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If your shower area is in need of a refresh, one of the easiest and most effective ways to update it is to upgrade your shower enclosure and shower tray. Not only will this simple home improvement project update and enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your bathroom, but it’s also an investment that can increase the overall value of your home.
Here at The Bathroom Showroom, we discuss the right time to upgrade these essential bathroom fittings while highlighting the many benefits of choosing and installing a new shower enclosure or shower tray.

When to Upgrade Your Shower Enclosure and Shower Tray: The Telltale Signs

There are several key indicators that suggest it's time to replace your shower tray and enclosure, including:
  • Visible Damage: If you see cracks, chips, or broken glass in the enclosure, or deep scratches or cracks in the shower tray, it's not just an aesthetic issue. These can be a safety hazard, as cracked glass can shatter and damaged trays can lead to leaks and water damage.
  • Water Leaks and Mold Growth: This is one of the common and indeed important reasons for upgrading. If you consistently find water pooling outside the shower, it means the seals and gaskets are worn out. Persistent moisture can lead to mould and mildew, which are not only unsightly but also pose health risks. Leaks can also cause costly water damage to your floors and walls and other bathroom fixtures and fittings. .
  • Persistent Functionality Issues: A shower door that’s difficult to open or close, a squeaky hinge, or a door that won't seal properly is a sign of wear and tear. These issues are frustrating and can compromise the effectiveness of the enclosure.
  • Outdated Style: If your shower enclosure has a heavy, bulky frame or an outdated design that no longer matches your bathroom's aesthetic, a modern upgrade can dramatically improve the space. A sleek, frameless glass enclosure can make a small bathroom feel much larger and more open.
  • Frequent Repairs: If you find yourself constantly replacing seals, hinges, or repairing leaks, it's often more cost-effective to invest in a new, high-quality unit. A new shower tray and enclosure can save you time and money on long-term maintenance.
  • Planning to Sell Your Home: A modern, well-maintained bathroom is a major selling point. Upgrading your shower can significantly increase your home's appeal and value to potential buyers, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

The Benefits of Updating Shower Trays and Shower Enclosures

Upgrading your shower tray and enclosure offers numerous practical and aesthetic benefits for your bathroom, such as:
  • Improved Aesthetics: A new shower can completely transform the look of your bathroom. From sleek, modern frameless enclosures to stylish low-profile trays, you can create a more luxurious and spa-like atmosphere.
  • Enhanced Safety: Modern shower trays often come with anti-slip surfaces to prevent falls, making them safer for everyone, especially children and the elderly. Upgrading from a damaged or old unit removes the risks of shattered glass and water damage.
  • Easier Maintenance: Newer materials and designs, such as easy-clean glass coatings and non-porous stone resin trays, are much simpler to clean and maintain. They resist the buildup of soap scum and limescale, keeping your shower looking new with minimal effort.
  • Better Water Containment: A new, properly installed enclosure ensures a watertight seal, preventing splashes and leaks from damaging your bathroom. This protects your walls, flooring and bathroom fixtures and fittings from moisture and helps to prevent mould and mildew.
  • Improved Accessibility: For those with mobility issues, a low-profile or walk-in shower tray with a level-access design can be a life-changing upgrade, providing a safe and easy-to-access showering area.
  • Increased Property Value: A modern, high-quality shower enclosure and tray are seen as a desirable feature by home buyers. This can lead to a higher resale value for your home.

Your Questions about Shower Trays and Enclosures Answered

Whether you’re planning to update your bathroom, upgrade the fixtures and fittings by renovating or if you’re looking to undertake a brand new installation, choosing the right shower tray and enclosure will help you add the perfect finishing touches. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about these bathroom fittings to help you make the best choice.
1. What Are the Different Shapes and Sizes of Shower Enclosures and Trays?
The most common shapes are:
Square: Ideal for smaller bathrooms, maximizing corner space.
Rectangular: Offers a more spacious and luxurious feel, often used in larger bathrooms.
Quadrant: Features a curved front, designed to fit snugly into a corner, making it a great space-saving option.
Offset Quadrant: A larger version of the quadrant, with one side longer than the other, providing more room.
Sizes vary widely, from compact options like 700x700mm to larger, more expansive sizes for rectangular trays, such as 900x1800mm.
2. What Materials Are Shower Trays Made From?
Acrylic: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean, but can be less durable and prone to scratching.
Stone Resin: A popular choice for its durability and solid, luxurious feel. It's heavier than acrylic and is often used for high-traffic bathrooms.
Ceramic: Provides a classic, elegant look. It's heavy, easy to maintain, and resistant to scratches and stains.
3. What Are the Different Types of Shower Doors?
Sliding Doors: A space-saving option where the doors slide along a track, ideal for smaller bathrooms.
Pivot/Hinged Doors: Open outwards into the bathroom, like a standard door. You need to ensure you have enough space for the door to swing open.
Bi-fold Doors: Fold inwards, making them an excellent choice for saving space.
Walk-in/Wet Room: A minimalistic option without a traditional door, creating a seamless and open showering area.
4. Can I Install a Shower Tray After Tiling?
No, it's generally recommended to install the shower tray before tiling. The tray is fitted and sealed against the floor and walls first, and then the tiles are laid down to the edge of the tray. This method ensures a better watertight seal.
5. What Are the Different Types of Shower Enclosures?
Framed: Features an outer frame that surrounds every edge of the glass. This design is often more cost-effective and structurally robust.
Semi-frameless: A mix of framed and frameless elements, offering a sleek, modern look with enhanced stability.
Frameless: A minimalist design without a visible frame. The glass is often thicker (8mm or 10mm) to ensure durability and stability.
6. What Thickness of Glass Should I Choose for My Enclosure?
The thickness of toughened safety glass typically ranges from 6mm to 10mm. Thicker glass (8mm or 10mm) is often chosen for frameless enclosures to provide greater stability. Thinner glass (6mm) is more common for framed enclosures.
7. What’s the Difference Between a Low-Profile and a Raised Shower Tray?
Low-profile: Sits very close to the floor for a sleek, minimalist look and easy access. This is possible when the plumbing pipes can be concealed below the floor.
Raised: Elevated off the floor, providing a practical solution when plumbing needs to be concealed beneath the tray because the pipes are above the floor. A riser kit is often used to achieve this.
8. How Do I Ensure My Shower Tray and Enclosure Fit Together?
The shower tray and enclosure must be the same size and shape to create a watertight seal. It's best practice to select a shower tray to match your chosen enclosure. When measuring, always do so after the wall tiles have been fitted, and measure the distance from wall to wall to ensure a correct fit.
9. Can Shower Enclosures and Trays Be Cut to Size?
Shower enclosures and trays, especially those made with tempered glass, cannot be cut to size after they have been manufactured. If you need a custom size, the glass and tray must be made to those specific dimensions before the tempering and finishing processes.
10. What Is an Anti-Slip Shower Tray?
An anti-slip shower tray is designed with a textured surface to reduce the risk of slipping, increasing safety, particularly for families and individuals with mobility concerns.

Buy Shower Trays and Enclosures From The Bathroom Showroom

Our jam-packed Bathrooms Brochure has a spectacular selection of shower enclosures and trays to suit all styles and sizes of bathrooms, as well as all levels of budgets! From our very own iflo and Vitellio brand to industry renowned names Kudos and Roca, there is a shower enclosure and tray to suit every home.
For more information on shower enclosures and shower trays, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.