Floor-level or raised shower tray

One of the most in demand renovations over the last few years has been changing the bath for a floor-level shower tray, due to its functionality and aesthetics. This is especially true in those homes where there are people who are a little less mobile, where having a shower instead of a bath in at least one bathroom is very convenient.

Shower trays are also a good option to utilise space in a small bathroom and have several other benefits such as reduced water consumption, increased accessibility, and a larger selection of designs and materials.

When deciding to install a shower tray, we need to make a choice between a floor-level or a raised shower tray.

A floor-level shower tray cannot always be fitted as it has a range of technical requirements: there needs to be a 6-7 cm slope for the water to drain away, and the existing construction needs to be able to accommodate it.

Benefits and disadvantages of floor-level shower trays

Floor-level shower trays are the most popular choice for modern bathrooms, due to their minimalistic, clean, and fresh appearance.

Additionally, due to our ageing population, there is a need to create more accessible spaces and many families are deciding to fit floor-level shower trays.

In this article, we are going to analyse the benefits and disadvantages.

Benefits of floor-level shower trays

  • Bathrooms are easier to clean as there are less joints.
  • Architectural barriers no longer exist as the floor flows into one, meaning a safer space for every family member, especially the elderly and young children.
  • It makes the space visually larger with a fresh and minimalist look.
  • No work needs to be done.
  • There is a wide selection of materials and colours available on the market.

Disadvantages of floor-level shower trays

  • There is a risk of leaks meaning that the divider screen must be perfectly fitted.
  • There needs to be the capacity to have a 6-7 cm slope so that the water can flow away as it should do. 
  • The right shower tray material needs to be selected to ensure that it is not slippery. Non-slip materials should be selected, such as Dekton Grip+.
  • The shower space can feel colder, as the steam flows around the bathroom quicker.

Benefits and disadvantages of raised shower trays

For those bathrooms that do not have enough floor space to create the slope needed for a floor-level shower tray, the only other choice is to install a raised shower tray.

This is also a good option if you want to show off the luxury material used for your shower tray, such as marble. It all depends on your taste!

Benefits of raised shower trays

  • The risk of leaks is reduced, as there is an edge that holds the water in while you have a shower.
  • They can be fitted in any bathroom, regardless of the floor depth.
  • If you select a more luxurious material such as marble, this is the perfect way to show it off.

Disadvantages of raised shower trays

  • They are not recommended for those people with reduced mobility, the elderly, or small children.
  • They have more joints meaning that more cleaning is required to prevent mould build-up.
  • They take up more space visually and make it harder to get around the space.
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Dekton and Silestone Shower Trays

At Cosentino, we have created both Silestone and Dekton shower trays, in a wide variety of custom colours and sizes, adaptable to any project.

In Silestone, we have four shower tray models:  Wakka, Wakka Brim, Exelis and Kador Suite. These models include a soft sandy finish to ensure that they are safe to use and are available in every Silestone colour.

Another great option is our Dekton Gocce shower tray, which is manufactured with the Grip+ finish to provide maximum non-slip protection. This shower tray has the slope required for water to flow away at a depth of just 20 mm, meaning it is perfect for floor-level showers. Available in 17 different colours.

Floor-level shower tray claddings

Once you have selected the best shower tray for your bathroom, you need to think about the walls.

In a space like a bathroom, where we like to relax and pamper ourselves, there are some unique conditions such as humidity and exposure to the chemical agents contained in cleaning products, meaning a very resistant material must be used on these surfaces.

Silestone and Dekton are two of the best choices for bathroom walls, as they offer a range of possibilities so that you can keep up to date with the latest interior design trends.

Thanks to our large format options in both materials, there are minimal joints, making maintenance, hygiene and cleaning much easier.

Specifically, our Dekton Slim 4mm format has been especially designed for walls, as it is a very light material. It is the perfect addition to any bathroom design thanks to its resistance to scratches, stains, thermal shocks and ultraviolet rays. It also has very low water absorption, making the upkeep very simple.

Dekton Slim can be used both on the walls and bathroom fittings, creating a perfect synchrony between the two.

Do you want a uniformed look in your bathroom? Silestone and Dekton offer the possibility to have just one colour on the walls, floor, and shower tray, creating a more cohesive, minimalist, and clean aesthetic.

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Image of Silestone Ethereal Noctis.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&ixlib=php 3.3 in Floor-level or raised shower tray - Cosentino