Shower Tray Carriers
About Shower Tray Carriers
The most important feature of a bathroom is the shower. So much so that the size, shape, and design of the shower enclosure and the shower tray plays a huge role in dictating the overall style of the room.
A shower tray and shower enclosure keep the shower water from wetting the entire floor of the room. Instead, it will keep the water inside the showering area while also making the room look good. But before shopping for a tray, keep in mind that apart from the design of the tray itself, the positioning of it in the bathroom and the rest of the bathroom fittings also matter. Read this article to know more about them. Having a better understanding of trays will help you make the right choices while you are making the purchase.
Different types of materials for a shower tray
The most apparent difference between shower trays is the difference in shape. There are square trays, rectangular trays, quadrant trays and even circular trays. Then people will notice the difference in colour and finish. However, none of these actually will tell you the quality and functionality of the tray. To understand that, you really have to look at the material of the tray. Here is a list of the four most common materials used for making shower trays. You will also find some really helpful articles that will help you while you are shopping for them.
Ceramic shower trays
Ceramic material is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. Therefore, it is not surprising that ceramic is a really popular material for shower trays. Other great benefits of ceramic are that they are available in a wide variety of colours and are also cheaper than other materials. Ceramic trays can resist impacts and are resistant to stains. Despite all these advantages, there are a couple of negatives about ceramic trays. The most important of them is that ceramic trays can be slippery. This gets worse when soap and water are thrown into the mix.
Natural stone
As you can probably tell from the name, such trays use natural materials like marble, granite, slate, and graphite. These trays are non-slippery and do not allow bacterial growth. And because they are just shaped natural stone, they are completely waterproof and pretty durable. However, they are available in only less than a dozen different shades and patterns. So, if you are looking for something that stands out from the rest, this might not be the ideal option. Also, natural stone shower trays are generally really heavy.
Acrylic
Basically, acrylic is just another type of plastic. Acrylic as a material has undergone changes over the last decades. Because of the technological advancements, these days, acrylic is just as good a material as ceramic. Moreover, it has some benefits that are not present in ceramic. Acrylic shower trays are non-slippery as it is possible to control the surface characteristics of acrylic more than that of ceramic trays. Also, acrylic shower trays are cheap and durable. But it is sensitive to some acidic materials. So, you should be careful about what type of cleaning agent you are using on an acrylic surface.
Resin
Resin shower trays are a more recent invention. In fact, you can call this a type of synthetic concrete. The benefit of resin is that it is possible to make thinner trays without compromising the strength and durability of the tray. Naturally, these trays are much lighter than trays made from other materials. Also, it is possible to make resin trays in a wide range of colours, shapes, and finishes. You will also find these shower trays with more than one colour. Most of the time, the second colour would be added as a decoration around the trim.
Tips on how to buy Shower Trays
It is a great thing that shower trays come in a wide variety of models. So, it is always possible to find a model that suits your taste and requirements. However, the same thing can also make it harder to find the right one. So, how would you choose the right one out of thousands of different options? Well, this gets easier if you know what factors to consider while selecting a tray. Here are some tips that you can follow while shopping for them.
- Material – The most important thing to consider while buying a shower tray is, of course, the material. It is the material that is going to dictate the quality, physical characteristics, and the durability of the tray. For example, some materials are heavier or slippery than others. The cost of the tray will also depend greatly on the material of the tray.
- Size – You should get a tray that is not too small or too large. Consider the size of your bathroom while deciding the size of the tray. Even though it is nice to have a large enough tray to shower, it should not take up too much space in the toilet.
- Shape – Choosing the tray of the right shape can help you adjust it to the size and shape of the bathroom. A corner shower tray generally takes up less floor space than a square tray. Rectangular trays are good for large bathrooms. Apart from these regular shapes, there are some trays that feature some unique shapes as well. However, such trays are not really good at effectively using the floor area.
- Features – Always look at the features of the tray when you buy. Some of them offer non-slippery, stain-resistant and corrosion-resistant surfaces. These features are great to have in a shower tray. Some other less important features include weightless construction and walk-in trays. Trays also come with shower drains. The design of the drain can affect the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.
There are many more useful showers accessories that you might need. These include things like shower sills, shower tray drains, shower curtain rods, shower head holders, shower stools, shower pans, shower hoses, and shower chairs. Find any of them easily using our shopping search engine . That way, you can also compare the prices and features of different models and pick the right one among them. Also, don’t forget to check out other amazing products from the bathroom fixtures category.
Question & Answer
How long do acrylic shower trays last?
If you are using the shower tray normally, an acrylic tray can last for several years. Acrylic does not corrode even after constant contact with soap and water. Under these normal situations, they can last for a really long time. You can expect them to last for at least a decade or even longer. However, acrylic is sensitive to strong detergents, bases and acids. Some cleaning products tend to contain these things. So, you should follow the manufacturer recommendation on the type of cleaning products you are supposed to use on your acrylic shower tray.
Why do shower trays crack?
There are several possible reasons why a shower tray can crack. Some of them are because of the inaccuracies that happen during the installation. Insufficient support under the tray can cause it to bend too much when people stand on the tray. This can also happen if there is some structural movement as well. Another reason for cracking is because of impact damage. But even if none of these happened, a tray can still crack because of the deterioration that the tray undergoes over time. And when that happens, you can apply a temporary fix by sealing the leak or replacing the entire tray.
How to fix a cracked shower tray?
Using a filler or patch is the easiest and most affordable method of sealing a cracked tray. But before using any of that, you should clean the tray to remove any oily substance or dirt from the surface and dry it. Then, if you are applying a filler, you can just combine the different elements of the filler and apply it directly on the surface of the crack. When you are applying the filler, don’t think much about the way it looks but make sure that the crack is completely covered. Later, you can sand away the excess filler until you get a decent looking finish. If you are using a patch, it is easier but costs a little more than a filler.