How to choose the right shower tray: materials, heights and installation
Today, the shower tray is one of the most important elements in a modern bathroom not only from a functional point of view, but also as a key design feature. It’s no longer just a support base, but a central component that defines the style, comfort and quality of the daily bathroom experience.
Whether you are renovating or designing your space from scratch, choosing the right shower tray means evaluating several key factors: materials, thickness, installation type and dimensions. In this guide, Bertani walks you through every detail to help you make an informed choice and create a bathroom that’s both stylish and functional.
Explore all shower tray models at bertani.it
Types of shower trays
Today’s market offers a wide range of solutions, each designed to meet specific needs in terms of space, aesthetics and functionality. Before choosing, it's essential to understand the options to determine which is best for your bathroom project.
Flush-to-floor shower trays
Flush-to-floor shower trays are a symbol of modernity and minimalist design. Installed level with the floor, they create a seamless, step-free surface that enhances the sense of space.
Ideal for:
• Contemporary or minimalist interiors
• Barrier-free bathrooms
• Projects requiring increased accessibility
These features are perfect for creating elegant, clean and easy-to-maintain bathrooms.
However, some technical conditions must be verified:
• Available screed depth for drain installation
• Slope required for correct water drainage
• Any structural constraints of the environment
If you are dreaming of a bathroom with clean lines and visual continuity, flush-to-floor trays are the perfect choice, but they require precise planning and professional installation.
Raised shower trays
Raised shower trays are the most traditional and versatile solution. Installed over the existing floor, they remain slightly raised with a visible edge of a few centimetres. They're especially suitable for renovations, as they allow technical issues to be resolved without invasive work.
Advantages:
• Ideal when the screed cannot be altered
• Easier to install than flush-to-floor trays
• More budget-friendly in most cases
Nevertheless, it is also good to consider the less favourable aspect.
Drawbacks:
• Small step at the entrance (important for accessibility)
• More visible in terms of aesthetics
However, there are slim and refined models that combine style and function, making them ideal if you want to contain costs without compromising on elegance.
Ultra slim shower trays
Ultra slim trays offer a perfect balance of design and practicality. They are thin, light and aesthetically discreet.
• They have minimum thicknesses (as thin as 2.5–3 cm)
• They can be laid with no major structural work
• They are visually discreet and modern
Perfect for projects that avoid invasive renovations, although you look for a modern style bathroom.
Comparing materials
In addition to the typology, the material of the shower tray also affects everything from the feel to the durability and the final aesthetic result. Let's take a detailed look at the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice.
Ceramic
Classic and timeless, ceramic offers numerous advantages:
• Excellent resistance to impact
• Easy to clean
• Affordable cost
It's the perfect choice for those who want a sturdy option and need to stick to a budget. However, it can feel colder to the touch and can be slippery if not treated with an anti-slip finish.
Discover our selection of ceramic shower trays on our website.
Solid surface
Solid surface materials, such as Corian and Cristalplant, are synonymous with modernity smooth to the touch, visually clean and extremely high-performing. These compact, non-porous composites are ideal for creating seamless minimal surfaces.
Solid surface shower trays are distinguished by:
• Customization, thanks to the ability to be cut and adapted for any type of space.
• Elegant matte finishes in neutral palettes, ideal for modern and classic environments
• Antibacterial properties and easy to clean, thanks to the compact and hygienic surface. The actual key feature of this kind of material is its restoreability over time. Fine scratches and marks can be removed with fine grit sandpaper or abrasive sponges (Scotch-Brite® kind), while deeper damage can be restored with special kits. The result is an even and regenerated surface with no visual discontinuities. If you are looking for a designer shower tray that is durable and always looks brand new, a solid surface is a solution that combines aesthetics, functionality and easy maintenance.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a practical, user-friendly solution:
• Lightweight and easy to handle,
• Warmer to the touch than ceramic,
• Often more affordable.
Ideal for guest bathrooms or second houses, where budget and basic functionality are priorities. Although, acrylic is more delicate and prone to scratches.
Stone or marble effect
The stone effect is one of the most popular finishes nowadays, offering a natural, tactile and contemporary look. But not all stone effect trays are the same. One main category includes shower trays made of marble-resin: these are composite materials, often coated with surface films, which reproduce the texture of slate or further natural stones. They are lightweight and accessible in price, but offer limited resistance to wear and impact.
For porcelain stoneware trays with a stone effect this topic varies; here, the textured effect is intrinsic to the material, offering major benefits:
• High resistance to scratches and wear
• Totally waterproof and hygienic
• Visually rich and available in sophisticated finishes
If you are looking for a high-performance, durable stone effect tray with premium aesthetics, porcelain stoneware is the best choice especially for high-end custom interiors.
Installation and sizes
The size of a shower tray impacts not only aesthetics but also comfort of use and technical feasibility.
Popular sizes and shapes:
• 70x70 cm: perfect for compact spaces
• 80x80 or 90x90 cm: ideal for small to medium-sized bathrooms
• 120x80 cm or larger: best for spacious and comfortable showers
When planning, consider not only the internal dimensions of the tray but also space for door swing and comfortable access.
Technical details to consider:
• Drain location: should be easy to access and inspect
• Slope: crucial for flush trays to prevent overflow
• Screed depth: essential during the bathroom renovations to fit the drain system
These aspects make the difference between a functional shower and one that causes ongoing issues.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many people underestimate the complexity of choosing the right tray. Here are the most common mistakes that an unprofessional may do:
• Ignoring the actual measurements: just a few millimeters off can make the tray unusable.
• Neglecting the necessary slope: especially in flush-to-floor installations, poor drainage planning leads to water issues.
• Focusing only on aesthetics. The tray must harmonize with tiles, furniture and enclosures.
• Choosing overly cheap materials: robust materials guarantee durability and safety in high-traffic areas.
Bertani’s recommendation is as usual: trust professionals to avoid costly mistakes and choose a product that truly meets your needs.
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Why choose Bertani
With Bertani, a shower tray is never just a purchase.
It is part of a comprehensive design project that brings together aesthetics, functionality and technology.
This means:
• Access selected brands: Agape, Antonio Lupi, Flaminia, Disenia, Nic Design, Galassia, Geberit, Ideal Standard, Duravit, Cielo.
• Expert design consultants providing guidance throughout every step.
• Custom solutions for even the most complex spaces
Contact Bertani for a personalized consultancy
The perfect shower tray exists: you just need to choose the one that suits your aesthetic, functional and technical needs. With Bertani you can rely on a partner who offers more than just products, but as well design expertise, tailored solutions and the joy of experiencing your ideal bathroom every day.
