Shower trays: shapes, sizes and choices

Shower cabins have long become a very popular filling of bathrooms and even slightly replaced the usual bathtubs. However, it is not advisable to choose them only by color, shape and technical stuffing. It is very important to know the nuances associated with the shower tray.

It is difficult to consider a shower tray as a widely demanded plumbing product. But still, the popularity of such designs is gradually increasing. Quite a lot of showers are equipped with pallets by default. However, you can always use other products, including when initially they are not included in the package. It should be noted, however, that separate showers do not have pallets.

There is no ceiling in such structures, and the floor is on the same level as the bathroom floor. The result is a minimalistic and technically simple construction. However, using a pallet to live is still nicer. In addition, in urban apartments located in multi-storey buildings, by and large there is no other option. There it is impossible to delve into the base and lay a quality drain in any other way.

In addition, the pallet allows:

• use additional options (aromatherapy, hydromassage, sauna mode);
• simplify and speed up the formation of the drain;
• refuse to use special siphons (they are not needed - extraneous odors will not appear anyway);
• exclude stagnation of water in the cabin due to clogged pipes or when they lose bandwidth for another reason;
• prevent the formation of puddles, even if the tile is not laid out too smoothly;
• to mount a shower cabin even where the floor and walls themselves have deviations from ideal geometry.

But if you have already decided to use a shower tray, it's time to figure out what it should be like. Widespread acrylic pallets. The technology for producing and forming acrylic is very well developed. Therefore, a very solid design with a variety of aesthetic properties is obtained. The geometry of the cabin and its size practically do not play a role.

Acrylic designs, in addition, are easily complemented by various accessories and other useful things. Acrylic pallet compares favorably with the minimum level of glide compared to the steel counterpart. Simply put, there will be much less danger of slipping and falling.

Sometimes people are interested in a metal (or rather, cast-iron) shower tray. Previously, such products were used mainly in public showers, but in recent years the situation has changed. Cast iron structures are quite reliable, and after solving some of the problems with design and functionality, the last arguments against their purchase have disappeared. It should be borne in mind that the features of the material itself still impose restrictions on the design and practical capabilities of the pallet. There are options for cast-iron structures:

• in the shape of a square;
• in the shape of a rectangle;
• with one oval edge.

PCast iron pallets can withstand the weight of almost any person and can have almost any depth - this is what modern technologies provide. Drain holes usually have a diameter of 0.052 m. Therefore, you can safely buy a standard siphon and not be afraid that it will not work. Important: the chemical composition of a good alloy must be consistent GOST 7565. The surface is covered with particularly strong enamel, the application of which takes place according to a rather complex technology, which additionally raises the price.

But the "hot" enamel practically does not wear out. And to split it, even intentionally, will not be so simple.

Separately worth a look. with plastic type pallets. In fact, this material (plastic) is the same as acrylic. Rather, these are polymers made using acrylic acid. However, the cheapness and practicality of plastic does not cancel the fact that it is unstable to temperature extremes. Rather, it has a very strong thermal expansion compared to other materials.

Many people are far less familiar with the ceramic shower tray than with the acrylic option. Such designs look very attractive. However, they are quite heavy and easily broken. Damage to such a pallet can be either its own fall or a hit with a heavy object.

The severity, however, cannot be considered a significant drawback. After all even with a weight of 60 kg, carrying the pallet together is not difficult. In addition, the heavier the product, the more stable it is in itself, even without additional fasteners.

Should also be considered the difference between the individual varieties of ceramics. White clay products have gained popularity.

It is divided into two types - sanitary ware and sanitary ware. Sanitary ware is slightly lighter and in its pure form absorbs water a little more actively than sanitary porcelain. However, in production it is coated with a composition that prevents overmoistening completely. Sanfarfor due to special additives receives not only less hygroscopicity, but also increased strength.

Dimensions of ceramic pallets do not differ from products made of other materials. It is only necessary to consider that to find deep instances of this kind in our country is almost impossible. But the variety of forms they inspire respect.

A more elite option is a granite pallet. Such designs immediately give the interior solidity and even some pomp. Compared to marble, granite is significantly stronger and tolerates temperature differences much better. And even quite strong blows the stone pallet is guaranteed to withstand. If there can be mechanical influences that can split it, then such forces definitely do not occur in household use. However, keep in mind that will have to use special care products for natural stone.

If solid granite pallets like, but not afford, you can choose the version of artificial stone. In appearance, they are no worse, and the price difference reaches 10-30% or even more. Synthetic stone immediately adds simplicity and grace to the appearance of the bathroom. In terms of service life, it is not inferior to natural analogues. Of course, if we talk about quality products made of good material.

Quite a few manufacturers are ready to offer porcelain stoneware shower trays. Some versions of this material are specially polished. Proven technologies allow you to simulate:

• cracked marble;

• natural wood;

• concrete;

• metal surfaces;

• natural granite and other attractive types of rocks.

Shower trays come in all sizes. But in practice, using structures of less than 90x90 cm is very inconvenient. Even teenagers and people with a slender complexion find it difficult to turn around in such a limited space. What can we say about other users. Shower cabins with a floor of 100x100 cm turn out to be a much more comfortable choice.

Models of this size are very popular. And manufacturers respond to stable demand, providing constant replenishment of the range in this segment. But about the versions 60x60 cm and 80x80 cm, only one thing can be said: this solution is only for bathing young children. Or for an apartment of a very small area, when literally every square centimeter has to be saved.

Stable demand is available on the model:

• 900x900 mm;
• 120x80 cm;
• 800x800x1975 mm.

Important: in any case, pallets with a protruding side are more practical than completely flat options. It is useful to consider other nuances of the geometric shape of this piece of plumbing. The shape of the square is compact and ergonomic. It can be chosen for rooms of a relatively small area. But even in a considerable space, such a product will not look out of place.

Most often, the sides of the squares are:

• 0.8 m;
• 0.9 m;
• 1m;
• 1.2 m.

Of course if you wish, you can always order a pallet of a completely different size. Or even choose it ready-made in the store.

Things are somewhat different with rectangular pallets. These designs are also in great demand and also fill stores in abundance. However, they already require a bit more space.

Theoretically, they can be placed on a small area, but in the design plan such a decision is doubtful. In most cases, a rectangular shape implies the use of ceramics, while square pallets usually made from acrylic. The most common modifications are:

• 1.4x0.9 m;
• 1.4x0.7 m;
• 1.5x0.7 m;
• 1.2x0.7 m.

Confidently close the three consumer sympathies corner pallets. They are both stylish and compact in size. The most common serial type of corner product is a quarter circle. It is appreciated for easy entry into almost any interior. Consumers who want to stand out often prefer non-standard solutions.In response to this demand, individual suppliers produce round, trapezoid-like, spiral-shaped and even more elaborate pallets in form.

But the main part of such designs is made to order. And they make them as part of the design project of a particular bathroom. Therefore, it is simply impossible to buy such a copy only because it was liked in the photo, and it is not practical. Especially since in the first place should still be functionality.

Important: whichever tray configuration you like, it will be derivative with respect to the shape of the shower.. Adjustment with a mismatch of geometric lines is almost impossible. The width of the walls in the asymmetric version ranges from 0.7 to 1.5 m. By individual order, some manufacturers are ready to make even a multifaceted design. It is curious that in technological terms it is simpler than having clear straight lines.

In some cases, round and semicircular pallets are used. But this is a purely amateur product. Occasionally there are pentagonal options. The dimensions of their parties are not officially regulated. But common practice is to match the values ​​of the long sides of pentagonal and rectangular pallets.

In the vast majority of cases, mass-produced products are processed in white. This solution fits perfectly into almost any sanitary composition. Concerning colored (gray, marbled, rich black, blue and other pallets), then they immediately stand out against the general background. However, white modifications are much more convenient and have such advantages:

• less visible deposits remaining from water and detergents;
• easier cleaning;
• more variety of options for geometry and dimensions;
• ease of finding repair kits of the appropriate color.

Keep in mind that finding the colored pallets themselves is also quite difficult to find. And one more subtlety - the leading companies in the industry, working under solid brands, do not offer such a product. Therefore, lovers of good quality need to abandon experiments. The drawing can be applied in a repeating print format. An alternative are laser engraved designs.

If the pallet has a raised surface, it will look better than a smooth counterpart. Important: in the presence of a relief, anti-slip coating is of particular importance. In addition to the decorative role, this type of surface has a practical function.

The recent design move was the recent appearance models with a well-disguised drain. Even an attentive observer is not easy to detect it. This approach is implemented very simply: an additional overlay is used, and a kind of “double bottom” appears. Most often, the lining is formed from the same material as the shower cabins themselves. Are rapidly gaining popularity now solutions with LED additives.

They allow you to achieve an almost unlimited range of design effects. However, one cannot expect that the built-in lamps will replace the full lighting of the bathroom or even a separate cabin. When selecting a specific design option, consider:

• its practicality;
• compatibility with the rest of the interior of the bathroom and the house as a whole;
• tastes of all family members.

Perhaps, the worst type of shower trays can be considered plastic products. In the process of heating and cooling, they change their size. Therefore, the installation is already significantly complicated, and you have to use a special sealant. In addition, inexpensive varieties of plastic (and expensive in such things are almost never used) can serve as a source of unpleasant odor. Finally, the strength of plastic does not always suit people.

If in the first place are considerations of economy, it is better to give preference to reinforced pallets made of enameled steel. However, we must remember that such designs often have to be finalized with a file. In addition, steel is good in the country. But in an apartment or in a constantly used country house, you need to pay attention to more advanced materials. The fact is that the strength of steel is overshadowed by its increased thermal conductivity and "volume".

Equally important when choosing a pallet for the cabin in the bathroom is the height from the floor. Small pallets are those with a depth of 0.01-0.03 m. The middle group includes those that reach 0.04-0.07 m in depth. The deepest specimens can reach 0.7 m. A large recess is needed not only for bathing children or washing clothes, as one might think. She also acts as an additional safety net against water spills throughout the house.

And if in a suburban dwelling this last consideration is still not too fundamental, then in a city apartment the situation is completely the opposite. However, it is just there that it is impossible to establish a very deep sump with entry into the floor. The solution is the use of structures with high podiums. True, another problem appears here - low bathroom does not allow a similar solution. If it is technically possible, it will create many aesthetic inconveniences.

You will have to look for the best balance and try different ways to compensate for the shortcomings. It is generally believed that in the shower enclosure and in the alcove with a glass door supplemented with a seal, the height of the tray is unprincipled. However, when using textile blinds, low models will have to be abandoned. In such cases, pallets of at least 0.03 m are used. The average side height allows you to soar your feet or soak everyday things for a while.

Choosing the length and width of the pallet, you should consider the place of its installation. However, in any case, modifications of less than 0.9 x 0.9 m are too inconvenient. They are mounted only when something more capacious can not be delivered. Simultaneously with the pallet, it is advised to select a fence or door for the shower.

The siphon on a deep pan can be of almost any diameter, but in a shallow bowl it should be wide, otherwise the water will overflow constantly over the side. Important: the siphon is selected individually for each model. The fact is that their dimensions are not standardized. It is very important to find out exactly how the installation will be carried out. Only then will it be possible to choose the most optimal model. Of the useful options it is worth noting:

• lids for draining (make the design more beautiful);
• click-clack complex;
• seat (found only on deep modifications).

The size of the shower tray is selected for the largest user. This applies not only to the size of the product (so that you can get up and turn around freely), but also to the level of permissible load. Important: movements with arms and legs should occur absolutely freely and naturally. If the purchase is planned for elderly and chronically ill people, it is worth giving preference to pallets with a seat. If there are pets in the house, you need to buy a container as deep as you can get for technical and financial reasons.

Recommendation: instead of a more expensive anti-slip pallet, you can purchase a budget-class product and paste it yourself with a special film. In terms of quality of protection, such a combination will be no worse. It is worth checking the completeness of the purchased model in accordance with the documentation. It is also important to pay attention to end-user feedback. And, of course, you should find out what size the drain is. Then you can either choose a design for direct connection to the sewer, or immediately buy the missing adapters.

You can find out how to make a shower tray from a tile with your own hands by watching the video below.