How To Choose The Correct Shower Tray; Stone Resin Shower Trays Vs Acrylic

Huge range of Shower Trays in Various Shapes, Sizes and Colours

There are lots of shower trays available on the market in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, finishes and materials. To help make the choice of which shower tray is best for you, we have put together a step by step guide of what is available to make the best of your bathroom.

Ceramic/Fireclay

This is the material used to make Belfast sinks or urinal slabs. The trays are of high quality, but are extremely heavy and more often used for commercial applications where frequent use and heavy wear is a requirement.

Ceramic trays can be hard to install, but are very durable and can last a long time. One of the main problems to be aware of with ceramic trays is that they can easily chip if you drop anything heavy on them. 

Acrylic

The same material as used for acrylic baths. Lightweight usually around 4.5mm thick and reinforced with wood. These do allow a greater flexibility, but with more flexibility comes a greater risk of breakage. Acrylic shower trays are mostly manufactured within standard sizes and with standard waste positions. You therefore, cannot fit them into an odd shaped space in turn limiting your possibilities, especially in older buildings.

Acrylic shower trays are generally lighter than many alternative options, meaning that the installation can be easier. However they are rarely associated with high end designs. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is a cheaper alternative to acrylic with very similar properties. However, a big drawback is that it is more brittle, meaning that its life span is shorter. Fiberglass itself is a porous substance that is then protected by a layer of waterproof paint. Over time this protective paint can begin to wear off, causing leaking as well as a dull and unattractive appearance. 

Stone Resin Shower Trays

Stone resin shower trays have become the most popular choice. Resin is a mixture of natural minerals and a resin compound that offers a fantastic compromise between the heavier ceramic/fire clay products, and the lightweight acrylic trays.  They offer a solid structure, are long- lasting, warm to the touch and are available in a huge range of finishes.  All Versital shower trays are stone resin shower trays.

As well as being a brilliant compromise some are available bespoke and made to measure. Versital shower trays are all completely bespoke and made to measure. This allows for them to be made to fit any bathroom space or bathroom design perfectly. They are a great choice for bathrooms that need an awkward shaped shower tray, or a room that needs something different to what what is available with standard sizes and shapes offered.

Stone resin shower trays are also long lasting and can look like new for years.

How to Choose the Correct Shape and Size

Shower trays come in a variety of different sizes and configurations. It’s very important when choosing your stone resin shower tray to take into account the plug hole positions and whether it is a left hand or right hand tray. The most commonly found shapes available on the market today are rectangle, square, quadrant and neo angle. The neo angle shower tray is also known as the Penta or extended Penta by some brands.

Versital offer all of these shapes in a huge range of different size and colour options. Take a look at these examples and ideas of Versital shower trays to help you with choosing the right shape for your new bathroom installation.

Marble, Granite, Stone and Sparkle Finishes

With Versital stone resin shower trays there is also a wide range of fabulous looking finishes, all with category 2 anti slip bases. Choose from traditional granites like ‘Graphite’ or ‘Noire’, luxurious marbles such as ‘Royal Pavillion’ and for something really show stopping, push the boat out with a black sparkly ‘Noire Reflect’. Each colour is made using natural minerals and pigments, making it a stunning addition to any bathroom.

Unlike real marble or granite Versital shower trays are completely no porous and will not leak or watermark over time, looking as good as new for years after installation.

Bespoke Shower Trays

If your bathroom needs something more bespoke for an unusual shape or size, or just a perfect fit, you might want to look at a bespoke shower tray.  Bespoke shower trays are exactly what they say – fully bespoke and made to measure to suit whatever bathroom issues you might have. Whether you need to go round an odd shape, or just want something larger than usual.

Making this the perfect option if the standard shapes and sizes are just not right for what you require.

Manufactured in One Piece

Unlike other options on the market, Versital shower trays are manufactured and cast in one piece. This guarantees perfect continuity of pattern as well as fully waterproof properties. Each Versital tray has a protective gel coat making them fully stain and waterproof.

Easy to Care For

Solid stone resin shower trays from Versital require a minimum amount of maintenance – ensuring that they continue to look as good as new long after installation. Unlike real stone, Versital trays are manufactured with an antimicrobial, protective Steri-touch gel coat that helps prevent mould and bacteria from settling in. The easiest way to maintain them is to wipe them with a damp cloth.

How much is a bespoke Shower tray?

Bespoke shower trays vary in price depending on the overall size and shape, starting from £958 + vat.  Find out more of what goes into pricing a shower tray via our in depth guide.