The range of options has expanded significantly, including many customizable models, materials, cuts, and sizes. Showers come in a wide variety of styles: hydromassage, chromotherapy, Wi-Fi, built-in telephone and radio, opaque or transparent glass, flush or raised shower trays.
The latter have undergone an evolution in production technology and materials .
You can choose, for example, between ceramic, acrylic, stoneware, resin and even steel plates.
Some people prefer, for example, microcement coverings, which also include the shower tray, but there are also many other effects.
Many times, to get even just an idea, all it takes is a look at the manufacturers’ assortments, such as the list of the best stone-effect shower trays on the inbagno.it website.
How, then, can you navigate such a wide and varied offering?
Start from the bathroom measurements
When installing a new piece of furniture, the most important aspect is to start with the room’s dimensions . Shower trays come in a variety of sizes today. The classic ones are usually 70×90 cm, 80×100 cm, or 80×120 cm. However, many other sizes are available, which can be customized and made to order , depending on specific needs related to the size and characteristics of the bathroom, such as an uneven wall.
In many situations, in fact, the architecture of the bathroom does not allow for the installation of standard shower trays, but they need to be designed specifically to fit into oversized corners or niches.
Shower tray installation
Even the way the tray is installed can make a difference. Traditional models feature a raised profile , the classic step used for entering the shower, which raises it above the floor level. These are typically installed in older buildings and in those where there isn’t enough space for the shower drain.
The most modern alternative to this solution is a floor-level shower tray , but this isn’t always feasible. Much depends on the bathroom’s style, plumbing, and structure. Of course, this solution is perfect for minimalist , very modern, and cutting-edge furnishings.
In this sense, the needs of the family must also be considered. If there are members with walking difficulties who may struggle to climb the shower step, opting for a floor-level shower tray , especially one with a full slope, would undoubtedly solve many of the problems related to architectural barriers in the home.
The materials
It has already been mentioned that there are shower trays on the market made from the most disparate materials .
Even in this case, the choice is dictated mainly by the taste and style of the environment.
Suffice it to say that there are smoother materials, suitable for more modern and essential environments, and others, instead, rougher and rougher, perfect for more rustic and industrial styles . Stone is an example.
Before choosing, therefore, it is useful to ask yourself whether aesthetics should take priority over functionality and which material is best suited to embodying the essence of the overall style.
Even the colour , in some cases, can be customized , from a range of shades that goes from classic white to the more sophisticated satin black , without forgetting where grey, anthracite and the most popular colors in recent years.
Don’t neglect functionality
When choosing a shower tray, as with the entire enclosure, it’s important to always keep in mind that it will eventually need cleaning . Therefore, it’s important to consider the care each material requires. Some require gentler detergents , others more aggressive ones . Even when choosing size and cut, it’s important to remember that every corner of the shower needs to be accessible to keep it perfectly clean and sanitized. Therefore, it’s best to avoid overly unusual shapes or overly deep solutions, unless the bathroom’s architecture or specific home needs require it.
