What Are Villeroy & Boch Shower Trays Made Of?
Villeroy & Boch shower trays are primarily made from Quaryl®, a unique material that combines natural quartz and acrylic resin. This blend makes the trays highly durable and resistant to everyday wear. Unlike standard plastic or ceramic, Quaryl® has a solid, non-porous surface that resists stains and scratches, so it keeps its fresh look even with regular use. It’s also simple to clean, as dirt doesn’t cling to the surface, and it’s warm to the touch, which adds to the comfort.
Another key feature of Quaryl® is its ability to be moulded into precise shapes and designs. This makes it possible for Villeroy & Boch to offer ultra-slim shower trays that can fit neatly into modern bathroom designs. The material also has anti-slip properties, which is useful for safety, especially in wet conditions.
What Finishes and Colours Are Available for Villeroy & Boch Shower Trays?
Villeroy & Boch offers a variety of finishes for their shower trays, most commonly in White Alpin. This clean, neutral shade works well in almost any bathroom style, whether you’re going for a minimalistic look or something more traditional. For those wanting something different, there are also matte finishes available, which give a more contemporary feel to the bathroom.
The Subway Infinity trays are particularly versatile, as they can be customised in a range of colours beyond the standard white. This flexibility means you can choose a colour that best fits your bathroom scheme, from cool shades to earthy tones. Additionally, the matte finishes provide a more modern look while being easier to maintain as they show fewer watermarks and fingerprints.
What Are the Key Features of the Villeroy & Boch Subway Shower Trays?
The Villeroy & Boch Subway range of shower trays offers versatility and practical design, catering to various bathroom layouts and needs. One of the standout features of this collection is the Subway Infinity series, which can be customised in terms of size and colour, making it highly adaptable for different spaces.
Subway trays are available in multiple shapes, including square, rectangular, and even quadrant designs. These options allow you to choose the right fit based on your bathroom’s layout. Whether you’re renovating a small bathroom or planning a larger shower area, the Subway trays provide flexibility in terms of installation. For those with unique bathroom layouts, the Subway Infinity trays can be cut to size with millimetre precision, which is ideal for rooms with awkward corners or columns.
One key feature is the flush-fitting installation option. This means the shower tray sits level with the floor, creating a seamless transition between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a practical solution for creating an open, easy-access shower space, especially in walk-in designs. A floor-level installation also makes the bathroom feel more spacious, as there’s no raised edge to break the flow.
Durability is another important aspect of the Subway trays. Made from Villeroy & Boch’s Quaryl® material, they are resistant to everyday wear and tear, including scratches, stains, and discolouration. This makes them a long-lasting option for bathrooms that see frequent use. The non-porous surface of the Quaryl® material also means that the trays are easy to clean and maintain, as dirt and grime don’t easily cling to the surface.
For those concerned about safety, the Subway range includes trays with anti-slip properties, which reduce the risk of slipping in wet conditions. This is particularly important in family homes or bathrooms used by elderly individuals. The texture of the tray’s surface provides a subtle grip while maintaining a smooth, stylish appearance.
Additionally, the Subway Infinity shower trays have been recognised for their design quality, winning both the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award in 2016. These accolades highlight the balance of functionality and design that the trays offer. The rimless, modern design of the Subway trays is ideal for those looking for a clean, contemporary look in their bathroom.
In terms of colours, the Subway Infinity trays offer more than just the standard white finish. You can choose from a wide range of colours to suit your bathroom’s aesthetic, whether you prefer neutral tones or something more bold. This customisation makes the Subway trays a versatile option for homeowners looking to create a personalised bathroom design.
What Is Unique About Villeroy & Boch Architectura Shower Trays?
The Architectura range from Villeroy & Boch is designed with a minimalist, sleek aesthetic in mind. These trays feature ultra-slim profiles, with some models being as thin as 15mm. This low-profile design gives the shower tray a modern, unobtrusive look that blends into the bathroom seamlessly. If you’re aiming for a clean and simple bathroom design, the Architectura trays are a perfect match.
Like the Subway range, Architectura trays come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are available in square, rectangular, and quadrant designs, catering to different bathroom layouts. Whether you need a compact tray for a small bathroom or a larger tray for a walk-in shower, the Architectura range offers plenty of options. For instance, you can find trays as small as 900 x 700mm, all the way up to 1800 x 900mm. This flexibility in sizing allows for maximum use of space, whether you're working with a compact bathroom or a larger room.
One of the standout features of the Architectura trays is their focus on easy access and modern design. Many of the trays are designed for flush installation, which means they sit level with the bathroom floor. This provides a clean, seamless look, making the bathroom feel more open and spacious. It also makes the shower easier to access, particularly in walk-in shower designs where there’s no raised edge.
In terms of safety, the Architectura trays don’t compromise. They come with anti-slip surfaces that are integrated into the design. This feature is particularly important for families or those concerned about bathroom safety. Despite being ultra-slim, the trays are robust and sturdy, providing a reliable base for your shower. The textured surface of the tray helps prevent slipping while still maintaining a sleek, smooth finish.
The Architectura trays also offer a choice between different tray depths. Some models are ultra-flat, which is ideal for flush-fitting installations, while others have a slightly raised profile for a more defined look. If you prefer a more traditional shower tray with a visible rim, the Architectura range provides options with low profiles around 48mm. This gives the tray a subtle but noticeable edge without being bulky or outdated.
Made from the same Quaryl® material as the Subway range, the Architectura trays are just as durable. Quaryl® is known for its strength and resilience, which means these trays can withstand everyday use without showing signs of wear. The non-porous surface also makes them easy to clean, as water and dirt don’t penetrate the material. This ensures that the trays remain hygienic and easy to maintain over time.
Another advantage of the Architectura trays is their minimalist design, which pairs well with both contemporary and classic bathroom styles. The clean lines and slim profiles help create a modern, understated look that works well in a wide range of bathroom designs.
In terms of finish, most Architectura trays are available in the classic White Alpin colour. This neutral tone complements any bathroom style and helps create a bright, clean look. If you’re looking for a tray that’s simple, functional, and stylish, the Architectura range is a strong contender.
What Shapes and Sizes Do Villeroy & Boch Shower Trays Come In?
Villeroy & Boch offers an impressive variety of shapes and sizes for their shower trays, ensuring there’s something for every type of bathroom layout. Whether you need a small, compact tray for a tight space or a large tray for a luxurious walk-in shower, their range covers all bases.
For smaller bathrooms, the square trays in sizes like 900 x 900mm or 800 x 800mm are ideal. These compact trays fit well into corners or more confined areas, allowing for efficient use of space without sacrificing comfort. For those with a bit more room, the rectangular trays provide a larger showering area, with sizes going up to 1800 x 900mm. These longer trays are perfect if you’re aiming for a more open, spacious feel in your shower area. They’re also great if you’re replacing an existing bath with a shower, as the rectangular shape often matches the length of a standard bath.
Villeroy & Boch also offers quadrant trays, which are a fantastic space-saving solution for smaller bathrooms or en-suites. These trays have a curved front and fit neatly into corners, offering a stylish alternative to the more traditional square or rectangular options. Quadrant trays are available in various sizes, with 900 x 900mm being a popular choice for those who want to maximise shower space without taking up too much room in the bathroom.
The Subway range in particular stands out for its ability to be customised in size. The Subway Infinity trays can be cut with millimetre precision, making them ideal for bathrooms with unusual layouts, awkward corners, or columns that would otherwise make installation tricky. Sizes range from as small as 800 x 750mm to as large as 1600 x 1000mm, so there’s plenty of flexibility depending on your needs.
The Architectura range, while not offering the same level of customisation as the Subway Infinity, still comes in a broad selection of sizes, from smaller 900 x 700mm trays to larger 1800 x 900mm models. The variety in both ranges means that regardless of the space you’re working with, you’ll be able to find a tray that fits both functionally and aesthetically.
Are Villeroy & Boch Shower Trays Easy to Install?
Installation of Villeroy & Boch shower trays is designed to be straightforward, whether you’re doing a complete bathroom remodel or simply replacing an existing tray. There are three main installation options, which offer flexibility depending on the bathroom layout and personal preferences.
The first option is flush-fitting installation. This is where the shower tray is installed level with the bathroom floor, creating a seamless transition between the shower and the rest of the room. This installation type is perfect for creating a sleek, modern look and is especially popular in contemporary bathrooms. It also makes the shower easier to access, making it ideal for walk-in designs where there are no raised edges to step over. Flush-fitting installations are often seen in minimalist bathrooms, as the smooth, continuous line between the floor and the shower tray makes the room feel more open and spacious. This method is also practical for families with children or older individuals who may benefit from easier access.
The second option is surface-mounted installation. Here, the shower tray is installed on top of the bathroom floor, with a rim that separates the tray from the rest of the room. This installation style is more traditional and creates a clear visual distinction between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. The rim is typically between 2-4 cm high, making it a subtle but noticeable feature. Surface-mounted trays are ideal for bathrooms that don’t require a completely seamless look but still want a low-profile tray that’s easy to enter and exit.
Finally, there’s the option of installing the shower tray on a base. This installation method involves placing the tray on a raised platform or base, which can be custom-designed to fit the tray and bathroom. Installing on a base is often necessary in older homes or bathrooms where the floor isn’t deep enough to accommodate a flush-fitting tray. The raised platform allows for better drainage and can be customised to match the rest of the bathroom design.
Regardless of the installation method you choose, Villeroy & Boch trays are designed for easy installation, with clear instructions and a range of sizes to suit different layouts. The Subway trays, with their precise cut-to-size options, are especially adaptable for tricky installations where custom sizing is required.
How Durable Are Villeroy & Boch Shower Trays?
Villeroy & Boch shower trays are built to last. Their durability stems largely from the Quaryl® material, a blend of natural quartz and acrylic resin. This combination makes the trays resistant to scratches, stains, and everyday wear. Quaryl® is not just tough—it’s also highly functional. The material is non-porous, meaning it doesn’t absorb water or dirt, which helps prevent discolouration over time. It also makes the trays easy to clean, as grime and soap scum can be easily wiped away without scrubbing.
The trays are designed to maintain their appearance and functionality for years, even in high-traffic bathrooms. Unlike cheaper plastic or fibreglass trays, which can crack or fade, Quaryl® retains its structure and finish over time. This makes it an excellent choice for bathrooms that see a lot of use, as well as for homeowners who want a low-maintenance solution.
Another key feature that adds to the durability of Villeroy & Boch trays is their resistance to impact. Whether it’s a dropped shampoo bottle or the wear and tear of daily use, the trays are built to withstand it. This is particularly important in family homes or shared bathrooms where the shower is used multiple times a day.
The trays are also designed with safety in mind. Many models come with anti-slip surfaces, either as standard or as an optional feature. These textured surfaces provide added grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls, particularly in wet conditions. The anti-slip feature doesn’t detract from the smooth, sleek finish of the tray, so you don’t have to compromise on style for safety.
In addition to being scratch and slip-resistant, the trays are also resistant to heat. This means they can handle changes in temperature without warping or cracking, making them ideal for use with both hot and cold water.
Overall, the combination of Quaryl®’s toughness, easy maintenance, and safety features makes Villeroy & Boch shower trays a long-lasting and reliable choice for any bathroom. Whether you choose a Subway tray for its customisable size options or an Architectura tray for its sleek, minimalist design, you can be confident that your shower tray will stand the test of time.
Which Villeroy & Boch Shower Tray Is Best for My Bathroom?
Choosing the right Villeroy & Boch shower tray for your bathroom depends on several factors, including the size of the room, the layout, and your personal preferences. For smaller bathrooms or en-suites, the Subway range offers flexible sizing options, making it easier to fit a tray into tight spaces without compromising on comfort. The customisable Subway Infinity trays are particularly helpful if your bathroom has challenging features like columns or corners that require a precise fit. These trays can be cut to size, ensuring a perfect installation.
If you're working with a larger bathroom or if you're looking for a sleek, minimalist design, the Architectura range might be more suited to your needs. The ultra-slim profiles and simple, modern lines of these trays make them an excellent choice for open, walk-in showers. The Architectura trays come in a variety of sizes, from compact square models to large rectangular options, so you can select the size that works best for your shower space.
Both the Subway and Architectura ranges feature durable, non-slip surfaces, which are important for safety, especially in family homes or for older users. If accessibility is a priority, the flush-fitting installation available in both ranges is a practical solution that offers easy entry and exit, with a seamless transition between the shower and the rest of the bathroom floor.
Ultimately, the decision between the Subway and Architectura trays comes down to personal style and the specific needs of your bathroom. The Subway range is more versatile in terms of customisation, while the Architectura trays offer a refined, minimalist aesthetic that fits well in modern bathrooms.
Conclusion
Villeroy & Boch shower trays offer a balance of practicality and style, with options suited to a wide variety of bathroom layouts and personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a compact tray for a smaller bathroom or a large, flush-fitting tray for a walk-in shower, Villeroy & Boch provides quality options that are built to last.
If you’re considering upgrading your shower, Bathroom Supplies Online is the perfect place to shop for all Villeroy & Boch products. We offer a wide selection of their shower trays, including the Subway and Architectura collections, at competitive prices. With clear product descriptions and an easy shopping experience, Bathroom Supplies Online ensures that you find exactly what you need to create your ideal bathroom. Explore our range today and invest in a shower tray that offers both quality and durability.
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