A shower tray is the waterproof base that collects and drains water from the shower area, replacing a bathtub or completing a built-in shower. It is chosen based on the material (acrylic, resin, or ceramic), dimensions, height (extra-flat or flush with the floor), type of drain, and anti-slip rating, to fit the space and usage of each bathroom.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower or renovating an old tray is one of the most frequent and rewarding bathroom improvements, but it is also one where it is easy to make mistakes: a tray that is too high, a poorly sized drain, or a slippery finish are paid for daily. This guide brings together on a single page the five factors that truly matter—material, dimensions, height, drainage, and safety—with data taken from the real product sheets of the Merkimarket shower tray collection, so you get it right the first time.
Key data for choosing a shower tray
- Common materials: reinforced acrylic, mineral-filled resin, fine refractory clay, and ceramic/porcelain.
- Best-selling dimensions: rectangular in 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 cm lengths, with widths from 70 to 90 cm.
- Recommended height: extra-flat models are around 3 to 7.5 cm thick, ideal for flush installation and accessibility.
- Drain: siphonic, with integrated grid or cover; it is advisable to have a drainage flow rate in line with the faucet (a thermostatic column can exceed 20 l/min).
- Safety: look for an anti-slip surface; the slip resistance classification (class C) is a good indicator.
- Warranty: legal minimum of three years for consumers in Spain, plus the seller's commercial warranty.
With this summary, you already have the big picture; below we develop each point so you can make an informed decision.
Shower tray or bathtub: why almost everyone is switching
The shower has beaten the bathtub in most Spanish bathrooms, and for good reasons. A shower tray takes up less space, is much more accessible for the elderly or those with reduced mobility, uses less water than filling a bathtub, and, when properly installed flush with the floor, provides that feeling of spaciousness and continuity that modern bathrooms seek. In addition, maintenance is simpler: less surface area, fewer joints, and faster cleaning. If you are in the middle of a renovation, you might want to combine the tray with a good shower screen; we look at this in detail in our guide on shower screens: types, dimensions, and how to choose the right one.
Materials: acrylic, resin, refractory clay, and ceramic
The material determines the feel, weight, resistance, and price. These are the options you will find on the market:
Reinforced acrylic. This is the most common in extra-flat format. Lightweight, warm to the touch, easy to install, and with a very competitive price-quality ratio. The models in the Open or Strado series from the collection are a good example of white acrylic trays in different lengths.
Mineral-filled resin. Heavier and more solid, with a slate-like or textured finish and the possibility of being cut to size. It offers a premium look and good stability, in exchange for a higher price and more weight during transport.
Fine refractory clay. Present in models such as the non-slip Stepin, it combines the resistance of technical ceramics with thin thicknesses and a factory-made safety surface.
Ceramic or porcelain. The classic hard and very scratch-resistant material, although colder and generally thicker.
| Material | Weight | Feel | Estimated price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Lightweight | Warm | Affordable | Quick renovations and extra-flat |
| Resin | High | Warm | Medium-high | Design and cut-to-size |
| Refractory clay | Medium | Tempered | Medium | Standard anti-slip |
| Ceramic | High | Cold | Variable | Maximum scratch resistance |
If you opt for acrylic, the 140 cm extra-flat Open model tray is a very versatile reference for standard renovations.
Dimensions and shapes: how to measure your space without errors
Dimensions are key. Before buying anything, measure the actual available space in all three dimensions and deduct the thickness of the tiling if it has not yet been installed. In the collection, there are lengths of 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 cm, with widths ranging from 70 to 90 cm, so that almost every space has its tray.
As a practical guide: for a tight bathroom, a rectangle 70 or 80 cm wide is the norm; if space permits, 90 cm wide offers much more comfort. In terms of length, 120 cm is the comfortable minimum and from 140-160 cm onwards, you can enjoy a generous shower. Many resin and clay trays allow for cutting to size, which is useful when the space does not align with standard dimensions.
Extra-flat or flush with the floor: the question of height
Here is one of the decisions that changes the final result the most. Extra-flat trays, with thicknesses ranging from 3 to 7.5 cm, are now the majority option because they can be installed supported on the floor with a minimal step or, better yet, flush with the floor when construction allows. Installing flush provides total accessibility (no step to overcome), continuous aesthetics, and ease of cleaning.
The trade-off of flush installation is that it requires providing for the drain below the floor level, something that must be planned before tiling. If your plumbing installation does not allow it, a supported extra-flat tray remains an excellent and much less invasive solution.
The drain: the detail that prevents puddles and bad odors
A well-chosen tray can be ruined by an insufficient drain. The key is that the drainage capacity of the waste equals or exceeds the flow rate of your faucet: a modern thermostatic shower column can be around or exceed 20 liters per minute, so the drain must be able to handle it so that water does not accumulate. Look at these points:
- Accessible siphon: facilitates cleaning and access to unclog hair and soap.
- Integrated grid or cover: covers of the same material as the tray are more discreet; steel grids facilitate access.
- Water trap: this is what blocks bad odors; check that the siphon maintains it.
- Drain position: central or at one end, it must coincide with your existing drain pipe.
If your renovation is comprehensive, aligning the drain from the beginning avoids one of the most expensive mistakes; we review several in 5 common mistakes when renovating the bathroom (and how to avoid them).
Anti-slip and safety: it is not an extra, it is the priority
A wet tray is a risk surface, especially for children and the elderly. That is why slip resistance should be a purchasing criterion, not a last-minute thought. Many trays incorporate an anti-slip texture from the factory; models such as the 140x90 cm Stepin anti-slip tray integrate this safety as standard without sacrificing design.
As a reference, slip resistance is usually expressed in classes (usually from C1 to C3): the higher the class, the better the grip in the presence of water. For domestic use with children or the elderly, prioritizing a high class is an investment in peace of mind.
How to choose your shower tray in 5 steps
- Measure the actual space in length, width, and check the height of the existing drain. Write down the three figures before looking at catalogs.
- Decide on the height: extra-flat flush if construction allows (maximum accessibility) or extra-flat supported if you prefer a simple installation.
- Choose the material based on budget and priority: acrylic for price-quality ratio, resin for design, clay or ceramic for maximum resistance.
- Check the drain: ensure the drainage flow rate covers that of your faucet and that the position matches your drain pipe.
- Confirm the safety and finish: anti-slip surface and color (white is the most versatile) to complete the look.
Ready to see it as a product? Explore the complete collection of shower trays and compare dimensions and materials sheet by sheet.
Maintenance: how to keep it like the first day
The good news is that a modern shower tray requires little. A neutral cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth are enough for day-to-day use; avoid metal scourers and very aggressive products, which over time dull the surface. For limescale, a little diluted vinegar or a mild limescale remover applied and rinsed works wonders. Check the siphon from time to time to remove hair and soap: it is the number one cause of water draining slowly. With these small gestures, the tray retains its appearance and drainage for years.
Frequently asked questions about shower trays
Which shower tray material is best?
There is no single winner: acrylic offers the best price-quality ratio and is lightweight, resin stands out in design and allows for custom cutting, and refractory clay or ceramic win in resistance. The choice depends on your budget and whether you prioritize aesthetics, weight, or durability.
What size shower tray should I buy?
Measure the available space in length and width before deciding. For rectangles, 120 cm is the comfortable minimum and 140-160 cm is ideal; for width, 70-80 cm for tight bathrooms and 90 cm if space allows. Many resin and clay trays are cut to size.
Can a shower tray be installed flush with the floor?
Yes, extra-flat trays allow for flush installation as long as the drain can go below the floor level. It provides total accessibility and continuous aesthetics, but the plumbing must be planned before tiling.
How much warranty does a shower tray have in Spain?
Like any product sold to consumers in Spain, it has a minimum legal warranty of three years against defects in conformity, which the seller can complement with their own commercial warranty.
Article written by the Merkimarket editorial team. Product data (materials, dimensions, and finishes) taken from the product sheets of the Merkimarket shower tray collection. Dimensions, price ranges, and availability may vary; check each sheet for current information in Spain.
