How Much Does A New Bespoke Shower Tray Cost?

Ask the Experts: Stone Resin Shower Trays Vs Acrylic

Choosing the right shower tray can feel like one of the trickiest aspects of a bathroom project. With so many materials, shapes, and finishes available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. For interior designers, specifiers, and homeowners planning a luxury bathroom renovation, the decision carries even more weight.

A shower tray isn’t just a functional base – it’s a central design element that impacts the overall feel, durability, and quality of your bathroom. The right choice ensures your bathroom is practical, waterproof, long-lasting, and visually stunning.

One of the most common questions we receive at Versital is: “How much is a bespoke shower tray?” The answer depends on several factors, including material, shape, and size. To make things clearer, this guide explores the most popular shower tray options, why stone resin trays are the top choice for luxury installations, and what influences the cost of a bespoke shower tray.

Why Choose a Bespoke Shower Tray?

Bespoke shower trays are very different from off-the-shelf options – and therefore priced differently.

A bathroom is one of the most used spaces in any property. In both residential and hospitality settings, the shower tray is subject to constant use, exposure to water, cleaning products, and daily wear and tear. Choosing a higher-quality tray at the outset is an investment in reliability, safety, and aesthetics.

For hospitality installations, such as hotels, the stakes are even higher. A leaking or poorly designed shower tray can lead to water damage, downtime for rooms, and a significant loss of revenue. It’s not just about the upfront cost – it’s about preventing expensive long-term problems.

How much does a bespoke shower tray cost?

Bespoke shower trays from Versital typically range between £975 + VAT to £2,500 + VAT. The exact price will vary depending on:

• Overall size – Larger trays use more materials and require stronger moulds.
• Shape – Unusual or complex shapes may need custom moulds or additional casting.
• Additional features – Options like extra height, channel drains, or multiple waste positions will add to the cost.
• Colour and finish – All standard finishes are included at no extra cost, but highly specialised requests can affect pricing.

For comparison, a standard off-the-shelf stone resin tray can range between £120 + VAT and £800 + VAT. However, while off-the-shelf options appear cheaper, they often incur higher installation costs and are more prone to issues over time.

Made from Composite Stone Resin

All Versital bespoke shower trays are crafted from composite stone resin, a highly durable material chosen for its strength, water resistance, and longevity. Unlike acrylic or ceramic, stone resin is heavy-duty yet versatile enough to be cast into custom shapes.

This premium material makes the tray far more robust than lightweight alternatives, giving specifiers and designers the peace of mind that their installation will withstand daily use for years to come.

Installation Savings With Bespoke Trays

One of the most overlooked benefits of bespoke trays is how much they can save on installation costs.

Key features include:

• Custom sizes – No need to move walls or adjust layouts to make an off-the-shelf tray fit.
• Custom shapes – Trays can be made with curved sides or cut-outs to fit perfectly around architectural features.
• Custom waste positions – Pipework can stay in place, avoiding expensive plumbing adjustments.
• Fully waterproof – No need for tanking in most cases.
• Pre-engineered fall slopes – The tray is cast with the correct gradient, avoiding the need for formers or manual adjustments.

All of these factors significantly reduce installation time and labour costs, which can often be one of the largest expenses in a bathroom project.

Size Options – How Big Can You Go?

Versital bespoke shower trays can be manufactured up to 2.5 square metres. The only limitation is weight, as both handling and installation must remain practical. Our team can advise on the best solutions for your specific project, whether it’s a compact en-suite or a spacious spa-like master bathroom.

Getting a Price for a Bespoke Shower Tray

For an initial estimate, all we need are the overall width and length of the tray you’re looking for. Prices start from around £975 + VAT and scale up depending on size and features.

We can provide a quick price over the phone or a formal written estimate via our online quote request form.

Why Are Bespoke Trays More Expensive Than Off-the-Shelf?

The higher price point of bespoke trays comes down to the labour-intensive manufacturing process. Each tray is individually created to a client’s specifications, which includes:

• Building a custom mould.
• Casting the tray in stone resin.
• Adding waste positions, slopes, and finishes.
• Applying protective coatings.

The process is entirely tailored, ensuring that the finished product is unique to the project and engineered to exacting standards.

Bespoke Shower Trays vs Wetrooms

At first glance, a wetroom may appear more cost-effective. A former, tiles, and tanking can start at around £600 + VAT, but this excludes installation.

Wetrooms come with hidden challenges:

• They require expert tanking and waterproofing.
• Fall slopes must be calculated and built into the floor.
• Drainage issues are a common source of failure.

By the time professional installation is factored in, wetrooms are often comparable in cost to bespoke trays – but without the same reliability.

Bespoke shower trays offer a turn-key solution, arriving ready to install with engineered slopes and sealed surfaces.

Huge Colour Range

Unlike most shower trays, Versital offers an extensive colour palette with over 100 options, including:

• Solid colours.
• True-to-life marble finishes.
• Sparkle finishes for a more dramatic look.

The best part? The majority of colours come at no additional cost. Designers can match trays with shower panels, vanity tops, or even splashbacks for a seamless finish.

Benefit over real marble shower trays

Real marble may be beautiful, but it comes with drawbacks:

• Porous – prone to staining and watermarks.
• High maintenance – requires sealing and careful cleaning.
• Slippery – lacks built-in slip resistance.

Versital marble-effect finishes replicate the look perfectly but are 100% non-porous, stain-proof, and include a cast certified anti-slip surface in the standing area.

Additional Hygienic properties from SteriTouch®

Every Versital shower tray includes a protective gel coat with SteriTouch®, offering antimicrobial protection.

This prevents the growth of bacteria and mould, including the pinkish-red Serratia Marcescens often found in bathrooms. The antimicrobial properties have been verified by independent laboratories under the ISO22196 test method.

This makes bespoke trays an excellent choice for both domestic bathrooms and hospitality environments where hygiene is critical.

To achieve a cohesive high-end finish, Versital also manufactures:

• Made-to-measure shower panels – a sleek alternative to tiles.
• Vanity tops – matching surfaces for sinks and storage.
• Bar tops and other hospitality surfaces – for projects that extend beyond bathrooms.

Anti-Slip Safety

All bespoke trays include a cast certified anti-slip standing area. This is especially important in hospitality settings, where safety and compliance are a priority. Tiles used in wetrooms rarely include this feature.

Lead Times

Custom-made shower trays are typically ready within 4 weeks from order to delivery. However, if you have an urgent project, it’s always worth asking – we may be able to accommodate tighter schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. How much does a bespoke shower tray cost?
  Prices range from around £975 + VAT to £2,500 + VAT, depending on size, shape, and custom features.
• 2. Are bespoke trays worth the extra cost?
  Yes. They reduce installation costs, eliminate common waterproofing issues, and last significantly longer than standard trays.
• 3. Can I choose the colour of my bespoke tray?
  Absolutely. Over 100 colour options are available, from solid colours to marble and sparkle finishes.
• 4. Do I need to tank my bathroom with a bespoke tray?
  In most cases, no. Bespoke trays are fully waterproof and cast in one piece, eliminating the need for tanking.
• 5. How do bespoke trays compare to wetrooms?
  Wetrooms can appear cheaper upfront but often cost more once installation and waterproofing are factored in. Bespoke trays are easier, faster, and safer to install.
• 6. What’s the lead time for a bespoke tray?
  Standard lead times are around 4 weeks, but urgent requests may be accommodated.
• 7. Can I get matching shower panels and vanity tops?
  Yes – Versital offers a full range of matching surfaces for a seamless finish.

Final Thoughts

When planning a luxury bathroom, whether for a private residence or a hospitality venue, the shower tray is one of the most crucial decisions. A bespoke shower tray may require a higher upfront investment, but the long-term benefits in terms of durability, installation savings, hygiene, and design flexibility make it a superior choice.

With over 100 finishes, advanced antimicrobial protection, and the reliability of composite stone resin, bespoke trays from Versital provide both style and peace of mind for even the most demanding projects.