How to choose a shower tray in 2026
A shower tray is the waterproof base that collects and drains water from your shower. Choosing well comes down to three decisions: material (sanitary acrylic is the most versatile option), a size that fits your recess, and the installation type (raised or flush with the floor). This guide walks through each step, with real dimensions and precise specifications.
The quick answer
The best-selling rectangular shower tray sizes in Spain are 90 × 70, 100 × 70, 100 × 80, 120 × 70 and 120 × 80 cm. To pick the right size, measure the width and length of your recess at several points and subtract a small fitting margin: the closer the tray is to your actual recess, the better the result. METROPOLE's ALBA shower tray covers that whole range, from 90 × 70 to 120 × 80 cm, from €128 — price as of September 2026, free home delivery in 3–5 working days. See ALBA.
ALBA shower tray sizes and prices
| Size | Price (VAT incl.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 90 × 70 cm | €128 | Compact bathrooms and narrow spaces |
| 100 × 70 cm | €165 | Replacing a bathtub with a shower in a mid-size recess |
| 100 × 80 cm | €169 | The most balanced: roomy without taking up too much space |
| 120 × 70 cm | €175 | Elongated showers in narrow recesses |
| 120 × 80 cm | €179 | A generously sized shower, ideal with a fixed screen |
Prices as of September 2026.
Materials: why sanitary acrylic
Shower trays come in mineral resin, ceramic, natural stone and acrylic. Reinforced sanitary acrylic stands out for a combination that is hard to match: it feels warm underfoot, it is lightweight, easy to clean and resistant to stains and everyday bathroom products. Compared with heavy resin or cold ceramic, acrylic keeps its temperature better against bare feet and is simpler to handle during installation.
- Warm to the touch: acrylic never feels cold the way ceramic or stone can.
- Lightweight: less weight makes transport and fitting easier during a renovation.
- Hygienic: a non-porous surface that is easy to clean and resists limescale.
- Colour-stable: the white finish keeps its tone with normal use, without yellowing.
Our ALBA acrylic shower tray brings these advantages together in white sanitary acrylic with a centred, brushed bronze drain grille. See the full range in the shower trays collection.
Common shower tray sizes
The right size is the one that fits the width and length of your recess with the smallest possible margin. In Spain, the best-selling rectangular formats are the following:
| Size (cm) | Recommended use |
|---|---|
| 90 × 70 | Compact bathrooms and narrow spaces (ALBA 90 × 70 cm) |
| 100 × 70 | Replacing a bathtub with a shower in a mid-size recess (ALBA 100 × 70 cm) |
| 100 × 80 | The most balanced: roomy without taking up too much space (ALBA 100 × 80 cm) |
| 120 × 70 | Elongated showers in narrow recesses (ALBA 120 × 70 cm) |
| 120 × 80 | A generously sized shower, ideal with a fixed screen (ALBA 120 × 80 cm) |
Alongside rectangular formats, demand is growing for square shower trays: the 90 × 90 gives a generously sized square shower area, and the 80 × 80 works well in small bathrooms without sacrificing comfort. If you are torn between rectangular and square, measure your recess first: the available space matters more than the aesthetic.
Low-profile: today's design standard
A low-profile shower tray has a very shallow height, just a few centimetres. It gives a clean, contemporary line, makes access easier (there is less of a step to clear) and fits the trend toward minimalist bathrooms. It is the natural choice if you want a current look and better accessibility.
Slip resistance and safety
A slip-resistant surface is a safety requirement, not an optional extra. The right texture reduces the risk of slipping on a wet floor, which matters especially in homes with children or older adults. Always check that a model declares a slip-resistant treatment in its technical data sheet.
Installation: flush or raised
There are two basic ways to install a shower tray:
- Flush installation (floor level): the tray sits level with the floor. It is the most elegant and accessible option, but it requires lowering or preparing the sub-floor to house the drain.
- Raised installation (on top of the floor): the tray sits on top of the existing floor. It is faster and more economical, ideal for renovations without major building work; a low-profile tray minimises the resulting step.
Drainage
The drain is the functional heart of the tray. Check the outlet diameter, the drainage flow rate (litres per minute) and that the interior slope carries water to the drain without pooling. A grille with good flow prevents water building up even with a high-flow handheld shower. For a flush installation, plan the trap height before closing the floor.
EN 14527 certification
The European standard EN 14527 governs domestic shower trays and sets the requirements for quality, watertightness and resistance. Look for the CE / EN 14527 mark as confirmation that a product meets the standard. It is the equivalent, for shower trays, of the standard that governs another everyday bathroom fixture: EN 14516 for bathtubs.
How to measure your recess for a shower tray
Measuring correctly prevents most installation problems. Follow these steps:
- Measure the width and length of the available space at several points (walls are rarely perfectly parallel) and note the smallest measurement.
- Subtract a fitting margin for sealing and wall clearance; do not choose a tray that fills the recess to the millimetre.
- Check the available height for the trap and drain, especially if you want a flush installation.
- Locate the existing drain outlet and confirm it lines up with the tray's drain position, or that it can be adapted.
- Confirm access: check the tray will fit through doors and hallways to the bathroom.
With these measurements in hand, choosing between 90 × 70, 100 × 80, 120 × 80 (ALBA) or a square 90 × 90 becomes straightforward.
Complete your shower area
A shower tray looks and works best alongside a good screen. A tempered glass shower screen defines the space and contains splashes. And if your renovation is open to other options, remember we also carry acrylic freestanding bathtubs for anyone who prefers to keep a bathtub in the bathroom.
If you are still weighing materials, anti-slip finishes or installation types, read how to choose a shower tray. Not sure which suits your renovation? Compare shower or bathtub.
Shower tray frequently asked questions
What is the most common shower tray size?
The 100 × 80 cm format is one of the most balanced, since it gives roominess without taking up too much space. In compact bathrooms, the 90 × 70 and the 80 × 80 square stand out; in elongated recesses, the 120 × 70 and 120 × 80. The right size is always the one that fits your actual recess.
What is a low-profile shower tray?
It is a tray with a very shallow height, just a few centimetres. It gives a clean, contemporary look, makes access easier by reducing the step, and fits minimalist bathrooms. It is today's design standard and allows both raised and flush installation.
Why does EN 14527 certification matter?
The European standard EN 14527 governs domestic shower trays and guarantees requirements for quality, watertightness and resistance. The CE / EN 14527 mark confirms a product meets that standard. It is a safety and durability guarantee worth checking before buying any shower tray.
How do I measure my recess for a shower tray?
Measure the width and length of the space at several points and use the smallest measurement, since walls are rarely parallel. Subtract a margin for sealing, check the available height for the drain, and confirm the position of the existing outlet before choosing the size.
How much does a 120 × 80 cm shower tray cost?
The ALBA 120 × 80 cm shower tray costs €179 (VAT included), price as of September 2026. It includes free home delivery in 3–5 working days.