Stone shower trays: varieties, selection, care

Stone shower trays are becoming the choice of many buyers. At the same time, goods from materials of artificial origin are more in demand, since at a lower cost they have a number of advantages over natural ones.

Each shower tray made of natural marble is a unique thing, because the pattern of any part of the stone is unique. However, such a thing will cost a lot and will require special care: marble is a porous material, it is able to change color under the influence of water and various chemicals, so it must be regularly coated with special protective agents.

Artificial marble is created on the basis of natural filler (which is marble chips and quartz sand) and polyester resins. Cast marble, compared to natural, is the preferred material for shower trays.

This is due to the fact that the products from it are more convenient to install and practical to operate due to a number of properties that this artificial stone possesses, namely:

• much lighter than natural marble (2 times);
• more durable (withstand shocks of greater strength without the formation of chips and cracks);
• it is characterized by low thermal conductivity, so it does not give a feeling of a cold surface, like a natural stone;
• does not absorb pollution, is easily cleaned, characterized by high hygienic properties, since the material is non-porous;
• more wear resistant;
• allows you to create a non-slip surface;
• has a longer service life;
• products from it can be repaired at the installation site, without dismantling.

It is still possible to split a cast marble pallet, but for this it will take much more effort than is necessary to render a similar thing made of natural unusable. When caring for artificial marble surfaces do not use abrasive cleaners, as this will lead to the formation of scratches, as on natural stone. Artificial marble products have a lower cost, despite the fact that manufacturers offer a very wide selection of colors and shapes of shower trays.

Acrylic artificial stone is made on the basis of acrylic resins and natural mineral fillers. Shower trays made of acrylic artificial stone have a number of positive properties, due to which they have become widespread and in demand among buyers, namely:

• they are warm because they have low thermal conductivity;
• hygienic, as the material is non-porous and does not absorb moisture, is easy to clean;
• water resistant;
• do not require special care;
• safe, do not emit harmful substances;
• durable;
• repairable: defects that arise on the surface as a result of careless operation can be eliminated by grinding and polishing;
• do not change color, retain their original colors even after prolonged use;
• presented in a wide range of different colors, shapes and sizes;
• are cheaper than similar products made of natural stone.

Acrylic stone shower trays also have disadvantages: the smaller the thickness of the sheet from which they are made, the lower their strength characteristics. Heavy objects falling on a stone pallet can cause cracks on it. The surface of acrylic stone can be scratched, and such a defect will be clearly visible if it is dark and monochrome. Acrylic stone is made by a number of manufacturers who produce their products under different brands. The most famous: this Corian, Montelli, Staron, Hi-Macs, Akrilika, Hanex, Tristone, Grandex.

Quartz agglomerate - Another type of artificial stone that is used to make shower trays. A composite material based on quartz and polyester resin is characterized by high strength and resistance to mechanical stress. It is recommended for large pallets. In the composition of quartz agglomerate, the proportion of natural quartz is up to 93–95%. This material is much stronger than granite. Products from quartz agglomerate, unlike those made from natural marble, do not change color under the influence of household chemicals containing acids.

In addition, the non-porous structure of this material, the lack of ability to absorb water gives products from it high hygiene properties.

Famous brands of quartz agglomerate from different manufacturers: Caesarstone, Samsung Radianz, Vicostone, Avant, Dekton, Silestone, Cambira, Technistone.

The standard and most popular sizes of pallets made of artificial stone are 120 × 90, 120 × 80, 90x90, 80x80, 100 × 100 cm (1000x1000 mm). However, if the buyer requires a pallet of an atypical shape or a slow-moving size, then the companies selling this product offer to make it to order on an individual project.

The production of a shower tray to order involves the following stages of work:

• measurements at the place of future installation;
• choice of shape and color of the product;
• production of the ordered copy;
• its installation.

Typical forms of shower trays made of artificial stone:

• square;
• quadrant;
• rectangle;
• pentagon;
• asymmetric rectangle.

Acrylic stone shower trays vary in depth. Artificial marble pallets are not made deep, but there is a choice in height, manufacturers offer:

• low;
• standard;
• high.

There are several options for installing shower trays made of artificial stone:

• on a flat floor (if the drain is horizontal);
• in a pre-prepared recess (suitable for different types of discharge);
• on a flat floor with a hole for vertical drainage.

The location of the tray and the entire shower can be:

• angular;
• near the wall.

Such a material as acrylic stone allows you to get products of various, the most non-standard forms, it is easy to cut, drill, grind. If the item is made of several parts, then after gluing and grinding the joints, a complete product is obtained without visible seams, this ensures a high level of hygiene, since the seamless surface does not allow dirt to accumulate at the joints of the parts. Artificial marble pallets also have a variety of shapes, which will allow you to choose the option that is suitable for any shower and style in the interior.

Artificial marble for pallets is made in different colors and shades. You can choose a one-color coating or one-colored with a splash, as well as order a coloring with stains under a natural stone. As a rule, the goods on sale are presented in standard colors - white, black (less often blue, beige, blue). Coloring under a natural stone is offered for the copies made by the individual order.

Artificial marble pallets have excellent aesthetic characteristics, are distinguished by color fastness, which is not affected by water.

Manufacturers also offer a wide selection of different colors and shades for pallets made of acrylic stone. Naturally, that the largest variety of options can be seen when ordering goods on an individual project. Pigments, due to the addition of which coloring of the material occurs, are distributed throughout the entire thickness of the product, color fastness is guaranteed throughout the entire period of operation. Quartz agglomerate pallets are presented in a wide palette of colors and shades, including those with imitation of the structure of natural stone. Items made from this material do not change color during the entire period of use.

See how to choose a pallet in the next video.