How to choose a shower tray in 2026
The shower tray is the waterproof base that collects and drains water from your shower. Choosing the right one depends on three key decisions: the material (sanitary acrylic is the most versatile option), the size that fits your space, and the type of installation (supported or flush with the floor). This guide will help you make the right choice at each step, with real measurements and precise specifications.
Materials: why sanitary acrylic
Shower trays are made of mineral resin, ceramic, natural stone, and acrylic. Reinforced sanitary acrylic stands out for a combination that is hard to beat: it is warm to the touch, lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and common bathroom products. Compared to heavy resin or cold ceramic, acrylic maintains temperature better for bare feet and simplifies handling during installation.
- Warm to the touch: acrylic is not cold like ceramic or stone.
- Lightweight: less weight facilitates transport and assembly during renovations.
- Hygienic: non-porous surface, easy to clean, and resistant to limescale.
- Color stable: white maintains its tone without yellowing with normal use.
Our ALBA model, the acrylic shower tray, brings together these advantages in an extra-flat design conceived for modern bathrooms. You can see the full range in the shower trays collection.
Common shower tray sizes
The correct size is the one that fits the width and length of your space with the least possible margin. In Spain, the best-selling rectangular formats are the following:
| Size (cm) | Recommended use |
|---|---|
| 90 × 70 | Compact bathrooms and narrow areas |
| 100 × 70 | Bathtub replacement with shower in medium-sized space |
| 100 × 80 | The most balanced: spacious without taking up too much room |
| 120 × 70 | Long showers in narrow spaces |
| 120 × 80 | Generous shower feel, ideal with a fixed screen |
Alongside rectangular trays, the demand for square shower trays is growing: the 90 × 90 offers a very spacious square shower area, and the 80 × 80 solves small bathrooms without sacrificing comfort. If you are unsure between rectangular and square, first measure the space: available space is more decisive than aesthetics.
Extra-flat: the current design standard
An extra-flat shower tray has a profile of only a few centimeters high. It provides a clean and contemporary line, facilitates access (there is less step to overcome), and aligns with the minimalist bathroom trend. It is the natural choice if you are looking for modern aesthetics and greater accessibility.
Anti-slip and safety
The anti-slip surface is a safety criterion, not an optional extra. An adequate texture reduces the risk of slipping on wet floors, which is especially important in homes with children or elderly people. Always check that the model specifies anti-slip treatment in its technical data sheet.
Installation: flush or supported
You have two basic ways to install the shower tray:
- Flush installation (flush with the floor): the tray is at the same level as the flooring. It is the most elegant and accessible option, but it requires lowering or preparing the subfloor to accommodate the drain.
- Supported installation (on the floor): the tray is placed on top of the existing flooring. It is quicker and more economical, ideal for renovations without major construction; the extra-flat profile minimizes the resulting step.
Drainage and waste
The drainage is the functional heart of the tray. Check the outlet diameter, the evacuation capacity (liters per minute), and that the internal slope directs water towards the drain without pooling. A drain with a high-flow grate prevents water from accumulating even with high-flow hand showers. For flush installation, plan the siphon height before closing the floor.
EN 14527 Certification
The European standard EN 14527 regulates shower trays for domestic use and defines quality, watertightness, and resistance requirements. Look for the CE / EN 14527 marking as a guarantee that the product meets the standard. It is the equivalent, for shower trays, of the standards that govern other sanitary equipment such as bathtubs and screens (for example, EN 14516 for bathtubs or EN 12150 for tempered safety glass for screens).
How to measure the space for the shower tray
Measuring correctly avoids 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 tolerance margin for sealing and wall adjustment; do not choose a tray that fills the space to the millimeter.
- Check the available height for the siphon and drain, especially if you want a flush installation.
- Locate the existing drain outlet and verify that it matches the position of the tray's drain or that you can adapt it.
- Confirm access: check that the tray can pass through doors and corridors to the bathroom.
With these clear measurements, choosing between 90 × 70, 100 × 80, 120 × 80, or a square 90 × 90 becomes simple.
Complete your shower area
A shower tray looks and functions best accompanied by a good shower screen. A tempered glass shower screen defines the space and contains splashes. And if your renovation includes other options, remember that we also offer freestanding acrylic bathtubs for those who prefer to keep a bathtub in the bathroom.
Frequently asked questions about shower trays
What is the most common shower tray size?
The 100 × 80 cm format is one of the most balanced because it provides spaciousness without taking up too much room. In compact bathrooms, the 90 × 70 and the 80 × 80 square stand out; in elongated spaces, the 120 × 70 and 120 × 80. The correct size is always the one that fits your actual space.
What is an extra-flat shower tray?
It is a tray with a very low profile, just a few centimeters high. It provides a clean and contemporary aesthetic, facilitates access by reducing the step, and blends with minimalist bathrooms. It is the current design standard and allows for both supported and flush installation.
Why is EN 14527 certification important?
The European standard EN 14527 regulates domestic shower trays and guarantees quality, watertightness, and resistance requirements. The CE / EN 14527 marking confirms that the product meets this standard. It is a guarantee of safety and durability that should be checked before purchasing any shower tray.
How do I measure the space for my shower tray?
Measure the width and length of the space at several points and take the smallest measurement, as 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.