A Guide to Choosing the Right Shower Tray

Choosing a shower tray may not be the most visible part of designing a bathroom, but it plays an important role in both the appearance and functionality of the showering space.

A well-chosen shower tray helps create a clean and integrated finish while supporting effective drainage, durability, accessibility, and everyday comfort. From shape and size to material and installation requirements, there are several important factors to consider when selecting the right shower tray for your bathroom.

Whether designing a compact en-suite or a larger walk-in shower layout, this guide explores everything you need to know about choosing the right shower tray.

Why Shower Trays Matter

Shower trays form the foundation of the shower enclosure, helping contain water effectively while contributing to the overall appearance of the bathroom.

Modern shower trays are designed to:

• Create a cleaner and more streamlined appearance
• Improve drainage and water containment
• Support accessibility and everyday comfort
• Protect the bathroom floor from moisture damage
• Integrate naturally into contemporary bathroom layouts

They are also generally straightforward to maintain, often requiring only regular wiping with a soft cloth to help preserve their appearance.

Choosing the Right Shower Tray Shape

One of the first decisions when selecting a shower tray is choosing the shape best suited to your bathroom layout and available floor space.

The most common shower tray shapes include:

• Square
• Rectangular
• Quadrant

Each option offers different practical and visual benefits depending on the size and configuration of the room.

Square Shower Trays

Square shower trays are one of the most widely used choices for modern bathrooms because they balance practicality with efficient use of space.

Their symmetrical proportions make them particularly well suited to:

• Smaller bathrooms
• En-suite layouts
• Compact shower enclosures
• Contemporary minimalist spaces

Square trays help maximise floor space while still providing a comfortable showering area, making them a versatile option across many bathroom layouts.

Rectangular Shower Trays

Rectangular shower trays are often used within larger showering spaces where openness and comfort are priorities.

Their elongated proportions help create:

• A more spacious showering area
• Greater flexibility for enclosure layouts
• A cleaner and more contemporary appearance
• A layout well suited to walk-in shower designs

Rectangular trays work particularly well within bathrooms where clean lines and more open layouts are central to the overall design.

Quadrant Shower Trays

Quadrant shower trays are designed specifically for corner installations and are particularly useful in bathrooms where space is more limited.

Their curved front edge helps:

• Save valuable floor space
• Reduce the visual impact of the enclosure
• Improve movement around the room
• Create a more compact showering solution

Quadrant trays are especially popular in en-suites and smaller bathrooms where efficient use of space is important.

Why Shower Tray Size Is So Important

Choosing the correct shower tray size is essential for both practicality and long-term performance.

A poorly fitted shower tray can potentially lead to:

• Water escaping the enclosure
• Leaks and moisture damage
• Mould growth
• Costly repairs over time

Ensuring the tray fits the available space correctly helps maintain effective drainage while creating a cleaner and more professional installation.

Many Tissino shower trays can also be trimmed by up to 100mm, helping installers achieve a more precise fit while reducing the likelihood of installation complications.

Understanding Different Shower Tray Materials

The material used within a shower tray plays an important role in how the tray looks, feels, performs, and withstands everyday use.

Tissino offers a range of shower tray materials and finishes designed to suit different bathroom styles and practical requirements.

Stone Resin Shower Trays

Stone resin shower trays combine strength, durability, and a refined surface finish, making them one of the most popular choices for contemporary bathrooms.

Collections including Giorgio2, Giorgio Lux, and Finezza feature durable constructions designed to provide:

• A solid and stable feel underfoot
• Resistance to everyday wear
• Clean low-profile styling
• Straightforward maintenance
• Refined slate-effect finishes

Stone resin trays work particularly well within modern bathrooms where both appearance and long-term durability are important.

Xenite Shower Trays

Mont shower trays feature an advanced Xenite surface designed to deliver enhanced durability with a smoother and more refined finish.

Mont trays combine:

• Exceptional resistance to scratches and impact
• Anti-bacterial protection
• A smooth anti-slip surface
• UV resistance for long-term colour stability
• Bespoke colour options for more tailored bathroom schemes

The smoother finish creates a cleaner and more architectural appearance while maintaining the practicality required for everyday use.

Anti-Slip Shower Trays

For bathrooms where additional reassurance underfoot is important, Fiorti Anti-Slip trays feature the highest-rated Class 3 anti-slip surface.

Designed to combine practicality with clean modern styling, Fiorti trays are particularly well suited to:

• Family bathrooms
• Multi-generational homes
• Accessible showering spaces
• Everyday high-use bathrooms

Giorgio2, Giorgio Lux, and Finezza and Mont shower trays also feature Class 2 anti-slip performance, helping provide additional reassurance while maintaining a refined, design led appearance.

Low-Profile Shower Trays Create a More Integrated Look

Slimline and low-profile shower trays have become increasingly popular within contemporary bathroom design.

Their lower profile helps:

• Create cleaner visual flow
• Improve the sense of openness within the room
• Support a more integrated showering layout
• Improve accessibility and ease of entry

Low-profile trays work especially well alongside frameless shower enclosures and large-format surfaces to create a cleaner and more cohesive finish.

Choosing a Shower Tray That Suits Your Bathroom

When selecting a shower tray, it is important to consider:

• The size of the bathroom
• The preferred enclosure style
• Available floor space
• Accessibility requirements
• The overall bathroom layout and aesthetic

A carefully selected tray can help improve comfort, support functionality, and contribute to a more balanced and well-resolved bathroom design.

With a wide range of shapes, sizes and finishes available across the Tissino shower tray collections, it is easier to create a showering space that feels both practical and thoughtfully designed.

Create a Shower Space Designed for Everyday Use

The most successful shower spaces combine comfort, functionality, and considered design detailing.

Whether choosing a compact quadrant tray for a smaller en-suite or a larger rectangular tray for a walk-in shower layout, selecting the right shower tray helps establish the foundation for a bathroom that feels contemporary, comfortable, and designed to perform well over time.

Visit your nearest Tissino retailer to explore the full shower tray collection and receive further guidance on selecting the right option for your bathroom layout.