. This not only showcases their dedication to sustainability but also reflects an understanding that environmental responsibility is not a mere buzzword but a business imperative. From the manufacturing process to the finished product, Roman’s ecological consciousness is evident and firmly places them at the forefront of sustainable bathroom design.

Customer Service Excellence

Understanding that even the most refined product requires exemplary after-sale support, Roman Showers prides itself on its robust customer service. With a dedicated in-house team and over 40 Technical Service Representatives nationwide, assistance is never far away. This network of professionals is not only well-versed in the Roman product collection but also embodies the company's ethos of customer-centric service.

A Colour Palette to Complement Every Style

In a stroke of thoughtful design, Roman’s shower trays feature colour-coordinated wastes, a detail that allows for a harmonious blend with the overarching bathroom brassware. It’s these thoughtful touches that set Roman apart, recognising that the beauty of a product lies as much in its visual appeal as in its functional merits.

An Investment in Your Home

Investing in a Roman shower tray is more than just upgrading a bathroom; it’s about enriching one’s daily ritual of rejuvenation. The unwavering quality, commitment to innovation, and conscientious customer service all culminate in offering a product that stands the test of time. With Roman, customers are not just buying a shower tray; they are selecting a centrepiece that will elevate their bathroom from a mere functional space to an oasis of comfort and style.

Shower Trays - Conclusion

As we draw the curtain on our exploration of shower trays, we can see how these bathroom stalwarts have evolved from mere functional necessities to symbols of personal style and comfort. The journey through the different shapes and contours of shower trays has illustrated their adaptability to both space and function, showcasing how they can be both a focal point of design and a testament to ingenuity.

From the quintessential square trays that fit snugly in the standard bathroom to the luxurious walk-in enclosures designed for a more spacious and opulent experience, each shape has been a response to the changing landscape of home design and user needs. The variety extends beyond mere form, with brands like Roman Shower bringing an unprecedented level of quality and elegance to the table.

As we have seen, brands play a crucial role in the shower tray saga, each carving out their niche through unique offerings. The diversity in the market ensures that there is a shower tray for every bathroom, catering to different aesthetics, budgets, and installation requirements. It’s through this competition and variety that innovation thrives, leading to advancements in materials, safety features, and eco-friendly designs.

Understanding the history of shower trays has also been a journey through time, reflecting societal changes, technological advancements, and an evolving understanding of what it means to have a personal, hygienic space. It’s fascinating to see how the rudimentary basins of the past have transformed into today’s sophisticated and stylish fixtures.

In conclusion, shower trays may be one of the more understated elements of bathroom design, but they are by no means the least important. They are the foundation of our showering experience, both literally and figuratively. As we look forward to future trends, one thing is clear: the evolution of shower trays is far from over. They will continue to adapt, evolve, and impress, just as they have for years.