Creating a spacious bathroom, which is also practical, starts with the basics, and the shower tray plays a leading role. Generally speaking, this element determines how comfortable and functional your shower experience will be. The size of a shower tray impacts on the design layout and how much floor space you can save or enhance.
Opting for trays with one flat edge allows for neat installation against walls and gives increased design flexibility around awkward corners. From maximising a bigger shower tray to finding options for less space, understanding the available shower tray sizes is a crucial step in building a bathroom.
Is there a standard size of a shower tray in the UK?
Choosing the correct shower tray is integral in bathroom design, as shower tray sizes affect comfort. Across the UK, standard shower tray sizes range widely, and the average size depends on each bathroom's size and layout. Homeowners can compare different shower tray sizes using a tape measure, which ensures the exact size is purchased for every shower enclosure.
In the UK, the minimum shower tray size is generally around 700mm x 700mm, which is suitable for compact bathrooms. Maximum standard shower tray sizes can reach approximately 2000mm x 900mm, offering a generous showering area.
Popular options include rectangular shower trays, square shower trays, and quadrant shower trays. Walk-in shower trays are sometimes chosen for smaller bathrooms or smaller rooms, creating easy access and a spacious feel. For larger bathrooms, a bigger shower tray or larger trays may be preferred, delivering more showering space with style.
Some households select a raised shower tray with riser kits, or a D-shaped shower tray with a curved front. Standard shower tray dimensions ensure most shower trays fit neatly into available space, complementing floor level or wet room flooring.
Bathroom considerations
Selecting the correct shower tray size depends greatly on bathroom size and overall bathroom layout planning. A shower tray must be properly installed to fit precisely, ensuring sufficient clearance for convenient access and ease of movement. Always consider the door swing and the space required for a shower enclosure. Accurate measurement of the bathroom space guarantees you choose the right shower tray size for lasting convenience.
Shower tray shapes
Choosing the correct shower tray shape is an important consideration, helping bathrooms achieve both functionality and style. Different shower tray sizes and shapes exist, meaning it is possible to find the right size for any bathroom design.
1) Square shower trays
These remain popular because they fit neatly against a bathroom wall or in compact, smaller bathrooms. These square shower trays create more showering space than a quadrant tray when combined with the correct shower enclosure. Many square shower options maximise space, making them a good standard shower tray for homes with a limited bathroom size. They provide enough space while ensuring you can still fit neatly inside the chosen enclosure and maintain comfort.
2) Rectangular shower trays
These trays are excellent for larger bathrooms, offering a spacious feel and creating much more showering space. They are often combined with a sliding door, maximising space while improving accessibility into the enclosure area. Many rectangular shower tray sizes exist, meaning homeowners can match them with different shower tray sizes for a flexible bathroom design. These rectangular shower trays provide extra space compared with quadrant shower trays or a compact square shower design.
3) Quadrant shower trays
This shower tray is designed for smaller bathrooms, with a curved front that saves valuable bathroom space. These quadrant trays suit an enclosure using doors that slide or swing outwards, maximising space in tight areas. Compact quadrant shower trays offer less showering space yet remain practical for smaller rooms with limited floor space. An offset quadrant tray combines straight edges and curves, creating more showering space than basic quadrant shower tray sizes.
4) Walk-in shower considerations
Walk-in shower trays are excellent for achieving a wet room effect, often combined with wet room flooring. They provide easy access and improve comfort, making them ideal for elderly users requiring as much room inside. A walk-in shower often makes larger bathrooms feel open, offering a naturally spacious feel and practical bathroom design. These walk-in trays come in standard shower tray sizes or bespoke shower tray dimensions to fit unique requirements.
5) Raised shower trays
A raised shower tray is essential when the waste position prevents fitting at floor level in some bathrooms. These trays often use riser kits that lift the tray appropriately, creating room for plumbing beneath the floor. While less attractive than flat trays, a raised shower tray remains a practical solution for specific bathroom installations. They maintain effective drainage while matching standard shower tray dimensions where necessary.
The above is just five of the most popular shower tray shapes. For details of others, why not read our blog article From Classic to Contemporary: 15 of the Best Shower Enclosure Ideas – which provides detailed insight into the many styles and shapes available.
Measuring for a shower tray
You need to measure accurately to choose the right shower tray size, so it fits in the bathroom. Start by measuring the overall bathroom size, including the area for the shower enclosure and where the tray will go. Check the door swing measurements carefully, as if you get this wrong, the shower tray will not fit. Measure the length and width of the available space to confirm the right shower tray size. Do not forget to allow for clearance so you can move around the shower tray. Measuring accurately will give you confidence in choosing the right shower tray for long-term bathroom use.
Choosing the right shower tray
Choosing the right shower tray is essential for both style and practical bathroom use. Careful selection ensures optimal showering space and compatibility with the shower enclosure:
- D-shape tray - a D-shape shower tray combines curves and straight edges, optimising extra space and enhancing overall shower layout – example, Nuie 1050mm D Shape Shower Tray
- Larger trays – ideal for larger bathrooms to provide extra showering space and a more comfortable walk-in shower experience – example, MX Elements Low profile shower trays Stone Resin Rectangle 2000mm x 700mm Flat top
- Quadrant shower – designed for smaller bathrooms, offering a curved front and efficient use of bathroom wall space – example, Hydro45 Anti-Slip Quadrant Shower Tray 900mm x 900mm - White
- Rectangular trays - versatile rectangular shower trays provide enough space and practical layout options for various bathroom designs – example, Aqua i Classic 80mm High Rectangular Shower Tray 1200mm x 760mm
- Shower enclosure - consider the shower enclosure type and door operation when planning shower tray dimensions for safe use
- Square trays - square shower trays fit neatly into corners, maximising as much room as possible for compact bathroom layouts – example, Hudson Reed Square Shower Tray 900mm x 900mm - Slate Grey
- Standard sizes - ensure compatibility with most walk-in shower trays and enclosures
- Walk-in trays – offer easy access, a spacious feel, and flexibility for modern wet room designs – example, Nuie Rectangular Walk-In Shower Tray 1700mm x 700mm
Shower tray material options
Selecting the correct shower tray material ensures durability, comfort, and style for any bathroom. Plumbing World offers a range of shower trays from trusted brands, including MX Elements, Aqua-I, Roper Rhodes, etc., and they are suitable for every shower enclosure and layout. Material options include:
- a) ABS acrylic capped stone resin trays - from MX Elements and other manufacturers provide lightweight durability and easy maintenance. These shower trays are perfect for modern bathrooms.
- b) Stone resin - we stock Aqua-I and other manufacturers’ stone resin shower trays. These provide a highly durable, smooth surface with a long-lasting finish. These shower trays deliver strength combined with elegance, complementing stylish bathroom walls.
- c) Slate-effect - Plumbing World offers stone resin shower trays from Aqua-I and Roper Rhodes, recreating natural textures effectively. They enhance bathroom design and provide anti-slip surfaces for safer shower use.
FAQs
1 Is a 700mm shower tray wide enough?
A 700mm shower tray can fit smaller bathrooms but provides ample space for a shower enclosure. This shower tray size may feel compact, but square trays and quadrant trays can optimise showering space. Buying the right shower tray width ensures the bathroom wall layout accommodates a comfortable and safe walk-in shower area.
2) What are the standard shower tray dimensions in the UK?
The average size of most shower trays in the UK ranges from 800mm to 900mm in width.
Standard shower tray sizes and shower tray dimensions vary, based on the shape – e.g. rectangular shower trays, square shower trays, or quadrant shower trays. Using a tape measure accurately ensures the size of a shower tray fits walk-in shower trays or smaller quadrant trays.
3) Is an 800mm shower tray width too narrow?
An 800mm shower tray width is especially suited to smaller-sized bathrooms. This shower tray size provides a comfortable fit and allows extra space for the installation of walk-in or rectangular shower trays. Larger shower trays may be unnecessary in limited bathroom space, but 800mm, as an example, accommodates a safe and functional walk-in shower.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shower tray is about balancing practicality with style, ensuring the tray suits the layout of your bathroom. There is no such thing as a standard size of a shower tray, the size chosen varies largely upon your bathroom layout. With options such as rectangular shower trays, square shower trays, quadrant shower trays and even a D-shaped shower tray, there is a wide choice to match any enclosure design. Consideration of standard shower tray sizes, waste position, and features like anti-slip surfaces will make the space safe as well as functional.
For smaller bathrooms, compact shapes or an offset quadrant can help you achieve comfort without compromise. Whether you prefer the look of a slate effect finish or the open design of walk-in shower trays, the right choice will transform both the use and ambience of your bathroom.
Contact us
If you need expert support on choosing which shower tray dimensions might suit you best, we are here to help. The Plumbing World team can provide all the support you need when deciding on the size of a shower tray for your bathroom. Contact our team today for customised advice, and why not browse our extensive range of shower trays, that we have available?
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- • Phone – 0121 508 9987
- • Email – onlinestore@plumbingworld.co.uk
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