Shower tray flush with floor or raised shower tray

One of the most popular renovations in the last few years has been to switch bathtubs for flush with floor shower trays, due to their functionality and style. In those homes where there are people with reduced mobility, choosing to have a shower over a bathtub in at least one bathroom is very much preferred.

Shower trays are also an effective way to utilize space in small bathrooms and they have multiple benefits such as reduced water consumption, increased accessibility, and a wider range of designs and materials.

When deciding on a shower tray, we need to choose between a flush with floor or raised shower tray.

A flush with floor shower tray is not always possible because it has several technical requirements: there needs to be a 2-3 inch incline for the water to drain away, and the existing construction needs to be able to support this.

Advantages and disadvantages of flush with floor shower trays

Flush with floor shower trays are a popular choice in modern bathrooms due to their minimalistic, clean line, and fresh look.

Likewise, due to our aging population, more accessible spaces are needed and many families are deciding to install flush with floor shower trays.

In this article, we are going to analyze the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of flush with floor shower trays

• Bathrooms are easier to clean because there are less joints.
• No more architectural barriers because the floor flows into one, making the space safer for every family member, especially the elderly and young children.
• It makes the space visually larger with a clean line and minimalist look.
• No work needs to be carried out.
• There is a wide variety of materials and colors available on the market.

Disadvantages of flush with floor shower trays

• There is a leak risk, so the shower screen installation needs to be faultless.
• There needs to be the capacity to have a 2-3 inch incline so that the water can drain away correctly. 
• The shower tray material needs to be carefully selected to ensure that it is not slippery. Non-slip materials should be selected for this, such as Dekton Grip+.
• The shower may feel colder, as the steam flows around the bathroom quicker.

Advantages and disadvantages of raised shower trays

For those bathrooms that do not have enough space to create the incline required for flush with the floor shower tray, the only other choice is to install a raised shower tray.

This is also a good option to consider if you want to show off the ornate material you have selected for your shower tray, such as marble. It is all down to your taste!

Advantages of raised shower trays

• The leak risk is reduced, as there is a surround that holds the water in while you have a shower.
• They can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of how deep the floor level is.
• If you opt for a more luxurious material like marble, this is the perfect option to show off its beauty.

Disadvantages of raised shower trays

• They are not recommended for those with reduced mobility, the elderly, or small children.
• They have more joints meaning that more cleaning is required to prevent mildew.
• More visual space is used, and it is more difficult to utilize all the area.

Dekton and Silestone Shower Trays

At Cosentino, we have created both Silestone and Dekton shower trays in a wide variety of customizable colors 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 and sandy finish to ensure that they are safe to use and are available in every Silestone color.

Another great option is our Dekton Gocce shower tray, which is produced with Grip+ cladding to provide maximum non-slip protection. This shower tray has the incline needed for water to run away at just 20 mm, meaning it is perfect for flush with floor showers. Available in 17 assorted colors.

Claddings for flush with floor shower trays

After selecting the best shower tray option for our bathroom, we need to think about the wall cladding.

Bathrooms are spaces where we like to relax and pamper ourselves, and due to the unique conditions of these spaces, including the humidity and exposure to chemical agents contained in cleaning products, highly resistant materials need to be used in these areas.

Silestone and Dekton are two of the best choices for bathroom cladding, as they offer a range of design possibilities to keep up with the latest trends in interior design.

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

Our Dekton Slim 4mm format has been especially created for cladding, 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 it very simple to maintain.

Dekton Slim can be used for wall cladding and bathroom fittings, with perfect integration.

Do you want a uniformed look for your bathroom? Silestone and Dekton allow you to select one color for the walls, floor, and shower tray to create a more consistent, minimalist, and clean esthetic.